If you have a small yard, you might feel like traditional gardening is out of the question.
You might think that there’s simply not enough room to grow the plants you want.
However, there is a creative solution that could solve your problem: vertical gardening.
Vertical gardening involves growing plants upwards instead of outwards, using structures like trellises, wall-mounted planters, and hanging baskets.
In this blog post, I’ll explain the advantages of vertical gardening, the types of plants and structures suitable for vertical gardening, lighting and watering considerations, and how to create your own DIY vertical garden projects.
Let’s dive right in!
Vertical gardening is a simple solution that comes with many advantages. By going vertical, you can turn a small, cramped space into a thriving garden with several benefits.
Saves Space: Putting your plants in a vertical garden will not take as much space as a traditional horizontal garden. You can easily fit more plants into a smaller area, making use of every inch of an urban balcony or a small backyard.
Aesthetically Pleasing: A vertical garden is an extraordinary wall feature that adds beauty to any space. Instead of being an eyesore or taking up valuable space, a living wall can serve as an exceptional architectural feature, creating a vibrant living canvas.
Increases Accessibility: Plants in a vertical garden will be at your eye level or higher, which means you won’t have to bend over or strain your back as much. This makes it easier for people with mobility problems, back problems, or pain to water, prune, and harvest their plants.
Increases Variety of Plants: Vertical gardening allows you to grow different types of plants together, including flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Plus, this increases pollination and provides an ideal environment for beneficial insects and birds.
Cost-effective: Vertical gardening is a cost-effective approach that saves you money in the long run. You can utilize less soil, less water, and less ongoing maintenance. Plus, you can make your own structure if you are creative and resourceful, eliminating costly expenses.
Vertical gardens offer gardeners a unique opportunity to grow all sorts of plants, including edible, ornamental, or a combination of both. The choice of plants depends on personal preference, climate, and lifestyle.
If you’re a foodie or concerned about healthy eating, consider growing edible plants like herbs, vegetables or fruits. A vertical garden can produce impressive yields of edible plants with minimum use of space. Herbs, like basil and mint, can be grown in wall-mounted planters or hanging baskets. Leafy greens, like lettuce and spinach, go well on trellises, whereas strawberries thrive in hanging planters.
If you’re looking to add some greenery and color to your balcony or patio, opt for ornamental plants. Vines, like ivy and wisteria, are perfect for trellises or wall-mounted planters, adding a touch of elegance with their luscious growth. Flowers such as petunias and pansies will bloom and thrive in hanging baskets. For those living in hot climates, succulents like aloe vera, snake plants, or hens and chicks planted in wall-mounted planters will thrive.
A combination of both edible and ornamental plants can provide the best of both worlds. If you’re short on space, mix several edible plants or herbs with ornamental plants to create a visually appealing and functional vertical garden.
The choice of plants depends on the unique factors of each garden. Before deciding on which plants to grow, research the specific requirements like water, sunlight, and soil needs of each plant. Gardening in a vertical space adds a unique twist to your garden and adds a new dimension to your plant collection.
When it comes to creating a vertical garden, the possibilities are endless. One of the most important aspects of designing a vertical garden is choosing the right structure to host your plants. Here are some popular options:
Trellises are perfect for plants that need a little extra support, such as tomatoes or cucumbers. They can also serve as a decorative element in your garden. You can find trellises made out of wood, metal, or even recycled materials. Place them against a wall or fence to save space and create a stunning living display.
Wall planters offer an eye-catching way to grow a variety of plants vertically. These planters can be mounted directly onto the wall or hung from hooks. They come in a wide range of materials and styles, from sleek modern designs to rustic and charming. Use them to grow herbs, ferns, and other plants that require minimal soil depth.
If you want to grow a lot of plants in a small space, building-mounted racks may be the solution for you. These racks can be secured to the side of a building or shed, and they can be customized to fit the size and style of your space. They provide an ideal growing environment for vines, flowers, and other climbing plants that easily adapt to growing vertically.
Hanging planters are a fun and creative way to display your plants. They are perfect for spaces where there’s no ground to plant on, such as balconies or small patios. Hanging planters can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, ceramic, and metal. They are great for displaying trailing plants like ivy, spider plants, and petunias.
No matter which structure you choose for your vertical garden, make sure it is sturdy enough to support the weight of your plants. Also, ensure that it is properly installed and secured to prevent any accidents.
Proper lighting and watering are essential elements for a successful vertical garden. When plants are stacked on top of each other, the lighting conditions become different, and there is a risk that the plants at the bottom will miss out on the light they need. Therefore, choose plants carefully, check the amount of light they require, and make sure to position them accordingly.
