- 1). Choose a high-quality, lightweight planting medium. Your roof and building will have been inspected for structural soundness and ability to support the weight of a rooftop garden, but a lightweight medium will resist compaction and won't become as heavy over time. You might purchase a planting medium designed especially for the rooftop garden or simply use a medium composed of high-quality compost and recycled materials.
- 2). Calculate the amount of soil you will need. If you are planting shrubs and small trees and are going for a landscaped effect, you can expect to install a layer of soil up to 12 inches deep, maybe more. For a less intensive garden, spread the soil up to 6 inches deep.
- 3). Spread your planting medium on top of the filter mat, which is the final layer of preparation required in rooftop garden installation. Use a shovel to distribute the soil. Once you have spread the desired and required amount, use a rake to even it out. You want the soil to be deep enough to secure the plants' roots but lightweight enough to achieve maximum drainage.
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