All You Need To Know About Vertical Gardens

Have you ever dreamed of having a lush garden full of fresh herbs, colorful flowers and thriving vegetables but felt you didn't have enough space or time to make it happen? If so, then a DIY vertical garden might be the perfect solution. By utilizing vertical space in your backyard, you can create a stunning and functional garden that saves you space and provides a unique and eye-catching addition to your outdoor living space. 

Whether you have a small, crowded balcony or a large, sprawling backyard, vertical gardening is a creative and eco-friendly way to cultivate your green thumb and enjoy the beauty of nature in your backyard. In this article, we'll explore the different options for creating a DIY vertical garden, including tower gardens and other innovative solutions. Plus, we’ll provide tips and tricks for making your garden thrive. So, let's transform your backyard into a stunning oasis with a DIY vertical garden!

Vertical Gardening Options for Your Backyard

When it comes to creating a vertical garden, there are various options to consider. With the size and layout of your backyard are in mind, here are some popular ideas:

Trellis or Lattice

A simple trellis or lattice placed against an existing fence or wall can create a quick and easy vertical garden. Attach the trellis to the wall and add hanging baskets, containers or planters.


Pallet Planter

An upcycled pallet can be transformed into a vertical garden by attaching planters or containers to its slats. This option is ideal for small backyards or patios where space is limited.


• 

• 

Hanging Garden 

Hanging gardens are perfect for small spaces or urban settings where outdoor space is at a premium. Hang planters from the ceiling, walls or railings to create a vertical garden that's both beautiful and functional.


Tower Garden

Tower gardens are an excellent option for both small and large backyards and are especially useful if you're looking to grow a large variety of herbs and vegetables. These innovative vertical gardens use hydroponic technology to grow plants compactly and efficiently.


Factors for a Successful Vertical Garden

Once you have chosen your preferred vertical gardening option, you’ll need to consider factors such as sunlight, water, soil and plant selection. This is imperative since vertical gardens often have limited space for root growth and water retention. With all your choices made, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and productive vertical garden.

Soil Choice

Choosing suitable soil for your vertical garden is essential for the growth of your plants. Consider using a soil mix specifically formulated for container gardens, as they are lighter and provide better drainage than traditional garden soil. Alternatively, you can create your mix using equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You can also add organic matter, such as compost or fertilizer, to improve the soil quality and provide essential nutrients for your plants.

Water Requirements

Watering your vertical garden is another important consideration. Since vertical gardens have a limited soil volume, it is essential to water your plants regularly to ensure that they have enough moisture. Consider installing a drip irrigation system or a watering timer to help maintain consistent watering. You can also use a moisture meter or regularly check the soil with your fingers to determine when to water your plants.

Environmental Factors

In addition to soil and water, environmental factors such as sunlight and temperature need to be considered. Different plants have different light requirements, so it's essential to understand how much sunlight your plants need and where to place your vertical garden to ensure that your plants receive the right amount of light. You should also learn the temperature needs of your plants, especially if you plan to grow plants that are sensitive to cold or heat.

Pre-Growing Your Plants

Pre-growing plants for your DIY vertical garden helps to ensure they are healthy and established before transplanting them. Pre-growing plants, or "starting them off," allows them to set a root system and become more resilient before moving to their permanent location. You can accomplish this either indoors or out.

Indoor Pre-Growing

One way to pre-grow plants is to start them indoors in pots or seed trays. This allows you to control the temperature, lighting and moisture levels and create the ideal growing conditions for your plants. You can gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions as they grow by exposing them to more natural light and fresh air.

Outdoor Pre-Growing

Another method is to start your plants in a temporary outdoor location, such as a raised garden bed or container garden. This allows them to get a head start on growing in natural conditions before transitioning to the vertical garden.

Pre-growing is critical for plants that are sensitive to environmental changes, such as certain herbs, vegetables and flowers. By starting them off in a controlled environment, you can give them a better chance of survival and ensure they will thrive in your vertical garden.

In addition to helping your plants become established, pre-growing can help you plan your vertical garden design. By growing and arranging your plants ahead of time, you can experiment with different layouts and combinations to create a visually appealing and functional garden.

Step-By-Step DIY Vertical Garden

Step 1: Choose a location and design. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Will it be a wall-mounted or free-standing structure like a tower garden?

Step 2: Gather your materials. For a basic wall-mounted garden, you'll need a frame or structure to hold your plants, a backing material (like a wooden pallet or chicken wire), soil or a soilless growing medium, and your plants. For a tower garden, you'll need a vertical growing system, a container for the base, a pump for a hydroponic system (if you choose to go that route), and your plants.

Step 3: Prepare your backing material or growing system. If you're using a wooden pallet or chicken wire, you may need to line it with landscape fabric or burlap to prevent soil from falling out. For a tower garden, you'll need to set up the vertical growing system and attach the pump (if using a hydroponic system).

