What Should You Plant In Your Vertical Garden?

Written by: Lars Nyman

Vertical Gardening

Vertical Gardening

If you have a small space in your home, don't panic! Vertical gardening is the perfect way to start a garden. Vertical gardening is an innovative way to garden, but it also adds decoration to walls and fences effortlessly. Vertical gardens are easy to mount and maintain. They allow you to grow more plants and really maximise the space you have. All you need is a little bit of putty, some soil and seeds, and perhaps some green thumbs!

Cheatsheet: Vertical Garden Planting Tips

1. Choose wisely for maximum yield

🍅 Tomatoes: Up to 95lbs harvest per plant🌶️ Peppers: High vitamin C content🥬 Lettuce: Fast and continuous growth

2. Utilize space efficiently

👨‍🌾 Plant vining crops like cucumbers and beans🌱 Plant herbs vertically in pockets or containers🌿 Hang planters for trailing plants like strawberries

3. Optimize light exposure

☀️ Position plants to receive 5-6 hours of direct sunlight💡 Consider adding grow lights for indoor gardens

4. Promote pollination and pest control

🐝 Choose flowers like marigolds to attract pollinators🐞 Release ladybugs to combat harmful pests

5. Maximize water efficiency

💧 Use drip irrigation to minimize water waste🌱 Plant drought-tolerant varieties for less frequent watering

6. Enhance soil fertility and drainage

🌱 Add compost or organic matter to increase nutrients🔄 Rotate crops to prevent soil depletion

7. Harvest and enjoy fresh produce

🍓 Harvest strawberries at peak ripeness for maximum flavor🥦 Pick leafy greens regularly to promote new growth

8. Boost your health and self-sufficiency

🍇 Organic gardening reduces pesticide exposure💪 Fresh homegrown produce provides essential nutrients

Start your vertical garden adventure today! 🌿🌱🌻

What Should You Plant In Your Vertical Garden?

What Should You Plant In Your Vertical Garden?

Herbs

Herbs are a great starting point for vertical gardening. They are generally compact, hardy, and can thrive in partial sunlight.

Some top choices include basil, parsley, and thyme.

Strong-flavored herbs like mint and oregano can spread quickly, so consider using them in their own pots to maintain control.
  • Basil: Requires regular pruning and does best in bright, indirect light.
  • Thyme: A low-maintenance herb that loves full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Parsley: Grows well in both shade and sunlight, making it versatile for different wall positions.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce are another excellent choice. They have shallow root systems, making them perfect for vertical setups.

Did you know that you can harvest your leafy greens multiple times by picking only the outer leaves? This maximizes your yield over the growing season.
  • Spinach: Thrives in cooler weather and prefers partial shade.
  • Kale: Hardy and can withstand a bit of frost, making it good for fall planting.
  • Lettuce: Grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as 30 days from planting.

Climbing Plants

Bean varieties and peas work exceptionally well in vertical gardens due to their climbing nature. These plants not only save space but also add a lush, green aesthetic to your garden.

I’ve had great success growing snap peas and pole beans in my vertical garden; they can easily climb up a trellis or netting.

Beans and peas can improve the soil quality by fixing nitrogen, making them beneficial for other plants grown in close proximity.
  1. Snap Peas: Ideal for cooler weather and can be trained to climb a trellis.
  2. Pole Beans: Grow vigorously and require sturdy support, yielding more than bush varieties.

Succulents and Cacti

For a low-maintenance option, consider planting succulents and cacti. These plants require minimal water and can thrive in well-drained soil placed in a vertical planter.

Many succulent varieties, like Echeveria and Sedum, can be propagated from leaves, making them easy to expand your garden without spending extra money.

Flowers

Don't forget the visual appeal! Adding flowers like petunias, nasturtiums, and lobelia can turn a functional vertical garden into a striking focal point.

Pro Tip: When choosing flowering plants, opt for varieties that attract pollinators to support local biodiversity.
  • Petunias: Available in various colors and can bloom from spring to fall with minimal care.
  • Nasturtiums: These edible flowers are easy to grow and can spill beautifully over the edges of your vertical planter.
  • Lobelia: A compact plant that produces vibrant blue flowers, perfect for filling in spaces.

Happy gardening!

FAQ

1. Can I grow vegetables in a vertical garden?

Yes, vertical gardening is an excellent way to cultivate various vegetables.

2. What are the best plants for a vertical garden?

Herbs, leafy greens, and small fruits thrive in vertical garden setups.

3. Are there any plants that are not suitable for vertical gardening?

Avoid planting large trees or crops with deep roots, which may not adapt well.

4. How can I maximize space in a vertical garden?

Utilize planters, trellises, and wall-mounted containers to optimize space.

5. Can I grow flowers in a vertical garden?

Yes, various flowers, such as petunias, marigolds, and pansies, can be grown vertically.

6. How often should I water plants in a vertical garden?

Check regularly and water when the soil feels dry to touch but avoid overwatering.

7. Do vertical gardens require special care?

Regular monitoring of water levels, nutrient supply, and pruning is essential for healthy growth.

8. Can I use organic fertilizers in a vertical garden?

Absolutely, organic fertilizers are safe and beneficial for vertical gardening.

9. How much sunlight do plants in a vertical garden need?

Most plants require at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth.

10. Can I create a vertical garden indoors?

Absolutely, indoor vertical gardens are a practical and stylish way to bring greenery indoors.

Vertical gardening is an attractive and efficient way to put the potential of any space to use. Once you understand your climate and sun exposure, have gathered the right containers or trellises, and have chosen the plants you love, all that's left to do is get started. Vertical gardening can bring beauty, fun, and healthful benefits in the form of nutrient-dense homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. With planning and care, it's easy to create a vertical garden that will be enjoyed for years to come.

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