Vertical gardening includes quite an array of gardening methods. It is as simple as training your plants or vegetables to grow in an upward direction, to actually planting on a vertical space, like a wall. Today we’re talking mostly about vertical gardening on a wall. With this type of gardening, a wallflower could be the star of your garden. Let’s get started!

What is vertical gardening best for?

Vertical gardening is ideal if you have only a small space to create a garden. It’s ideal because it takes advantage of vertical space rather than square footage. Even if you live in a small apartment with a balcony, chances are you have some vertical space to take advantage of. Plants that are trained to be “wallflowers” take up about one-tenth the space they need in a traditional garden plot.

What can be used for a vertical garden space?

A lot of things make excellent vertical garden space. A small spot of ground with a trellis is one option. An artfully arranged stack of clay pots is another vertical gardening option that’s especially pretty. And as already mentioned, any open wall could make a great vertical garden.

Tips to create a vertical garden

Choose a sunny spot for your vertical garden. Most gardens require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. You should also choose somewhere that is a convenient watering spot. The easier it is to care for, the better! If you have limited space for vegetables, tomatoes, squash and beans are ideal for training to grow vertically on a trellis. A ladder also makes a fun vertical garden for your patio. Just hang pots from the rungs!

Other tips include:

• Start small until you get the hang of vertical gardening.
• Get children in on the fun! They love vertical gardening because the plants are more easily accessible for them.
• Keep your vertical garden away from trees or shrubs that will compete for water needs.

Plants that grow well in a vertical garden

Plants that train easily for vertical gardening include the already mentioned tomatoes, squash and beans. Other vegetables that adapt well to vertical gardening are cucumbers and peas. You can also plant climbing vines and flowers, as well as cascading varieties that look pretty in a vertical space. Strawberries work well, too!

Don’t be afraid to try your hand at vertical gardening. Let me know how it goes!