How To Create a Vertical Garden for Small Spaces

Vertical gardens are an ingenious solution for maximizing limited outdoor areas, allowing you to grow a variety of plants in a compact, upright format. This innovative gardening technique is perfect for small decks, patios, or balconies where space is at a premium. In the video above, Jenn Nawada demonstrates how to transform a cramped deck into a thriving vertical garden using a specially designed planter system.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Understanding Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are structures that allow plants to grow vertically along a support system. These gardens can be as simple as a few hanging pots or as complex as entire walls covered in lush vegetation. They utilize vertical space, making them an ideal option for urban gardens or areas where traditional gardens are not feasible. Various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic can be used to construct these support systems, providing flexibility in design and functionality.

Benefits of Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens offer several benefits that make them an appealing choice for any gardener.

• Space-saving: Ideal for small outdoor areas or urban environments
• Aesthetic appeal: Creates a visually striking green feature
• Improved air quality: Plants naturally filter and purify the air
• Noise reduction: Foliage can help absorb sound in urban settings
• Temperature regulation: Can help cool the surrounding area

Types of Vertical Garden Systems

The type of vertical garden system you choose can greatly influence the success and maintenance of your garden.

• Pocket planters: Fabric or plastic pouches attached to a wall
• Modular panels: Pre-fabricated units that can be easily installed
• Trellis or wire systems: Support structures for climbing plants
• Freestanding vertical planters: Self-contained units that can be placed anywhere

Freestanding vertical planters, which Nawada helps the homeowner install, are particularly versatile, allowing you to move them based on your garden’s needs. The specific model in the video is no longer available, but similar vertical planters can be found online or in lawn and garden stores.

Choosing the Right Vertical Garden System

Selecting the appropriate vertical garden system involves considering multiple factors such as space, plant types, and maintenance needs.

Features To Look For

To pick a vertical garden system, evaluate your environment and the specific needs of the plants you wish to cultivate.

• Sturdy construction: Ensure the system can support the weight of plants and soil
• Proper drainage: Look for planters with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging
• Easy installation: Choose a system that doesn’t require extensive modifications to your space
• Versatility: Opt for planters that can accommodate various plant types and sizes

Additionally, consider the climate and exposure to elements. Systems that are easy to disassemble and relocate may be beneficial if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.

Setting Up Your Vertical Garden

A freestanding planter like the one in the video typically requires some DIY assembly once you take it out of the box. The manufacturer should provide specific instructions, but here are some general steps for getting started.

Assembling the Planter

Before assembling your planter, decide on the best location—one that provides enough sunlight while also offering some protection from inclement weather.

1. Choose a location with adequate sunlight for your plants.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the vertical planter.
3. Ensure the base is level and stable to prevent tipping.

Preparing the Soil

The right soil mixture is essential for the success of your vertical garden since it needs to retain moisture and provide adequate nutrients. We don’t recommend simply using dirt from your yard, which is often too heavy and can contain contaminants. Instead, use a high-quality potting mix designed for container gardening. 

Choose organic soil when growing edible plants, as Nawada recommends. Also, incorporating perlite or vermiculite in your soil mix can improve aeration and water retention, which are necessary for vertical gardening systems. Fill each planter about halfway with soil before adding plants.

Selecting and Planting

When choosing plants, consider their growth habits, light preferences, and how they visually complement each other. Nawada suggests a mix of vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants for a diverse garden.

1. Start with larger, heavier plants in the bottom planters for stability.
2. Add smaller, lighter plants towards the top.
3. Consider cascading plants to create visual interest.
4. Space plants appropriately to allow for growth.

Some suitable plants for vertical gardens include:

• Vegetables: Peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, Swiss chard
• Herbs: Basil, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, tarragon
• Ornamental plants: Succulents, ferns, trailing vines

Additional Planting Tips

To enhance your vertical garden, you can incorporate some advanced planting techniques:

• Companion planting: Pair compatible plants that benefit each other, such as basil with tomatoes.
• Succession planting: Rotate plants based on their seasonal growth to keep your garden productive year-round.
• Dense planting: Planting closely together to maximize space and minimize weed growth.

Caring for Your Vertical Garden

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your vertical garden thrives. Regular monitoring and timely interventions can prevent most common issues.

Watering

Vertical gardens often require more frequent watering than traditional gardens due to their limited soil volume and increased exposure to sun and wind. Check soil moisture daily, especially during hot weather. Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom of the planters.

Consider installing a drip irrigation system for consistent watering, as seen at the end of the video. Drip irrigation systems can be customized to deliver the right amount of water to each plant, reducing the risk of over- or under-watering. However, you’ll often need to locate your vertical garden next to a faucet for this.

Fertilizing

Adequate nutrition is essential for the healthy growth of your plants. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for container plants. Apply fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. Follow package instructions for proper dilution and application rates, and don’t overfertilize, which can ultimately harm plants and soil.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning and maintenance keep your vertical garden looking fresh and encourage vigorous growth. Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves and pinch back herbs and leafy vegetables. Finally, harvest vegetables and herbs frequently to stimulate continued production.

Maximizing Your Vertical Garden Space

Efficient use of space can help support the success of a vertical garden. Here are some tips to make the most of your limited area:

• Interplant compatible species: Some plants provide mutual benefits when grown close together
• Rotate crops seasonally: To maintain soil health and variety
• Use vertical space: Choose climbing plants like peas or pole beans, installing trellises if desired
• Incorporate edible flowers: Nasturtiums and pansies offer beauty and function

Troubleshooting Common Issues With Vertical Gardens

Even with proper care, vertical gardens can sometimes face challenges. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Uneven growth: Rotate planters periodically to ensure all plants receive adequate light.
• Pest infestations: Inspect plants regularly and use organic pest control methods when necessary.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Supplement with appropriate fertilizers if plants show signs of yellowing or stunted growth.
• Overwatering: Ensure proper drainage and adjust watering frequency based on plant needs and weather conditions.

Expanding Your Vertical Garden

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can expand your vertical garden to include more complex systems or a wider variety of plants. Consider hydroponic systems, which utilize soilless growing mediums and recirculated water systems to grow plants. Alternatively, aeroponic systems grow plants with roots suspended in the air and misted with nutrients. Green walls with automatic irrigation allow you to build complex green walls with automatic irrigation and nutrient delivery systems.

These methods can make your vertical garden more efficient and productive, though they require more initial setup and maintenance than a freestanding planter.

Our Conclusion

Vertical gardens offer an excellent solution for small-space gardening, allowing you to grow a variety of plants in limited areas. With consistent care and a bit of creativity, your vertical garden can become a lush, productive, and visually appealing part of your home. From herbs and vegetables to ornamental plants, the possibilities are extensive, providing both aesthetic value and practical benefits.

Tools and Resources

Expert assistance with this project was provided by Nawada Landscape Design.