Small Space, Big Harvest: How to Start a Vertical Garden Anywhere
Think you need a backyard to grow fresh produce or flowers? Think again.
Whether you live in a city apartment, have a tiny balcony, or just want to maximize your growing space, vertical gardening lets you grow up instead of out, turning walls, fences, and corners into lush, productive green spaces.
In this article, we will tell you all about how to start a vertical garden virtually anywhere. Let’s dive in.
Why vertical gardening works
Vertical gardening has rapidly become a go-to solution for people who want to grow their food, flowers, or greenery but lack the traditional space required for a sprawling garden.
Vertical gardening works so well because it offers space efficiency, better sun exposure, it’s easier to maintain, and adds beauty to any space. You can easily install your vertical gardens on balconies and porches, gates, fences, kitchen walls, living rooms (decorative plants), garage walls, or garden sheds.
Whether you’re looking to grow fresh food, beautiful flowers, or simply want to green up your surroundings, vertical gardening can help you maximize your space, improve your environment, and enjoy a lush, productive garden anywhere.
How to start your vertical garden
1. Choose your spot
The first step in creating your very own vertical garden is picking out your spot. Pick a wall, balcony, fence, or even a window that gets enough sunlight (ideally 6–8 hours for veggies and herbs). Then assess available space to decide the garden’s size and style.
2. Decide between a vertical planter and a structure
Vertical gardening requires a support structure to hold plants in place while allowing them to grow upwards instead of sprawling out.
These structures come in many shapes and sizes, from simple DIY setups to more sophisticated pre-made options. The right vertical planter or structure will depend on your space, aesthetic preferences, and the types of plants you want to grow.
You will be able to choose from wall-mounted pocket planters, tiered plant stands, pallet gardens, hanging pots or shelves, or DIY options using recycled materials.
If you’re trying the DIY option, try a wooden rack lined with jute cloth or PVC pipe planters for leafy greens. Other DIY options include using pallets, bottles, ladders, or hanging shoe organizers. These types of vertical gardens are cost-effective and customizable, and most of all, eco-friendly.
3. Choose the right plants.
Once you have the support structure chosen, it’s time to pick your plants. The goal is to pick compact, shallow-rooted varieties. If you’re creating a vertical herb garden, basil, thyme, parsley, and mint are the perfect plants for you.
If your goal is to grow veggies, opt for lettuce, spinach, radishes, dwarf cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. As for fruits, strawberries and midget muskmelons do well in vertical gardens.
And finally, if you want to grow flowers, go for succulents, petunias, nasturtiums, pansies, and trailing vines.
Also, don’t forget to match plant choice to your light conditions – ferns and money plants for shade, herbs and flowers for sun.
4. Prepare the soil before planting
Before planting your herbs and plants, use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix and ensure each planter has drainage holes. Don’t overcrowd your plants; instead, give each plant space to grow.
Additionally, keep in mind that overwatering is a common issue in vertical setups, so keep a regular watering schedule or install an irrigation system.
5. Install irrigation
As mentioned, overwatering is a common issue, but so is drying out. To solve these issues, you can install an irrigation system. This system doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a drip or simple hose system is enough.
6. Maintain your vertical garden
For a vertical garden to thrive, you’ll need to water it regularly, trim plants, check for pests, and fertilize occasionally. Ideally, you should use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks.
You should also mulch the top to retain moisture and add nutrients.
Why vertical gardening is the future
Vertical gardening is not just a trend; it’s a sustainable and efficient gardening method that fits perfectly with modern urban lifestyles.
With its space-saving benefits, water efficiency, and ease of maintenance, it’s a practical solution for anyone looking to grow more with less. Whether you’re looking to grow fresh food, beautiful flowers, or simply want to green up your surroundings, vertical gardening can help you maximize your space, improve your environment, and enjoy a lush, productive garden anywhere.
