Do you dream of growing your own fresh, organic vegetables but feel lost about where to start? You’re not alone. Urban life often leaves little space or knowledge for gardening. But Dr. Viswanath Kadur, the pioneer of terrace gardening in India, is here to change that. With decades of experience and thousands of happy gardeners inspired by him, Dr. Kadur reveals the secrets to creating a thriving terrace garden, right on your rooftop.
Who is Dr. Viswanath Kadur?
Dr. Kadur’s journey into terrace gardening is as inspiring as his garden is lush. An entomologist by profession, he also pursued film production in the USA and returned to India to make agricultural documentaries. But an unexpected flight delay over Bangalore sparked an idea that changed his life — and the lives of thousands of urban dwellers.
As he looked down at the city rooftops, Dr. Kadur realized how much potential these open spaces had. They could cool the city by covering hot roofs with greenery and bring back the kitchen gardening culture that was fading from urban homes. Inspired, he started growing vegetables on his own terrace, recreating the backyard gardens his family once had.
Since 1995, Dr. Kadur has been organizing workshops and community events, helping people everywhere to start their own terrace gardens. His team, including urban gardeners like Laxminarayan Srinivasaiah and Dr. Rajendra, has built one of the largest urban gardening communities — with over 23,000 members worldwide.
Secret #1: Getting the Right Space for Your Terrace Garden
Your terrace can be a fertile garden space if you plan it right. If your building follows good construction practices, it can support anything from pots filled with vegetables to even trees.
Use pots for beginners — easy and less risk of leakage
Create a soil bed or lawn by covering the terrace floor with soil, but waterproof the surface underneath to avoid leaks into your home
You can experiment — terraces can handle more than you think!
Secret #2: Use Nutrient-Rich Soil Mix
The soil you use makes a huge difference in your garden’s success.
Dr. Kadur recommends a balanced mix of:
Regular soil
Compost
Coir peat (or sand)
Vermicompost
Mix all these in equal parts for best results
After heavy rains, replenish nutrients by adding compost weekly, since water can wash away essential nutrients
Secret #3: If You’re a First-Time Gardener, Start Small
Starting your terrace garden can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Begin with just one small pot and grow a single vegetable
Easy veggies like tomatoes and chillies are perfect for beginners as they need minimal care
Be patient — plants may take a few months before giving you produce
Gradually expand your garden as your confidence grows
Secret #4: What Can You Grow in a Terrace Garden?
According to Dr. Kadur, the possibilities are almost endless:
Vegetables: Tomatoes, brinjals, chillies, okra, french beans, cucumbers, ridge gourd, bottle gourd
Root vegetables: Potatoes, onions, radish, carrots, groundnuts (need more space)
Fruits: Guava, banana, coconut — these have been grown successfully on terraces
Trees: Even bigger trees can grow if the terrace is strong, but avoid mango trees for beginners as they require lots of care
Dr. Kadur even shared seeing a coconut tree on a terrace!
Secret #5: Regular Watering and Enough Sunlight are Essential
Water your garden twice a day in summer, less in winter depending on soil moisture
Avoid watering on rainy days or immediately after rain, as excess water drains nutrients from the soil
Ensure the garden gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
In extremely hot regions, use shading to prevent plants from scorching
Use rainwater harvesting to save water and make your own compost from kitchen waste for a sustainable garden
Bonus: Join ‘Oota From Your Thota’ — The Terrace Gardeners’ Mela
One common problem gardeners face is scattered sources of supplies — seeds here, pots there. Dr. Kadur’s team organizes a quarterly event called ‘Oota From Your Thota’ (OFYT) which gathers everything a terrace gardener needs under one roof.
Seeds, pots, soil, fertilizers, tools — all in one place
Workshops, demos, and discussions on organic farming, rainwater harvesting, vertical gardening, solar lighting, and more
Perfect for beginners and experts alike to learn and connect
Why Terrace Gardening Matters
Bangalore alone has over 5,000 terrace gardens, thanks to efforts by Dr. Kadur and his team. Terrace gardening helps:
Reduce the urban heat island effect
Provide fresh, organic vegetables within your home
Reconnect urban residents with nature and food sources
Create opportunities for income, especially when introduced in slums and schools
Dr. Kadur envisions a future where urban gardening supports the country’s food needs and reduces pressure on rural farmlands. He also encourages schools to adopt organic farming to teach children the value of growing their own food.
Final Words from Dr. Viswanath Kadur
“Put your soul into it, throw seeds and take care of them,” says Dr. Kadur. “Treat your plants like your babies, and they will reward you with amazing harvests.”
Ready to Start Your Own Terrace Garden?
Choose your space
Get the right soil mix
Start small and simple
Grow what you love and what’s easy
Water regularly and ensure good sunlight
Join a community for support and resources
Your urban terrace garden can transform your life — giving you fresh food, fresh air, and a fresh perspective. So why wait? Start sowing those seeds today!
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