Interior decorators often suggest that when dealing with small spaces, it’s smart to look upwards for space-saving solutions. This idea works not only indoors but also in small outdoor areas like gardens. If your garden space is limited, using vertical gardening techniques can really make a difference.
Vertical gardens allow you to grow plants, whether fruits, veggies, herbs, or flowers, upwards instead of spreading out on the ground. This can be achieved using various supports or structures, either in the ground, in containers, on a wall, or even without soil.
The best plants for vertical gardening typically have climbing or vining habits. This includes cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, peas, and even some squash and pumpkins. You can also add vining flowers for a splash of beauty.
While vertical gardening is often used to save space, especially in urban or apartment settings, it offers several other benefits as well. There are countless ways to design a vertical garden, from simple and inexpensive to elaborate and costly. With the right setup and indoor lighting, you could even cultivate produce indoors year-round.
I got interested in vertical gardening when a friend bought a Tower Garden system. Although it is on the pricier side, the concept of growing various plants like lettuce, kale, and tomatoes in a small space – even inside during the off-season – was appealing. Given the rising costs of organic produce, it seemed like a worthwhile investment for urban dwellers.
(Update: I’ve since discovered a more affordable indoor option from AeroGarden, and it has been a hit with the kids. More details on this are coming in another post.)
I also started exploring DIY vertical gardening options that would be more budget-friendly. Many DIY tutorials are available, though a soilless system can still be somewhat pricey. For now, I’m opting to adjust our existing garden beds and perhaps include a small indoor herb and lettuce garden during winter, with some plants still thriving outdoors in the fall.
Before you decide to buy or DIY, take a look around your basement or garden shed for inspiration. You might find an array of items that can be repurposed into a vertical garden structure, such as pallets, mason jars, old shutters, a broken ladder, or twine.
Here are five intriguing vertical gardening ideas, ranging from simple to more complex:
1. Backyard Trellis: For those with a garden, adding a trellis to the north side can keep taller plants from shading others. Use a movable support to rotate plantings each season. Remember to plant shade-loving plants like lettuce and spinach underneath the trellises.
2. Container Gardening: On a patio or deck, grow tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, or squash in individual pots, tiered planters, or raised boxes. Use organic soil, and consider placing heavier pots on dollies to capture maximum sunlight. Support growing plants with cages or stakes.
3. Wall Gardens: If horizontal space is limited but you have a sunny wall or fence, try a wall garden using materials like wood scraps or canvas pockets. These can also be done indoors with adequate sunlight or grow lights. Keep an eye on watering and fertilization to avoid overdoing it.
4. Windowsill Herbs: Growing herbs on the windowsill is a classic but effective idea. In warmer climates, this needs just mason jars or hanging pots with natural light. In colder areas, a grow light may be necessary.
5. Hydroponics: This method involves growing plants in water with added nutrients, avoiding soil altogether. While hydroponics has its advantages, like avoiding pesticides and potentially increased nutrition, it can be costly and involves plastic and synthetic fertilizers.
If you’re considering hydroponics at home, you might take a DIY approach or explore less expensive systems similar to the Tower Garden.
Have you tried vertical gardening? What methods have worked for you?
