Gardens are a wonderful way to appreciate and tune in with nature. Vertical gardening is a fantastic solution to maximising the full potential of your outdoor space.
Vertical planting can assist in the creation of a stunning and one-of-a-kind display, regardless of whether you are planting flowers, herbs, fruits, or vegetables. You can make a captivating vertical garden out of containers, trellises, and other supports that help it grow and liven up your outdoor space. Additionally, you can increase airflow and water drainage, save space, and eliminate the need to weed with vertical planting.
What is Vertical Gardening?
Vertical planting is the practice of growing a variety of plants in a vertical space. These come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be made indoors or outdoors. Make the most of the space you have for growing plants, by drawing attention to an area or concealing an unsightly view. If you need privacy screening on a balcony, deck, or patio but don’t have much room, vertical is the way to go. Vertical gardening makes use of containers or upright growth habits to make the most of your growing space.
The recent trend of vertical gardening is becoming increasingly prevalent as gardeners channel their inspiration to new creative heights. Now that gardens aren’t limited by the ground they are planted on, they are taking on new forms. Repurposing old furniture into planters and turning birdhouses and teapots into flourishing miniature gardens are two examples. The rigid layout of gardens is long gone; plants’ textures, colours, and vibrancy are brought to life in novel ways in today’s vertical garden concepts.
If you have a small workspace, you don’t have to limit your design goals. From wall-mounted pallet planters to custom-built modular systems with automatic irrigation, anything is possible. It depends on your budget and your space’s needs. Vertical gardening with upright structures is beneficial for gardeners with small urban spaces, disabled gardeners, apartment dwellers, and gardeners with large traditional spaces. You can build a vertical garden in any way you want; gardeners are only limited by their imagination.
Vertical gardening employs structures that support plants as they grow upward, as opposed to growing plants horizontally. You can grow a lot more in a smaller space this way. While others grow plants horizontally to make use of wall space, others are constructed with support structures like trellises. Plants can be grown in pots that are stacked on top of one another or connected by a trellis for a vertical garden. In vertical gardening, you can create garden rooms or define hidden spaces that are ready for discovery by using structures or columnar trees. With the assistance of trellises, which can be attached to large containers, or the ground, vegetables, flowers, and vines can all be grown in vertical garden pots.
Systems can be as simple as vertically hung plant pots or as sophisticated as modular hydroponic panels that deliver nutrients and water and are electronically monitored. Upright structures provide crucial additional planting space in small gardens. The heat-retentive and protective qualities of a south-facing wall are ideal for plants from hotter regions.
Look at Wonderwall’s interlocking, self-watering planters, which stack easily and allow you to make a significant difference quickly.
Benefits of Vertical Planting
Space Saving
Vertical gardens don’t need to be large outdoor spaces. If you have a small outdoor space, vertical planting can help you to maximise your potential in that area.
Reduced Weeding
Vertical gardens help keep weeds to a minimum, which is great for those who are less experienced or find weeding to be a challenge.
Increased Airflow & Water Drainage
With large, horizontal gardens, it can be difficult to maintain good airflow and water drainage. Vertical gardening can help to create space for these elements, creating a healthier growing environment.
More Space for Crops
Vertical gardens use walls and other vertical spaces, creating more space for plants. This way, you can grow a greater variety of plants without taking up as much space.
Easier Harvesting
A vertical planting is also physically easier to maintain and harvest because the plants reach a higher level and don’t require as much kneeling or bending.
Reduced Chances of Diseases
Disease is less likely to affect fruit and foliage when they are higher above the ground. Plants that grow upwards have better air circulation, allowing them to dry out more quickly after being watered. This makes it less likely that moisture-loving fungi like powdery mildew and rusts will take root. Disease and pest signs are easier to spot, so they can be dealt with sooner rather than later.
Different Methods & Materials for Vertical Planting
Wall Gardens
Wall gardens are commonly used for growing fruits, herbs, and vegetables and are easy to create. Simply choose the plants you want to grow and place them in a tray.
Containers
While not all plants can be easily transplanted into containers, this method is an excellent way to create a vertical garden. Simply choose a container that is deep enough to grow the plants you want and add soil and the plants.
Trellises
Trellises are commonly used in gardens, especially those with vines. Simply choose a trellis that works for the plants you want to grow and add them to the structure.
Hanging Gardens
Hanging gardens can be used to grow a variety of plants. They work best when placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
Different Types of Plants for Vertical Planting
On a vertical plant wall or garden, a wide variety of plants are used, with the selection of the plants based on the light. Consider the following options for conventional vertical planting:
Fruit-bearing Vines
Fruit-bearing vines, such as kiwi vines and grape vines, thrive on trellises and are an excellent choice for vertical gardening.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, such as lettuce, Swiss chard, and spinach, are excellent for vertical gardening. They grow well in containers, making them perfect for vertical gardening.
Stem-growing Flowers
Stem-growing flowers, such as sunflowers, are great for vertical gardening and are also beautiful when used as a backdrop for other plants and flowers.
Tropical Plants
Tropical plants, such as orchids, bromeliads, and lilies, are beautiful when grown vertically.
Perennial Vines
Ivy and hybrid clematis are examples of perennial vines that can be grown quickly in vertical gardens. They thrive in full sunlight; the flowers of the clematis prefer sunlight, while the roots prefer shade.
Tips for Successful Vertical Gardening
- Create a plan for your vertical garden before beginning to plant. This way, you can ensure that you’re utilising the vertical space to its fullest potential.
