Vertical gardens are perfect for homeowners with limited space or those who want to add a unique, space-saving feature to their gardens. Whether you live in an apartment, have a small balcony, or simply want to grow more in less space, a vertical garden can transform any environment.
Planning Your Vertical Garden
- Choose the Right Spot: Find a space with adequate sunlight for your plants. Vertical gardens can be placed against walls, fences, or in any area where sunlight is available for most of the day.
- Decide on a Structure: There are many ways to create a vertical garden, depending on your style and the plants you want to grow. You can use wooden pallets, trellises, stacked pots, or even repurposed materials like gutters or shoe racks.
Materials You’ll Need
- Vertical gardening frame (pallet, trellis, or DIY structure)
- Potting soil
- Plants (herbs, vegetables, flowers)
- Containers (for potted plants, if necessary)
- Watering system (drip irrigation or watering cans)
Plant Selection for Vertical Gardens
- Herbs: Herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley thrive in vertical gardens, especially in smaller spaces.
- Climbing Plants: Vining plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas do well when given a vertical structure to climb.
- Flowers: Vertical gardens can also feature colorful flowers like petunias, pansies, or marigolds.
- Succulents: Succulents and low-maintenance plants are perfect for small vertical gardens, especially those that use containers.
How to Build a Vertical Garden
- Prepare the Structure: Set up your chosen vertical structure against a sturdy wall or fence. If using a pallet, for example, sand and stain it to make it more durable.
- Install Containers: Attach pots or containers to the frame, ensuring they’re secure and able to hold enough soil for your plants.
- Planting: Fill the containers with potting soil, and plant your chosen plants, leaving space for their growth.
- Watering and Maintenance: Water the plants regularly, especially during hot weather. Consider adding a drip irrigation system to save time and water.
Vertical gardens not only save space but also create an eye-catching green wall that can help purify the air and enhance the aesthetics of your living area.