Dubai lifestyle comprises hot climatic temperatures throughout the year, perfect for rooftop and balcony gardens. No matter how big your balcony is or how wide your roof is, you can turn your garden area into a serene green haven by planting plants. Maintaining these gardens in their best state in Dubai’s hot desert weather, however, can be demanding. That is when garden maintenance starts to play a significant role.
In this article, we shall be giving you simple tips on how to keep your balcony or roof garden, no matter what size. Or, naturally, you can hire a professional garden maintenance company in Dubai, which will do it all for you.
1. Choose the right plants for the Dubai climate
The climate of Dubai gets extremely hot during summer. Therefore, it makes sense to pick those plants that are resistant to heat and require minimal water.
Some of them are:
- Bougainvillea
- Aloe Vera
- Desert Rose
- Snake Plant
- Succulents and Cacti
These are low-maintenance plants with gentle care. They also contribute beautiful color and flavor to your outdoor setting.
2. Use Good Soil and Drainage
In roof or balcony gardens, soil quality is a huge consideration when it comes to plant health. Use top-grade potting mix that is moist but also drains. Make sure your pots have drainage holes at the bottom so that water does not accumulate and cause root rot.
Tip: Mix in some coco peat or perlite into the soil to establish drainage and water-retaining characteristics.
3. Water Wisely and Often
Overwatering or underwatering will hurt your plants. Dubai plants need more water in the summer and less water in the winter. Water them early in the morning or in the late evening so the water won’t evaporate right away.
Tip: Stick your finger into the ground—if it feels dry an inch down, water it.
To make it simple, you can choose to have a drip irrigation system. It saves water and keeps the soil in an even water state.
4. Use Shade and Wind Cover
Balcony and rooftop gardens are more exposed to sunlight and wind compared to ground-level gardens. Utilize the provision of shade cloth, pergolas, or garden umbrellas to provide your plants with a sun canopy. Or, you may also place taller plants or screens on the sides to protect them from harsh winds.
This shading reduces water loss and protects your plants from getting scorched.
5. Feed Your Plants
Container plants require more nutrients since water washes them away quicker than in-ground gardens. Feed your plants organic compost or a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
Seek slow-release fertilizers that release their nutrients over time, particularly during the growing season (autumn and spring).
6. Clean and Prune Regularly
Garden maintenance is not all about dusting, but is also concerned with pruning dead leaves, trimming encroaching branches, and parasite control. It keeps your garden clean and healthy, allowing it to grow newly.
Additionally, remove clean shed leaves and discard dehydrated plants to keep pest infestations at bay.
Regular garden maintenance in Dubai will ensure your rooftop or balcony garden stays fresh, healthy, and great-looking every season of the year.
7. Group Plants Based on Needs
Not all plants need the same amount of water or sunlight. Place sun-requiring plants in locations where they will get the most light, and place shade plants in cooler spots. Place various groups of plants based on their needs to simplify caring and avoid overwatering or drying out.
8. Add Smart Garden Features
If you’re a technology enthusiast, you can make your garden a smart garden with automated water-loving appliances, solar lanterns, and even soil-moisture sensors. They all save time and are convenient for busy people.
9. Watch Out for Common Garden Problems
- Yellow leaves (too much water or poor drainage)
- Wilting (not enough water or damaged roots)
- Pests like aphids or mealybugs (treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap)
- Early action can prevent larger issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Rooftop and Balcony Gardens
Even doing everything, small mistakes translate into large issues. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using dense garden soil rather than lightweight potting mix
- Overwatering or watering incorrectly
- Siting plants in the wrong spots without regard to sunlight needs
- Not sterilizing dead leaves or ignoring signs of early infestation
Avoiding all these mistakes will save you time and money, and your garden will be green and healthy.
Conclusion: Let the Right Choice Make Garden Care Easy
Balcony and roof gardens can be a jewel of tranquility and loveliness for your home, but they have to be taken care of, especially in Dubai’s hot weather. With these simple tips, you can have a clean, green outdoor area throughout the year.
But if at any point you feel it’s difficult to do it yourself, Right Choice is here to help. We’re a trusted garden maintenance company in Dubai and offer professional and competitive solutions to suit your needs.
Whether winter care, plant selection, or routine garden maintenance, our experienced professionals can transform and maintain your outdoor living space, leaving you with more time to relax and indulge.
Call Right Choice today, and we can help you design and maintain the ideal green haven for your Dubai flat!