Urbanization has reduced the space available for gardening. Plain concrete structures not only reduce the aesthetic appeal but also create a heat island, making life difficult for the people living there. Vertical gardening is a suitable solution to this problem, as it creates small patches of greenery in these highly concrete structures. This has several benefits, such as increased aesthetic appeal, improved air quality, and reduced environmental pollution.
Vertical garden can be installed wherever walls or upward space is available. These vertical garden walls, a.k.a. green walls, are one of the favorite additions of landscapers and designers for creating a beautiful and healthier ambiance.
In this article, we’ll briefly cover the landscape of vertical gardening, starting with the basic concepts like what is this method of gardening, and progressing to more nuanced topics such as selecting suitable plants, providing nutrition, and ensuring proper irrigation.
Table of Contents
What Is a Vertical Garden
A vertical garden is a garden where plants are grown upwards, supported by walls, trellises, or stacked planters, instead of traditional horizontal beds. It is an innovative approach that makes the most out of limited space. These Gardens are ideal for urban areas, small yards, or indoor gardening.
Types Of Vertical Garden
GREEN WALLS (LIVING WALLS)
Most basic type, they simply consist of plants climbing vertically on walls, frames, or other structures. It creates a lush, green structure, improving the overall aesthetic
TRELLIS SYSTEMS-
Trellis means a framework of crisscrossing wooden or metal pieces that support climbing plants such as vines and beans.
POCKET PLANTERS-
Contains distinct pockets for growing plants, both adjacent and atop of one another creating a cascading effect. They give a modern look and can be placed indoors also.
Hydroponic Gardens-
In Hydroponics, plant roots are suspended in nutrient-rich media which supply essential nutrients and minerals to plants. This soil-less cultivation increases efficiency and decreases the use of water by 80 percent.
TOWER GARDENS-
Made up of cylindrical or oval containers stacked on top of one another. It not only looks beautiful but also increases plant density to a great extent.
Benefits Of Vertical Gardening
Space Saving – Since these gardens spread vertically and not horizontally they save a lot of space making them ideal for urban areas.
Improved air quality – plants filter air and increase oxygen levels.
Beautify Landscape -they add natural beauty to walls creating a vibrant and visual impact.
Increased Yield- growing plants vertically saves space and allows for more crops in limited space.
Stress Reduction – greenery is known to improve mental well-being, reduce stress, and create a calming environment.
Vertical Garden Ideas
1. Wall-mounted planters- Rows of planters or shelves can be installed on a wall to grow herbs, flowers, or small vegetables. These are Perfect for Kitchen, patios, or even living rooms.
2. Hanging Gardens- Using hanging pots or planters to create a cascading effect. Suitable for balcony vertical garden.
3. Pallet Gardens- Old wooden pallets are used as containers for plants. It is affordable and gives a unique wooden element to the garden.
4. Trellis Gardens – Using trellis to support climbing plants. It can be used to create a privacy wall. For eg. On fences.
5. Green wall panels—These are modular systems suitable for easy and quick setup and create a professional look.
Best plants for vertical garden
Although a variety of plants can be grown in these gardens, they all have 3 characteristics in common. They are compact, dense, and low maintenance. Some suitable plants for these gardens are –
- Herbs- They are easy to grow and maintain. Herbs such as basil, mint, and thyme are a good choice.
- Leafy greens – Ideal for this gardening method as they grow quickly and do not require much space. Eg.- Lettuce, spinach, kale.
- Flowering plants – Petunias, Begonias, and marigolds are all low-maintenance flowering plants that can add color and beauty to your garden.
Others: Climbing plants such as ivy, jasmine, and succulents such as jade plant can be suitable options.
Apart from that vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumber, and strawberry can also be grown in these gardens. Growing vegetables can provide you with a fresh food supply directly at your home.
Maintenance tips
Watering Frequency – These gardens can dry out quickly, so consistent watering is recommended. Although the final call is based on plant needs and climate.
Fertilization – Use liquid or slow-release fertilizers to ensure plants get the necessary nutrients in optimum amounts.
Pruning and Trimming – Regularly prune and trim overgrown plants to maintain shape and promote healthy growth. Remove dead and diseased leaves regularly.
Structural Maintenance – Check Structural integrity regularly to ensure they are secure and free from leaks
Frequently asked questions
What is a Vertical Garden?
It is a gardening technique where plants are grown vertically using structures like walls, trellises, or stacked planters, making it ideal for small or urban spaces.
How do I set up a Vertical Garden?
You need to choose a location with adequate light, install a support structure (like panels or trellises), use planters or pockets for growing plants, and ensure proper irrigation and drainage.
Can I grow Vegetables in a Vertical Garden?
Vegetables like tomatoes, leafy greens, and strawberries can be cultivated.
How do I water this garden?
Use a drip irrigation system for consistent watering, or manually water the plants.
Can I create a vertical Garden Indoors?
Yes, you can create an indoor vertical garden using plants that thrive in low light, like ferns, mosses, or indoor herbs.
How much does a Vertical Garden cost?
The expense depends on the size and materials employed. DIY gardens can be inexpensive, while pre-made systems with irrigation may cost more.