Step 4: Fill your structure or container with soil or a soilless growing medium. Make sure the soil is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Coconut coir, perlite, or vermiculite are great options, as they are lightweight and provide good plant drainage.

Step 5: Choose your plants. For a wall-mounted garden, you'll want to choose appropriate plants for the light your garden will receive. Succulents, herbs, and low-maintenance ferns are all good choices. You can grow various plants in a tower garden, from leafy greens to tomatoes and cucumbers. Just make sure you choose the correct plants for the size of your container and growing system.

Step 6: Plant your garden. Space your plants appropriately and give them enough room to grow. Water your plants thoroughly after planting.

Step 7: Care for your garden. Depending on the type of garden you've created, you'll need to water and fertilize your plants regularly. Monitor your plants for pests and diseases and take action if necessary.

What to Grow and What Not to Grow

What you can grow in a vertical garden:

• Herbs: Herbs such as basil, thyme, and mint are great for vertical gardens because they don't require a lot of space and can be harvested regularly.
• Leafy greens: Lettuce, kale, and spinach can all be grown in a vertical garden with enough light and water.
• Strawberries: Strawberry plants are perfect for a vertical garden because they don't take up much space and can produce much fruit.
• Flowers: Many flowers, such as petunias and pansies, can be grown in a vertical garden to add color and fragrance to your backyard.
• Tomatoes: Some tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes, can be grown in a vertical garden with support from a trellis or cage.

What you can't grow in a vertical garden:

• Root vegetables: Vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and onions require a lot of space to grow and are not suited for a vertical garden.
• Large fruit trees: Fruit trees such as apple or peach trees require deep soil and a lot of space to grow, which isn't feasible in a vertical garden.
• Crops that require a lot of space: Corn, squash and melons are all crops that require a lot of space and aren't well-suited for a vertical garden.
• Crops that require a lot of support: Some crops, such as beans and peas, require a lot of support to grow tall, which can be challenging to provide in a vertical garden.

Overall, you can grow a wide variety of plants in a vertical garden if they have enough light, water, and support. Be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the size and structure of your vertical garden and follow the specific growing requirements for each plant.

Indoors vs Outdoors

Growing a vertical garden can be a great way to add greenery to your home, indoors or out. Here are some differences between developing a vertical garden indoors vs. outdoors:

Indoor Vertical Garden

Light: Indoor vertical gardens may not receive as much sunlight as outdoor gardens, so you must provide artificial light to help your plants grow. You can use LED grow lights to give your plants the right amount and type of light.

Humidity: Indoor environments can be dry, so you must maintain proper humidity levels to prevent your plants from drying out. You can use a humidifier or place a water tray near your plants to increase humidity.

Pests: Indoor environments are less prone to pests than outdoor gardens, but you'll still need to keep an eye out for common indoor pests like spider mites and fungus gnats.

Space: Indoor spaces may have less space than outdoor areas, so you'll need to choose the ideal plants for your room.

Outdoor Vertical Garden

Light: Outdoor vertical gardens receive natural sunlight, essential for plant growth. However, you'll need to ensure your plants receive enough light throughout the day, especially if your garden is heavily shaded. The position of your vertical garden will depend on what plants you are growing and how much light they need throughout the day.

Water: Outdoor gardens are exposed to the elements, so you must ensure your plants receive enough water. You may need to water your plants more frequently than indoor gardens, especially in hot, dry weather.

Soil: Outdoor gardens require soil that can hold moisture and nutrients. You can use a soilless growing medium like coconut coir, perlite, or vermiculite in combination with soil to improve drainage and nutrient uptake.

Pests: Outdoor gardens are more prone to pests like aphids, snails, and slugs, which can damage your plants. You can use natural pest control methods or pesticides to keep pests under control.

Tips for Maintaining Your Vertical Garden

• Regularly check the soil moisture level and water your plants as needed.
• Prune your plants regularly to prevent them from becoming too overgrown.
• Consider adding organic fertilizer to the soil to provide essential nutrients for your plants.
• Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth and to prevent them from becoming too crowded.
• Watch for pests and diseases and treat them promptly to prevent them from spreading.

It’s Time to Grow Up 

A DIY vertical garden is a great way to turn your backyard into a lush and thriving oasis, even if you're limited on space. With a little creativity and effort, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that will save you space, provide fresh produce and herbs and add an eye-catching addition to your living space. 

Whether you choose a trellis, pallet planter, hanging garden or tower garden, selecting the right soil, water, and plant requirements is essential for your garden's success. With proper planning, you can make your DIY vertical garden a reality and enjoy the beauty and benefits of gardening. So, roll up your sleeves and start your DIY vertical garden today – your backyard will thank you for it!