Watering should be done regularly, maybe even several times a day, especially during hot summer months, and dry seasons. Automated drip irrigation and mist systems can be used to ensure that each plant receives an adequate amount of water. This is especially important since watering one plant could potentially leave another plant on the same vertical garden parched.
Also, don’t forget to fertilize your vertical garden to maximize growth and production. Look for a high-quality fertilizer that will supply the necessary nutrients for plants grown in limited soil conditions. Try to avoid using chemical fertilizers since they can be harmful to your plants, and even possibly to your health!
Looking to create a unique and beautiful vertical garden for your small yard? You’re in luck because there are plenty of creative and easy-to-build options that require minimum effort and cost.
One of the simplest ways to create a vertical garden is by using wooden pallets. All you need is a pallet, some soil, and your favorite plants. You can either stand it up or hang it with screws or chains. Just make sure the palette’s wooden planks are thick enough to hold the soil.
Another space-saving solution is PVC pipe. By connecting pipes of different sizes and adding planting pockets, you can create a vertical garden customized to your yard’s size and microclimate. This setup provides ample breathing space for your plants while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your yard.
If you’re looking for a herb garden close to your kitchen or living room, in a small space, consider a hanging herb garden. Whether you use mason jars or burlap bags, hanging planters can add a great homey feeling to your deck or terrace. Add hanging lanterns or lights for extra decoration.
By following the above DIY projects, you can add inches and layers of lush foliage to your limited yard. The possibilities are endless, but the benefits remain: low-cost, low-maintenance greenery, and fresh colour!
When it comes to buying a pre-made vertical garden kit, you have plenty of options to choose from. One popular option is the “Woolly Pocket Living Wall Planter,” which is ideal for people who are new to vertical gardening. This kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a breathable felt planter, built-in watering system, and mounting hardware. Another great option is the “Yaheetech 3 Tier Wooden Raised Garden Bed,” which allows you to plant a variety of herbs and vegetables in one compact space. This kit is made of sturdy fir wood and can be easily assembled without tools.
Before making a purchase, it’s important to compare prices and read customer reviews. You can find a great selection of pre-made vertical garden kits online, at local nurseries or home improvement stores. When choosing a kit, make sure that it is suitable for the types of plants you want to grow and that it will fit in the space you have.
Keep in mind that pre-made kits may limit your creativity and options in terms of plant choices and arrangement. However, they are a great choice if you’re looking for a hassle-free solution and don’t have much experience with vertical gardening. If you do choose to go this route, don’t forget to read the instructions carefully and follow all the necessary steps to ensure that your plants thrive.
When selecting a kit, make sure it provides proper drainage and fertilization. Additionally, make sure your plants receive enough light and are in the appropriate temperature range. You may also want to read up on the recommended substrate, the specific soil mix used in the planter, to ensure you make the right selection for your vertical garden.
Whether you choose to create your own vertical garden or purchase a pre-made kit, the most important thing is to have fun and get creative with your plants. Using pre-made vertical garden kits are a great way to take the guesswork out of a project and lessen the possibility of detrimental mistakes, enabling you to enjoy the beauty and benefits of home gardening with little stress or worry.
Keeping your vertical garden healthy and productive requires some maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your garden in top shape.
One of the most important aspects of vertical garden maintenance is pruning. By regularly removing dead or damaged leaves and stems, you can promote new growth and prevent the spread of diseases. Use sharp gardening shears and make clean cuts to avoid damaging healthy tissue.
Insects and other pests are a common problem for any type of garden. To prevent pests from taking over your vertical garden, regularly inspect your plants for damage and signs of infestation. If you notice any problems, remove affected leaves or plants and treat with an appropriate insecticide or natural pest control product.
Disease can also wreak havoc on a vertical garden if left unchecked. To prevent the spread of disease, monitor your plants regularly for signs of infection, such as discolored leaves or lesions. Remove affected plants or leaves promptly, and use a fungicide or other treatment as needed.
Finally, don’t forget to harvest your plants regularly to encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding. Depending on the type of plant, you may need to harvest every few days or once a year. If you’re growing vegetables or herbs, harvesting regularly can help ensure a bountiful and delicious harvest throughout the growing season.
By following these maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your vertical garden remains healthy, vibrant, and productive all year round.
In conclusion, vertical gardening is an innovative solution for homeowners with small yards.
By using vertical space, you can introduce a variety of beautiful and functional plants to your home and garden.
So now, I’d like to ask you, which vertical gardening structure are you excited to try first?
Let me know by leaving a message below.
If you found this post helpful, be sure to share it on social media, so others can discover the benefits of vertical gardening too.
Thanks for reading!
Author: Scott Sanders
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