Make a green roof on a shed
Entice more wildlife into your garden with our step-by-step guide on how to make a green roof on your garden shed

Published:
You Will Need
- Thick, weather-treated timber, 12–15cm in width (for frame)
- Small wood blocks (two-by-four cut-offs work well)
- Water-impermeable sheeting
- Weed matting
- Exterior wood screws
- Tacks
- Saw
- Drill
- Hammer
- Pollinator-friendly plants
- Gravel
- Woodchip or compost
Step 1
Lay the water-impermeable sheeting over the roof, cutting it to size with a slight overhang. Fasten to the side of the shed using a hammer and tacks.

Step 2
Saw four lengths of timber to match the dimensions of your roof. Screw them to the sides of the shed. Drill drainage holes (2cm) at the lower end.

Step 3
Put a small block of wood in each corner, screwing through the frame to secure them. This adds strength to the structure.

Step 4
Pour a layer of gravel into the frame, 2–3cm deep. This improves the drainage of the green roof, which helps reduce soil erosion and aerate plants.

Step 5
Cut a piece of weed matting large enough to cover the roof and the inside of the frame. Lay it over the gravel and attach to the frame using tacks.

Step 6
If you’re worried that soil may be too heavy, place potted plants on the gravel instead and surround them with woodchip to reduce weight on the roof.

Words: Jake Graham www.jakegraham.co.uk
Illustrations: Enya Todd