Haha, rooftop gardening definitely has its quirks... I've found windbreaks and raised beds help a ton. Ever tried planting something sturdier like rosemary or thyme? They seem to handle gusts better than basil does.
Haha, rosemary and thyme sound like a good call—I didn't realize basil was so delicate! I just moved into my first home (yay!) and have been thinking about rooftop gardening, but honestly, I'm a bit worried about the wind factor. Is it really that intense up there? I mean, I get nervous just climbing up to check for leaks, let alone managing plants in the breeze...
Also, curious if you've had any issues with birds or squirrels messing around up there. My neighbor warned me about critters getting adventurous on rooftops. Any tips on keeping uninvited guests away from your herbs?
Wind can definitely be a bigger factor than you'd expect up there, especially if your rooftop is exposed. I've found that using heavier pots (like ceramic or concrete) helps keep things stable. Also, grouping plants together creates a bit of a windbreak effect.
As for critters... squirrels are surprisingly bold climbers, haha. I ended up putting some chicken wire around my herbs—doesn't look amazing, but it works. Birds haven't been much trouble for me personally, but your mileage may vary...
I've had similar squirrel issues—those little guys are relentless. Chicken wire worked okay for me too, but honestly, sprinkling some cayenne pepper around my herbs did the trick without the eyesore. Might be worth a shot if aesthetics matter to you...
I've tried cayenne pepper myself, and honestly, results were mixed. It seemed to work at first, but after a couple rains, the squirrels were back at it like nothing happened. Maybe my squirrels have tougher taste buds or something, who knows...
But yeah, chicken wire isn't exactly pretty. I get wanting to keep things looking nice, especially if your garden's visible from the street. On the bright side, it's cheap and does the job, so that's a win in my book. I've also heard mothballs might help, but the smell was too much for me personally.
Anyway, glad you found something that worked without turning your yard into a fortress. These little critters sure keep us homeowners on our toes, don't they?
