Vertical gardens have become an increasingly popular way to bring greenery into small or urban spaces. By utilizing vertical space, you can create a lush, sustainable, green oasis even in areas where horizontal garden space is limited.
If you have a small balcony or just want to add more life to your space, this guide will walk you through the basics of how to build a vertical garden and provide you with useful tips that suit your needs.
Why Build A Vertical Garden?
A vertical garden allows you to grow more plants in a smaller space, helping to increase air quality, reduce noise, and add aesthetic appeal to any environment. Moreover, it can be a solution to growing herbs, flowers, or even vegetables when traditional gardening is not an option due to limited space or resources.
4 Materials You Need For Vertical Gardens
To get started with making a vertical garden, it is essential to gather a few basic materials. The type of materials you use will depend on your garden's location (indoor or outdoor) and the plants you plan to grow. Here are some common materials you will need:
- Support Structure: Whether you choose a wooden frame, a metal grid, or a plastic planter wall, you need a solid frame to hold your plants.
- Plant Pots Or Containers: Use a variety of containers to plant your vegetation. You can opt for modular planters, hanging pots, or even repurposing old items like shoes or bottles.
- Soil: High-quality, well-draining soil is essential for plant health. Consider adding compost for better growth.
- Plants: Choose plants that are suitable for vertical gardening. Herbs, trailing plants, succulents, and small vegetables like lettuce or strawberries work well.
When making a vertical garden, keep in mind a couple of things: if you have pets, make sure they either cannot reach any of the greenery or that all the plants are safe for pets to be around. And if you want to plant something edible, not all containers will be appropriate and hygienic.
How To Make A Vertical Garden Outdoors?
A popular option for beginners is building a wooden trellis or frame that leans against a wall. To construct a vertical garden outside, you will first need to secure your frame in place and ensure it is stable. Next, attach your planters or containers to the frame, ensuring that they are well-spaced for plant growth.
For a simple setup, use a hanging system where you can place individual plant pots or containers. You can also use vertical pockets made from felt or fabric, which can be attached to the frame and are great for plants with shallow roots. As for watering, a drip irrigation system or a watering can work well, but make sure to water consistently without over-saturating the soil.
How To Make An Indoor Vertical Garden Living Wall?
Start by selecting an area in your home that receives adequate light, such as a living room wall or kitchen. If your space is low on natural light, consider choosing plants that thrive in low-light conditions, like ferns or ivy.
For an indoor living wall, you will need a more intricate system. One popular option is using modular vertical garden systems with pockets or wall-mounted planters. These systems can be customized to fit the size of your wall and allow you to create a living art piece.
Use a combination of plants to add texture, color, and depth to your indoor garden. Be sure to keep in mind that indoor plants often require less water than their outdoor counterparts.
4 Tips To Create A Successful Vertical Garden
For those who love a good project, DIY vertical garden ideas can be a fun way to get creative. Here are some ideas that you can customize to suit your space and style:
1. Select The Right Plants
From selecting the correct plants and containers to using the best watering plant system. Choose plants that are suited to your climate and available light. Research the growing conditions of each plant and ensure that your vertical garden setup accommodates them.
2. Ensure Proper Watering
Vertical gardens can sometimes be prone to drying out quickly, especially if they are exposed to full sun. Be sure to monitor the moisture levels and water consistently.
3. Consider Plant Care
Since vertical gardens can be hard to reach, consider planting low-maintenance or self-sustaining plants. Succulents or hardy herbs like basil and thyme are excellent choices.
4. Create Layers
When designing your vertical garden, create layers of plants to add dimension and depth. Mix trailing plants, tall vertical growers, and ground covers to create an interesting visual effect.
Now that you know how to build a vertical garden, it is time to buy the materials and start planting! Make sure to check the cost for the landscaper and call them for any extra advice you may need.
