Introduction to Vertical Gardening
You don’t need a large space or a homestead to grow a garden. Just think small! Rethink or reframe what a garden can look like. Instead of waiting for that extra space or land, start learning and growing with whatever space you have now. Observing what works and what doesn’t in your space will be your best tool for gardening success.
Vertical gardening offers great flexibility for small spaces, making gardening possible even if you don’t have much room. Finding the right amount of sun and a great setup will make gardening easier and more enjoyable, tailored to your personality and lifestyle. Let’s figure out what works best for you and your space, and you’ll be on your way to a thriving garden. Plus, vertical planters are affordable and offer great value for the price, making them a smart investment for any gardener.
Benefits of Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardening comes with lots of benefits that can transform even the smallest of spaces into a productive, thriving garden.
Starting Small for Building Your Success
One of the greatest things about vertical gardening is that it allows you to gradually start small and build your success. You don’t need to overwhelm yourself with a large garden all at once. Begin with just one or two plants, and as you gain confidence and experience, you can expand your vertical garden little by little. This approach makes it manageable and less intimidating, ensuring a higher chance of success.
Easy to Take Care Of
Vertical gardens are generally easier to take care of compared to traditional gardens. With plants arranged vertically, they’re often at eye level, making watering, pruning, and harvesting much simpler. No more bending over or kneeling in the dirt! This convenience means you’re more likely to stay on top of garden maintenance, leading to healthier plants and a more enjoyable gardening experience.
Fewer Insects, Control of Soil for Success
Vertical gardening also helps reduce the number of pests and insects that can wreak havoc on your plants. By elevating your garden, you make it harder for ground-dwelling pests to reach your precious plants. Additionally, vertical gardens allow you better control over the soil. You can choose high-quality soil tailored to the specific needs of your plants, ensuring they get the nutrients they need to thrive. This control can make a big difference in the health and productivity of your garden.
Perfect for Small Spaces
Vertical gardening is perfect for small spaces such as balconies, patios, or indoor areas. It allows you to make the most of limited space by growing upwards instead of outwards. This means you can enjoy the benefits of gardening and fresh produce even if you live in an apartment or have a tiny backyard.
Why and When to Use Vertical Planters
Why Use Vertical Planters? Vertical planters are fantastic because they allow you to garden in places where traditional gardening might not be feasible. They help you utilize vertical space efficiently, making them ideal for urban settings, small backyards, and indoor areas. Plus, they usually require less bending and stooping, making gardening more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
When to Use Vertical Planters? You can start using vertical planters at any time of the year, depending on what you want to grow. For example, you can plant cool-weather crops like lettuce and kale in early spring and fall, while warm-weather plants like tomatoes and peppers will thrive in the summer. Indoors, you can grow herbs and leafy greens year-round with the right lighting conditions.
Two Types of Vertical Planters: For Vining Veggies and Small Plants
Vertical gardening is incredibly versatile, and choosing the right type of tall planter can make all the difference for your specific gardening needs. Let’s break down two popular types of vertical planters: those designed for vining vegetables and fruits, and those perfect for small, non-vining plants.
1. Vertical Trellises for Vining Veggies and Fruits
Perfect for Climbers Vertical trellises are fantastic for plants that naturally want to climb. Think of veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and beans, or fruits such as grapes and kiwi. These plants have a natural tendency to grow upwards, and a trellis provides the perfect structure to support their growth.
Maximized Space and Airflow By training your vining plants to grow up a trellis, you maximize your vertical space and improve air circulation around the plants. Better airflow helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases and makes it easier to spot and manage pests.
Easier Harvesting A trellised garden also makes harvesting a breeze. Fruits and vegetables hanging on the vine are easier to see and pick, saving you from the back-breaking task of bending over or rummaging through dense foliage.
How to Set Up You can use a variety of materials for your trellis—wood, metal, or even repurposed items like old ladders or bed frames. Plant your seeds or seedlings at the base of the trellis and gently train the vines to climb as they grow. Tie them with soft plant ties or garden twine to provide support without damaging the stems.
