Thriving summer gardens are a vital part of self-sustenance, but many people – like some of my buddies from NYC – do not have a lot of room for a big garden.  Vertical gardening is a method of garden optimization that people have been utilizing for thousands of years. It is both convenient and attractive, making it an excellent choice for many households.

Advantages of Vertical Gardening

There are many benefits of vertical gardening— the plants can be easier to manage, and they can also produce higher yields.

  1. Maximize space. It is frustrating to begin planting a garden and run out of enough yard space to plant all your seeds. Vertical gardens eliminate the issue of ground space since they can be grown anywhere that receives generous sunlight, such as patios, trellises, or flower beds.
  2. Fewer weeds. Being off the ground not only helps with weed control – it also makes the plant less susceptible to weeds that like to take root in the soil.
  3. Healthier plants. In addition to fewer weeds, vertical gardening can promote a plant’s overall health. Improved airflow can help prevent some diseases from taking over moist leaves.
  4. Sun exposure. Since the plant’s leaves are positioned differently in a vertical garden, it can allow the leaf to catch more sunlight.
  5. Easier management. It can be difficult to bend or stoop repeatedly to weed and harvest bush-style plants. Vertical gardening can be much easier on the back than traditional gardening.

What Are Some Good Materials for Vertical Gardening?

To grow a vertical garden, you will need good potting soil, a sunny site, and something for the plants to climb. Consider your space before you make any purchases.

  1. Stackable planters. Try a DIY stackable planter as a money and space-saving technique.
  2. Wall-mounted planters. Place some planters against the side of the house or garden shed to add more garden space. Just remember to make sure the area gets plenty of sun.
  3. Hanging planters. Do you have a covered patio or porch? You may want to grow plants in hanging planters. These planters can also add to the visual aesthetic of any space.
  4. Lattice or trellis. You can build a trellis using recycled materials, or you can use lattice. Just make sure you have a sprawling plant that likes to climb.

What Are the Best Plants for Vertical Gardening?

For a vertical garden, make sure you have sprawling plants or plants that like to climb. Planting a bush-style plant in front of a trellis will not do any good. Sometimes when the plant is young, it can help to gently tie the plant’s new vines to the trellis and guide it in the right direction. Here are some great, high-producing plants for vertical gardening:

  1. Cucumbers
  2. Green beans
  3. Zucchini
  4. Watermelon
  5. Peas

Gardening is for everyone, regardless of acreage! Vertical gardens can be a terrific way to grow a wide variety of vegetables in a limited space. Be sure to plant sprawling plants in an area that gets several hours of direct sunlight each day and enjoy the ease and beauty of vertical gardening!