Photographs by Marla Aufmuth for Gardenista.
When I moved four years ago from New York City to a houseboat in Sausalito, CA, I felt totally qualified to have my own floating edible garden.
On the East Coast, I had installed rooftop container gardens and renovated brownstone backyards–and had even written a book called A Little Piece of Earth: How to Grow Your Own Food in Small Spaces.
I bought my own floating home last November and had to start all over. These plants stand up to the salty sprays, heavy winds, and occasional fog banks that settle over the water.
I purchased two wine barrel planters from Goodman Building Supply in Mill Valley.
A sample pot of Cobalt Flame paint is $1.94 from Behr.
After painting, drill holes in the bottom of your planters to aid drainage.
A good rule of thumb for rooftop planters is that they should not weigh more than 20 pounds per square foot, yet they also need to weigh enough so they won’t blow off your roof.
I fill the container up three quarters of the way with planting soil, and then start placing the plants.
I chose ornamental grasses along with California Fuchsia ($8.95 for a 4-inch pot from Annie’s Annuals) and Yarrow ($4.50 for a 4-inch pot, available seasonally, from Annie’s Annuals). They can handle high winds; local bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will feed on them.
Make sure that your rooftop containers are not flush against a surface. : This is an update of a post originally published August 15, 2012 as part of Kitchen Week.