10 DIY Vertical Garden Projects for Beginners

If you’re like me and love gardening, then you’ll know how important it is to create a beautiful outdoor space that brings joy, peace, and tranquility to your home.

Vertical gardens are a great way to add some greenery to your walls, patios or balconies, especially if you have limited space.

In this blog post, I will show you 10 DIY vertical garden projects that are perfect for beginners.

You will learn how to create gorgeous living walls and grow your favorite plants and herbs in unique and creative ways.

Let’s dive right in!

Hanging Herb Garden

Growing herbs is a great way to add fresh flavors to your meals, and it’s even better when you can grow them at home. A hanging herb garden is a perfect solution for those without a lot of space. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Hanging planter (can be purchased or DIY)
• Small containers (repurposed cans or plastic cups work great)
• Potting soil
• Herbs of your choice

To make your own DIY hanging planter, you can use a wooden board or a piece of lattice, and screw in some hooks to hang it from. Alternatively, you can buy a pre-made hanging planter from a garden store.

Once you have your planter, fill it with potting soil and place the small containers for the herbs inside. Choose herbs that are suited to the amount of sun and shade in the area you’re planning to hang the garden in. Most herbs require well-draining soil and frequent watering.

Some recommended herbs for a hanging herb garden include basil, thyme, mint, parsley, and chives.

Be sure to water your herbs regularly and snip off the leaves as needed for your meals. Most herbs benefit from occasional fertilizer as well to keep them healthy and thriving. Enjoy your fresh herbs all year round with this simple DIY project!

Pallet Planter

Want to grow your own fresh herbs or veggies, but frustrated by a lack of space? The pallet planter is a great way to make use of vertical space on a balcony or small patio.

Materials Needed

• Wooden pallet
• Landscaping fabric or burlap
• Potting soil
• Plants/seeds of your choice
• Staple gun or nails
• Hammer

Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures

1. Choose a wooden pallet that is still in good condition, with no broken or rotten boards.

2. Staple landscaping fabric or burlap in place on the back and sides of the pallet, leaving a few inches of excess fabric at the top of each pocket.

3. Hammer a few nails into the bottom of each pocket, creating small drainage holes for excess water.

4. Fill the pocket with potting soil, leaving enough space for your plant.

5. Plant any herbs or vegetables you like!

6. Water your plants and watch them grow.

Tips for Watering and Fertilizing the Plants

• The compact space on a pallet planter may cause the soil to dry out more quickly, so be sure to monitor the moisture level and water as needed.

• Water slowly and carefully in order to ensure all plants receive adequate moisture. Excess water may flow through the vertical planter and onto the surface beneath it.

• Consider using a fertilizer to ensure healthy plant growth. Be sure to follow directions for application and frequency of use, as overdose of fertilizer can damage your plants.

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to harvesting fresh ingredients for your favorite recipes in no time!

Shoe Organizer Garden

If you’re looking for a new twist on a vertical garden, a shoe organizer garden might be just what you need. This project is an easy and affordable way to create a vertical garden that can fit a wide variety of plants.

Materials Needed

To create a shoe organizer garden, you’ll need the following materials:

• Over-the-door shoe organizer
• Soil
• Plants of your choice
• Hooks

Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures

1. Choose your plants: First, choose which plants you would like to grow in your shoe organizer garden. It’s best to choose plants that don’t have deep roots since the pockets aren’t very deep.

2. Fill the pockets with soil: Fill each pocket with soil, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. Use a trowel or spoon to fill each pocket completely.

3. Plant your plants: Add your plants to each pocket, filling in the sides with more soil as you go. Be sure to water each pocket well after planting.

4. Hang the organizer: Hang the shoe organizer on a sturdy hook using the hooks provided on each side.

Tips for Choosing the Right Plants for this Project

When choosing plants for your shoe organizer garden, it’s best to choose plants that don’t have deep roots, such as herbs or small flowers. It’s also important to choose plants that have similar water and sunlight requirements since they will be sharing the same soil.

Here are some great plant options:

• Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme
• Small flowers like pansies, petunias, and impatiens
• Succulents like hens and chicks, sedum, and echeveria

This project is a great way to add a pop of color to your home or garden, and it’s perfect for small spaces. Give it a try and see what you can create!

Project 4: Vertical Terrarium

Interested in a small indoor garden that you can enjoy no matter how small your space? Then this is the project for you. A vertical terrarium is the perfect way to bring the beauty of nature inside. Here are the materials and simple steps you need to create your own terrarium masterpiece today.

Materials needed:

• Glass terrarium
• Potting soil
• Pebbles, rocks, or shells
• Activated charcoal
• Small plants, such as ferns, ivies, or succulents
• Watering can with a narrow spout

Step-by-step instructions with pictures:

1. Start by gathering your materials in one convenient location.
2. Layer the bottom of the terrarium with 1-2 inches of pebbles, rocks or shells to allow for better drainage. Be careful not to fill the terrarium too high.
3. Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal over the pebbles. The activated charcoal will help keep the soil fresh by filtering out impurities.
4. Add premium soil/ growing mix over the activated charcoal, about 1-3 inches deep depending on the size of the terrarium.
5. Carefully arrange your plants in the soil, taking care to group plants with similar watering needs.
6. Use a watering can with a narrow spout to water your plants, being careful not to douse them.
7. Finally, to keep your terrarium looking its best, place it in an area where it can receive indirect sunlight.

