"Oxymel of Squill" wrote in message
...
I'm much distressed that the flat roof at the back of my house isn't
contributing to gross domestic product. I have 2 waer butts up there
which
give me rainwater on tap for the greenhouse. I'm thinking to grow
strawberries in growbags next year, anything taller would probably be
smashed by the winds in this area.

Does anyone do first floor gardening? Have any ideas?

We have a balcony over the sun room at the back of our house.

I have tried various things up there (we have a water butt in the corner for
watering) but the environment seems much harsher that on the patio below - I
think there is more wind and less stored heat.
I also tend to spend more time on the patio during the day - the balcony is
used more in the evening for a relaxing drink whilst admiring the view.
This means the plants on the patio receive more attention.

Currently have a couple of oak half tubs with 6' Yuccas in, a Clematis in
completely the wrong place which still seems to struggle on each year, and
geraniums in pots which seem to be the best plants for the location.

Oh, and there is an overspill pot of cherry tomatoes from my inability to
throw away seedlings however many I have and however puny they are :-)

I guess (as suggested elsewhere) you first have to check that the roof will
support the weight. Our balcony was designed to take a lot of weight.

After that, grow anything you would grow in tubs on a patio.

On the pation we currently have a fig tree, tomatoes (far too many),
peppers, cucumbers, gherkins, courgettes, spring onions, rhubarb (ignoring
various flowers etc.).

I am not a fan of GroBags - I find them far too difficult to water
especially if they are left for a couple of days. I used to put the contents
of the GroBags into plastic pots, but now I am experimenting with a mixture
of loam and peat composts to try and get a lightish compost which will also
wet easily. Looking good so far this year.

If wind is a problem try trailing cherry tomatoes in tubs, which will hang
down and lie on the floor if you let them. These seem to cope with wind O.K.

Courgettes also have a low and spreading habit.

Stones in the bottom of the tubs could also help stability if it is very
windy :-)

HTH
Dave R