If you are considering a flat roof extension, your primary goal may be to create a larger space below it for various potential uses, be it storage, a home working space, a playroom for the children, or a larger kitchen, among others. But it’s also worth thinking about the space on top.

A flat roof can offer an extra outdoor space in an elevated position with a range of possible uses. It could be a place to sit out on in the manner of a balcony, or somewhere to put plants. But you could go further and actually grow your own food on it.

This idea may come as a surprise to those who might imagine the rooftop space would only be suited for a few colourful flowers. But there are various vegetables you could grow up there, even though you won’t be able to lay down a deep soil layer.

As Horticulture Magazine notes, there are certain things you need to be able to do to create any successful rooftop garden. The roof must be able to bear the weight of the plants and soil. It must be accessible, and you will need somewhere to store gardening tools. The roof must be located where it can get plenty of direct sunlight.

If you can tick off these boxes, you can look to plant fruit, veg and herbs that won’t be too heavy and also don’t need too much water, as the exposure to wind at higher elevation and thinner soil will mean plants dry out faster. You certainly won’t be planting any apple trees up there, but there is much you can still grow.

A YouGov survey conducted in 2022 found that a third of Britons grow some of their own food. For many, this is a matter of using space in a conventional garden or having a plot in the local allotment. But if you lack access to these, a flat roof may provide an alternative and allow you to join them in growing your own fruit and veg.