Tips for arranging the plants inside the terrarium:

When arranging plants inside the terrarium, it’s important to think about the color, height, and texture of each plant. Consider the following:

• Mix and match different textures, like feathery ferns with smooth succulents.
• Combine shades of greens to create a visually pleasing and calming effect.
• Use plants of varying heights to create depth and visual interest.

With these tips in mind, you can create a beautiful and unique vertical terrarium that brings the beauty of nature indoors.

PVC Pipe Planter

Looking to create a modern-looking vertical garden that will brighten up your outdoor space? A PVC pipe planter is a great option for beginners! Here are the materials you’ll need:

• PVC pipes (2-3 inches in diameter)
• End caps for each pipe
• Screws
• Drill
• Saw

First, measure the length of the area where you want to install your PVC pipe planter. Once you have your measurements, use a saw to cut the PVC pipes into pieces that will fit the length of the wall. You can make them the same length or cut them in different sizes for a more playful look.

Once you’ve cut your PVC pipes, attach the end caps to each pipe securely. Then take your screws and drill bit and attach the PVC pipes to the wall in a vertical line, making sure they are level.

Once you have them attached securely, it’s time to add your soil and plants. You can use a variety of plants, but smaller plants with shallow roots work best. Succulents and flowers like pansies or petunias are great options.

Make sure to water your PVC pipe planter regularly, as it’s important to keep the soil from drying out. A good rule of thumb is to water your plants once or twice a week, depending on how much sunlight they receive.

In terms of placement, a PVC pipe planter can add a unique touch to any space in your garden or outdoor sitting area. Place it on a bare wall or even on a fence for a statement piece that will add color and texture to your yard.

That’s it! With just a few steps, you can create a stunning vertical PVC pipe planter that will add a contemporary touch to your outdoor space.

Gutter Garden

Looking for a way to make use of your vertical space? A gutter garden might be just the project for you. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Materials:

  • Gutters
  • End caps
  • Brackets
  • Potting soil
  • Plants

• Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Measure the space where you will be installing the gutter garden.
  2. Cut the gutters to the appropriate length.
  3. Attach the end caps to the gutters.
  4. Attach brackets to the wall in the desired location.
  5. Hang the gutters on the brackets.
  6. Fill the gutters with potting soil.
  7. Plant your desired plants in the potting soil.
  8. Water the plants as needed.

• Tips for planting and watering the gutter garden:

  • Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of sunlight/shade in the location of your gutter garden.
  • Make sure the gutters have appropriate drainage so the plants don’t become waterlogged.
  • Water your plants when the soil starts to feel dry to the touch.
  • Consider adding a layer of gravel or another material at the bottom of the gutter to aid in drainage.

Gutter gardens are a great way to make use of vertical space in a small yard or balcony. Not only are they functional and space-saving, but they can also add visual interest and a pop of color to your outdoor space. Try planting a variety of herbs, flowers, or vegetables to create a unique and personalized gutter garden that will be sure to impress.

Hanging Basket Garden

Looking to add some color and texture to your outdoor space? A hanging basket garden is a great option to consider. The following are the materials you’ll need and the steps to follow:

• Materials needed: hanging basket(s), potting soil, plants of your choice, water, fertilizer.
• Step 1: Choose the location where you want to hang your basket(s). Make sure it is a spot that gets the right amount of sun/shade, depending on the plants you choose to use.
• Step 2: Fill each basket with potting soil, leaving about 2 inches at the top for the plants.
• Step 3: Add your plants to the basket(s), starting with the bigger ones first.
• Step 4: Fill the spaces between the plants with soil.
• Step 5: Water the basket(s) thoroughly.
• Step 6: Hang the baskets in the chosen location.

When selecting hanging baskets:

• Choose the right size based on the area where you want to hang it. Smaller baskets are great for tight spaces, while larger ones make a statement in larger areas.
• Look for baskets with drainage holes to avoid root rot.
• Invest in good quality baskets that can withstand the weight of the soil, plants, and water.

When selecting plants:

• Consider the environment where the basket will be located. Choose plants that are suited to the light conditions.
• Choose plants that are low maintenance and easy to care for, such as petunias, geraniums, ivy, or ferns.

When taking care of your hanging basket garden:

• Water your basket(s) regularly to avoid dehydration.
• Add fertilizer occasionally to promote growth and bloom.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and unique hanging basket garden that will give your outdoor space a touch of color and life.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are many ways to create a vertical garden, even if you are a beginner.

Whether you live in a house with a backyard or an apartment with a balcony, you can find a project that works for you.

My hope is that one of these 10 projects will inspire you to start growing your own garden, no matter how much space you have.

So, which project are you going to try first?

Whether it’s the hanging herb garden, the shoe organizer garden, or something else entirely, I’d love to hear about it.

Send me a message and let me know.

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Your friends and family might also appreciate these DIY vertical garden ideas, and it would mean a lot to me to reach more people with my passion for gardening and home improvement.