The idea of gardening in containers and gardening on roof tops is not new but it is gaining in popularity at an unprecedented rate. Many fine restaurants and hotels are getting on the band wagon with herbs and vegetables being grown just steps from the kitchen.
The idea has a great deal of merit in my books for another reason, at least where herbs are concerned. Most culinary herbs originated in the Mediterranean region where it is naturally hot and dry much of the year. Thyme, oregano, rosemary, tarragon and many more common herbs actually perform better when grown in a pot than in the ground.
Grown in containers you have more control over the amount of water that the plants receive, the pots attract solar heat on sunny days and the open, porous nature of most quality potting mixes produce the perfect environment for growing good herbs all season.
The herbs and vegetables on the rooftop of Toronto's Royal York is a great example of what is possible. And they started this project 12 years ago.
Mark
