Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mosesmoses]

I just moved into a new apartment in Seoul, and for the first time, I have a full rooftop all to myself. The previous tenant left behind all of her planting pots. I really want to grow herbs and veggies but have no idea about any rooftop gardening "best practices."

Any advice on where to buy materials, when to plant, certain plants that grow exceptionally well with this kind of gardening, or any other pointers would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Harpeau]

I have a rooftop garden and I love it!! The Yangjae Flower Market is a good place to get seeds and stuff. Also Jongno-5-ga. Check out youtube video for gardening tips. Get some stuff started now in your apt. and then later on transfer it to the roof. PM me if you want more information.

[alongway]

Be wary of the heavy rain season.. you may end up drowning plants or having them heavily damaged by the wind.

[HapKi]

In a month or so all gardening markets will start selling all sorts of seedlings. I recommend chili peppers. Put a seedling per pot, tie it off with a stake, and watch it grow. You'll have hot peppers all summer and autumn long. It's really low maintenance. Things like tomatoes take much more work.

[le-paul]

id recommend growing your plants indoors for a wee while before taking them outside. you can get gardening stuff in places like daiso and homeplus. id also be careful about the property. i know a few people that have grown stuff and someone has then thought it would be a good idea to plant in the same place. they came along and ripped the stuff up and complained they were using their space. Koreans sometimes have a good idea as an after thought of someone else's efforts.
anyway, things ive had a lot of success with are, tomatoes, potatoes, sunflowers, peppers, chillis, leeks, onions, cucumbers, salad and cabbages. You just have to make sure you have time to water them everyday in the summer (when its not torrentially pouring down!).

[jdog2050]

Also, be realllyyyy careful of pests. For certain things like lettuces they go absolutely nuts.

[Harpeau]

Lots of plants for sale at the Yangjae Flower Market. Was there on Sat. and it was really hopping! Planted more cherry tomatoes! It's warming up!!

[Harpeau]

Things are beginning to bud!

[julian_w]

This piece seems to recommend the low maintenance approach, which would fit in nicely with a rooftop garden where you want to maximize growth for a minimum effort. Well, I would, anyway: http://www.edf.org/blog/2013/04/05/no-till-gardening-saves-you-time-and-carbon?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=envdefensefund&s_src=facebook

[Ruthdes]

Has anyone seen coriander/cilantro? Seeds or seedlings are fine. I'd love to grow some but didn't have any luck finding any on gmarket.