2. Tiered Vertical Planters for Small, Non-Vining Plants
Ideal for Compact Greens Tiered vertical planters are perfect for small, non-vining plants that don’t need the support of a trellis. These could be herbs, leafy greens, and compact flowering plants. The tiered design allows multiple planting levels in a small footprint, making it perfect for balconies, patios, or even indoors.
Easy Care and Maintenance With tiered planters, all your plants are easily accessible for watering, pruning, and harvesting. Many of these systems come with self-watering features, which ensure your plants get consistent moisture, reducing the risk of under or over-watering.
Aesthetic Appeal Tiered planters not only save space but also add a beautiful, green touch to your living area. They can be a stunning focal point in your garden or home, showcasing a variety of plants in an organized and visually appealing way. The Cherry Blossom variant is available, offering a visually appealing option for those interested in growing a wide variety of plants, including flowers.
How to Set Up Assemble your tiered planter according to the instructions, fill each level with high-quality soil, and plant your seeds or seedlings. Position the planter in a spot where it will receive adequate sunlight, and enjoy watching your mini-garden flourish.
Vertical gardening opens up so many possibilities, allowing you to grow a wide variety of plants even in limited spaces. Whether you choose a trellis for your vining veggies and fruits or a tiered planter for your herbs and greens, you’ll find that vertical gardening is both fun and rewarding.
Varieties of Vertical Planters
I’m going to share three types of vertical planters that can serve as a great starting point for your garden. These options will help you find a solution that fits your space perfectly. Use this information to gradually add vertical planters to your garden, expanding a little more each season.
ONE: Raised Bed Vertical Planters with Support System
Perfect for Small Apartments, Offices, or Homes with Limited Outdoor Space Raised bed vertical planters are an excellent choice if you live in a small apartment, have limited outdoor space, or even want to set up a little garden at your office. These planters make the most of your available space by allowing you to grow upwards rather than outwards. They can be placed on balconies, patios, or any small sunny spot.
Versatile Planting Options One of the best things about raised bed vertical planters is their versatility. You can grow a variety of plants, including herbs like basil and mint, vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes, small fruits like strawberries, and even flowering plants to add a splash of color. The raised beds provide excellent drainage and can be filled with high-quality soil tailored to the needs of your chosen plants.
Thriving Plants Plants tend to thrive in raised bed vertical planters because they get good air circulation and sunlight with reduced side exposure. The elevated nature of these planters also helps keep pests at bay, making it easier to manage and maintain healthy plants.
TWO: Tiered Vertical Planters
SHOP GREENSTALK VERTICAL PLANTERS
Maximize Space and Grow More Plants in a Small Area Tiered vertical planters, such as the GreenStalk, are designed to maximize your growing space by stacking multiple planting levels vertically. The GreenStalk features a sturdy, non-folding stand that ensures stability and durability. This setup allows you to grow more plants in a small area, making it perfect for those who want to cultivate a variety of plants without needing a large garden.
Ideal for Small Gardens or Indoor Spaces The GreenStalk Vertical Planter is particularly well-suited for small gardens or indoor spaces. Whether you’re growing food like spinach and peppers or foliage plants for aesthetic purposes, this tiered system makes efficient use of limited space while providing each plant with the necessary room to grow.
THREE: Self-Watering Containers with Support
These planters often come with self-watering features, which are incredibly convenient for busy gardeners. Self-watering containers ensure that your plants receive consistent moisture, reducing the risk of under- or over-watering. This feature is especially beneficial for new gardeners who are still getting the hang of plant care.
What to Grow in Vertical Planters
Herbs Basil, parsley, cilantro, and thyme are excellent choices for vertical planters. They’re easy to grow and can be harvested regularly to add fresh flavors to your cooking.
Vegetable Lettuce, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers are great options. They don’t take up much space and can yield a bountiful harvest.
Fruits Strawberries and dwarf varieties of blueberries can thrive in vertical planters. They’re compact and produce delicious fruit that’s easy to pick.
Flowers Add some beauty and color to your vertical garden with flowering plants like petunias, marigolds, and pansies. These flowers not only look great but can also attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Vertical gardening opens up a world of possibilities, making it possible to enjoy the benefits of gardening even in the smallest of spaces. As you start small and build your skills, you’ll discover the joy and satisfaction of growing your plants.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Vertical Planters
Choosing the right vertical planter can make a huge difference in your gardening experience.
