What is Vertical Gardening?
Vertical gardening involves growing plants upwards instead of outwards, using walls, fences, trellises, or even tiered stands to create extra planting areas. It’s also a fantastic way to transform dull walls and fences into lush, green spaces while making your garden more productive and visually appealing.
Almost any vertical space can be used for gardening! Did you know windowsills or even repurposed old ladders can be used for vertical gardening?
Whether you want to grow food, flowers, or a bit of both, it allows you to be creative with your planting arrangements.
What Can You Grow?
A surprising variety of plants perform well in vertical gardens. Some excellent choices include:
Fruits and Vegetables:
- Runner beans
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Pumpkins
- Melons & Squashes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
Leafy Greens & Herbs:
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Peppers
- All types of herbs
Flowers:
- A wide variety of climbing and trailing flowers can add colour and charm.
Tips for Success
- Think about placement – A south-facing wall gets full sun and warmth, making it ideal for sun-loving plants. Southwest- and west-facing walls are also great for container vegetable growing.
- Use strong supports – Sturdy mesh, trellises, and frames ensure your containers and climbing plants stay secure.
- Choose the right containers – Repurpose old tins, plastic bottles, or any container with proper drainage holes to keep costs low and reduce waste.
- Plan your layout strategically – Taller, long-to-mature crops should be placed higher, while frequently harvested crops like herbs and lettuce should be at arm’s reach for easy access.
- Watering made easy – Use a lance sprayer to reach high areas, a gentle spray gun for delicate plants, or even set up an automatic irrigation system.
- Trial and error – Don’t be afraid to experiment! Gardening is a learning process, and vertical gardening is no exception. Adjust your setup based on what works best for your space and plants.
Vertical gardening is a wonderful way to make the most out of your space and create a beautiful garden, that can also grow tasty produce.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process.
With a bit of creativity and some trial and error, you can build a successful vertical garden that suits your space and lifestyle!
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