- When designing your vertical garden, start from the ground up. Consider what materials you want to use for the support structures, and then choose the plants to fit with your design.
- Choose the right plants for the vertical gardening method you choose. For example, vines thrive on trellises and don’t need to be planted in containers.
- Choose containers with drainage holes to prevent over-watering and root rot.
- Before planting, secure your vertical gardening structure so that you don’t disturb the plants’ roots or stems. Sturdier structures should be paired with plants that are more demanding or heavy.
- Remember that tall structures or plants cast shadows on the vertical garden, affecting the patterns of growth of plants nearby.
- A vertical garden has different plant growth habits. Climbing roses, for example, need to be physically attached to structures. Morning glories, on the other hand, are twining plants that will wrap themselves around trellis openings.
- Because they are exposed to more light and wind, plants grown in a vertical garden may require more frequent fertilisation and watering.
Designing the Perfect Vertical Garden
- Consider the space you have available. Certain vertical gardening materials work better in specific areas, such as walls or rails.
- Think about how you want to utilise the space. Do you want a single vertical garden or multiple smaller ones?
- Choose the plants based on the grow light requirements. If you plan to use artificial lighting, make sure you choose plants that are suitable for these growing conditions.
- Place plants with similar light requirements together. This will help to maximise the light for each plant and create a more aesthetically pleasing design.
- Consider the overall design of your outdoor space when designing a vertical garden. You can either choose a design that is similar throughout your space or create a unique design for each vertical garden.
Tips for Maintaining a Vertical Garden
- Water your vertical garden regularly. Depending on the plant types and the size of your garden, you may need to water your vertical garden daily or weekly.
- Remove any dead or dying foliage from your vertical garden. This will not only make the garden look cleaner, but it will also keep the plants healthy.
- Fertilise your garden regularly. This will help to keep your plants healthy and thriving.
The Benefits of Utilising Vertical Space for Growing Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, & Flowers
- Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs vertically can help you to save space in your garden and maximise the amount of produce you can grow.
- When you grow these plants vertically, you’re increasing the amount of sunlight they receive, which will help them to grow quickly and produce more food.
- Planting these plants vertically will also help to create a beautiful display in your garden and provide delicious foods you can enjoy throughout the year.
Note: Thou vertical gardening has many benefits, it does require more frequent watering due to more cover from the wall or fence they are attached to
Vertical Planting in Small Spaces
Vertical gardening is an excellent way to create a beautiful aesthetic and maximise the small amount of space you have available in your garden. When growing vertically, you can grow a wide variety of produce, such as herbs, vegetables, and fruits. When growing in small spaces, you’ll want to choose short plants with wide leaves that are easy to water and maintain. You can also use container gardening to create a beautiful vertical display in a small space. There are many different types of plants that can thrive in a small space, including herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes. When planting in a small space, you’ll want to choose plants with small root systems, such as lettuce and herbs.
Examples of successful vertical gardens
Wall of Flowers
Wall gardens are excellent for growing a wide variety of flowers and are perfect for vertical gardening.
Vegetable Garden
Vertical gardens are a great way to maximise growing space, making them perfect for growing a vegetable garden.
Garden on the Patio
Growing plants on the patio is an excellent way to utilise vertical gardening and create a beautiful display.
Wonderwall – The Simplest Way to Make a Vertical Garden
At home, create the ultimate living wall. Because Wonderwall vertical garden kits are modular, you can start with fewer plants and add more as your plants grow!
With their easy-to-install living wall kits, you can quickly change the look of any room or space, inside or out. Cover ugly fences and walls, decorate balconies, transform backyards and courtyards made of brick, spruce up patios, and grow your own food.
Wonderwall: Who Are They?
Managing Director Rick McKeever set up Wonderwall in 2016 as a family business. Rick and his Wonderwall have been seen at numerous national garden shows. He won multiple awards for his stunning display at the Chelsea and Southport Flower Shows. Or, you might have seen Wonderwall on Love Your Garden, which is fast becoming a popular annual show on Lorraine, Love Your Weekend, and ITV. or at conferences and notable events like Silverstone and The Restaurant Show.
What Makes Wonderwall So Great?
The Wonderwall living wall system stands out from the competition. It allows plants to grow to their fullest potential without restriction, much like nature intended. Succulents with flowers, evergreens, alpine plants, perennials, beautiful foliage plants, ground covers, delicacies, medicinal herbs, and botanicals, among many other plant types, can be grown using their method.
Because it can be installed in just four easy steps, the Wonderwall starter kit may be the easiest method for creating a vertical garden. Simply attach the planter sets to the bottom batten, stack three planter sets, and attach the battens above to any surface. Keep doing this until you’ve covered the desired area. Water all of the planter set reservoirs below with ease from the top planter set. Then, insert any 1L potted plant into each pocket of the planter set. All of this is explained on their website: visit their website here.
Conclusion
Vertical gardening is an excellent way to create an aesthetically pleasing garden and maximise the space you have available in your outdoor space. When growing vertically, you can grow a wide variety of produce, such as herbs, vegetables, and fruits. When growing in small spaces, you’ll want to choose short plants with wide leaves that are easy to water and maintain. You can also use container gardening to create a beautiful vertical display in a small space. There are many different types of plants that can thrive in a small space, including herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes. When planting in a small space, you’ll want to choose plants with small root systems.