Material and Durability
When selecting a vertical planter, it’s essential to look for materials that can withstand the elements. UV-resistant materials are ideal because they won’t degrade or crack under the sun’s rays. This durability ensures your planter will last for many seasons, saving you money and effort in the long run.
Safety is paramount when growing your food. Opt for planters made from food-grade materials to ensure that no harmful chemicals leach into your soil or plants. This is especially important if you’re growing vegetables, fruits, or herbs that you’ll be consuming.
Watering and Drainage System
A good watering and drainage system is crucial for the health of your plants. Look for planters with efficient watering systems that minimize water and nutrient loss. This will ensure your plants receive the right amount of water and nutrients, leading to healthier growth.
Choose a vertical planter with a user-friendly watering system. Features like self-watering reservoirs or drip irrigation can make maintaining your garden much simpler. These systems reduce the frequency of watering, giving you more time to enjoy your garden rather than tending to it constantly. For instance, with the Greenstalk vertical planter, it takes 20-30 seconds to fill up the reservoir at the top and all 30-40 plants get watered. Or you can get a timer and connect to a watering system that Greenstalk has invented to water for you.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, having a planter that’s easy to assemble is a big plus. Look for models that come with clear instructions and require minimal tools. This way, you can set up your garden quickly and start planting right away. Keep in mind that certain popular models may be out of stock, so check availability and order early.
One of the biggest benefits of vertical gardening is the reduction in common gardening chores. A well-designed vertical planter can eliminate the need for weeding, which saves you time and effort.
Choosing the Right Vertical Garden Planter
Considerations for a Vertical Planter in Small Spaces
Before purchasing a vertical planter or a container with a vertical support, take a good look at the area where you the garden planter is to place it. Check out Create My Garden’s Amazon Store to see the products in this blog post. Measure the dimensions to ensure the planter will fit comfortably without overcrowding your space. Also, consider the height of the planter and make sure it won’t block any windows or paths.
Balconies and Patios: Compact, tiered planters can fit perfectly on balconies or patios, giving you ample room to grow various plants without taking up much floor space.
Indoor Corners: If you’re planning to keep your vertical garden indoors, look for models that fit well in corners or against walls, making the most of every inch.
Little Space? No Problem!
One of the greatest advantages of vertical planters is their ability to thrive in small areas. These planters are designed to go up rather than out, making them ideal for urban settings or homes with limited outdoor space.
Creative Placement: Think creatively about where you can place your vertical planter. Wall-mounted planters can turn an unused wall into a green oasis. Hanging planters can add greenery without using floor space.
Versatile Settings: Vertical planters aren’t just for outdoors. They can brighten up your kitchen, living room, or even your bathroom! With the right lighting, many plants can flourish indoors.
Vertical planters with support allow you to garden in places you might never have thought possible. Here are some benefits:
Space Efficiency: By growing upwards, you maximize your available space, fitting more plants into a smaller footprint.
Easy Access: Vertical planters bring your plants to eye level, making planting, watering, and harvesting easier and more enjoyable.
Aesthetic Appeal: A vertical garden can serve as a beautiful focal point, adding a touch of nature and enhancing the aesthetics of your space.
Tips for Success
Ensure your vertical planter receives adequate sunlight based on the plants you’re growing. Most vegetables and herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights to supplement.
Begin with a few plants to get the hang of vertical gardening. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually add more tiers or additional planters to increase your vertical garden planter’s productivity.
To get some of the products shared in this blog post check out Create My Garden’s Amazon Store for what you need to grow vertically and grow more this season of gardening.
Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:
5 Easy Steps to Master Container Gardens for Vegetables
Gardening and Vegetables: 5 Tips That Will Make Your Garden Grow
Question for you: I have the same vertical strawberry garden tower as you. It will be my first season growing with it as I just rooted all the daughter plants my strawberries (formerly in ground) put out. Do you rotate your tower daily so all sides get sun?
Great Question! I rotate once every few weeks. It is not crucial but keeps things growing evenly. Adding liquid fertilizer once a month is also a great way to keep your strawberries healthy. Mine will look dead in the coldest months, but they come back stronger than ever.