This section serves as a transparent ledger for input quantities, aiming to educate both the vendor and the buyer. By putting this information into the public domain, we ensure responsible business practices and set reasonable expectations for the rooftop gardener. A vendor cannot overcharge, and a buyer cannot expect impossible yields, if the input cost structure is clear.
The Rule of Thumb: Standardized Input for 1 Square Foot
The foundation of our high-yield, low-hassle system is the initial creation and annual replenishment of the growing medium . The standard measurement is based on a 1 square foot area with a depth of 10 inches—a typical requirement for most rooftop containers.
| Input Component | Required Quantity per 1 sq. ft.×10 inch Depth | Cost Percentage of Total Medium | Rationale |
| Coco Peat (Washed, Low EC) | 4.5 to 5.0 Litres (Approx. 0.5 to 0.6 kg) | 30% | Provides lightness, bulk, and excellent water retention. |
| Vermicompost (High-Quality) | 3.5 to 4.0 Litres (Approx. 1.5 to 2.0 kg) | 40% | The primary source of nutrients and microbial life; the most valuable component. |
| Perlite/Pumice/Sand | 1.0 Litre (Approx. 0.2 kg) | 10% | Ensures proper aeration and drainage, preventing root rot. |
| Nutrient Boosters (Neem Cake, Bone Meal, etc.) | 0.5 Litre (Approx. 0.5 kg) | 20% | Provides trace minerals and slow-release fertilization. |
Fertilizer Calculation: The Annual Maintenance Dose
Once the container is created, it requires regular feeding to maintain the 100 kg per 120 sq. ft. yield expectation. This routine is what separates successful gardeners from temporary ones.
| Maintenance Task | Standardized Dose per 10 Litre Container | Frequency | Purpose (Educating the Buyer) |
| Top Dressing(Vermicompost) | 500 grams (Approx. 1 large handful) | Every 45 days | Replenishes bulk organic matter and primary nutrients consumed by the plant. |
| Liquid Feed(Panchagavya/Jeevamrut) | 100 ml diluted in 1 Litrewater | Every 15 days | Provides immediately available micronutrients and boosts soil microbial activity. |
| Preventive Dusting(Neem Powder) | 1 tablespoon (Around 15 grams) | Every 60 days | Acts as a preventive measure against soil-borne pests and nematodes. |
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The Cost-Structure Education
For the Vendor: These standardized quantities show the vendor exactly how much quality material is genuinely needed for a basic 1 sq. ft. setup. This prevents selling grossly oversized kits or under-filling essential inputs.
For the Buyer: This transparency allows the buyer to calculate the true cost of their growing medium. When a retailer offers a pre-mixed bag of 'potting soil' that costs significantly less than the sum of these parts, the buyer is immediately informed that quality has been compromised (e.g., cheap sand used instead of vermicompost, or unwashed coco peat).
By anchoring your input usage to these norms, you ensure your investment is functional and productive, aligning your efforts with proven results.
