Vertical Gardening – Everything You Need to Know! Want to do gardening, but you don’t have enough space? Or do you want to hide an unattractive view? Or you want to maximize your space? Well, vertical gardens are the perfect solution to your problem!

 

Vertical gardens are one of the hottest gardening trends nowadays. It adds another dimension to both your indoor and outdoor gardening journey. Of course, since vertical gardens have a unique orientation, there are also particular things you need to do to keep it going.

 

Want to know more about vertical gardening? Here’s your ultimate guide!

 

Vertical Gardening Basics

 

To support your vertical garden, you need to use structures or columnar trees or trellises as you will need these for your vertical garden’s foundation. With this kind of support in place, you will be able to grow vines, flowers, vegetables, or even your herb garden.

 

Vertical gardening suits small-space urban gardeners and apartment dwellers perfectly since you can save a lot of space compared to traditional gardening.

Houseplants in vertical gardens are also a big help during winter because it provides the much-needed humidity. It also promotes good air circulation. Take note that you’ll have to water plants in vertical gardens more frequently.

 

Vertical Garden Structures

 

The structure that supports vertical gardening is essential to make it work. Some arrangements include fences, arbors, trellises, tuteurs, obelisks, and even vertical plant walls.

 

The use of hanging baskets and pots are also considered as part of your vertical garden.

 

Since plants in vertical gardens need more irrigation, you have to attach a drip irrigation system to water them with ease. You have to add a rope or pulley system for a faster watering process.

 

Vertical Gardening Considerations

1. Have your vertical structure in place first

 

The first step to your vertical garden is to make sure that the structure that will support it is in place. This will prevent the disruption of the growing roots and stems of your plants.

 

Also, you have to balance the weight of your plants. Pair the more massive plants with the sturdier structures.

 

2. Be mindful of the shadows

 

Tall plants or structures can cast shadows and can affect nearby plants. This is one thing you have to consider because it will affect the sunlight your other plants can get. So, think of this when deciding on the location of your vertical garden.

 

3. Plants grow differently

 

Do some research about plants you’re going to grow so you’ll have a better idea of the structure you will use to support it. For instance, climbing roses need to be physically attached to the fabric. But some plants like morning glories can simply loop themselves in trellis openings.

 

4. Plants need more watering

 

As mentioned earlier, plants in vertical gardens need more frequent watering. Try to consider this in putting up your vertical garden so you can make watering part of the structure. Plants also need more fertilizer because they are more exposed to light and wind.

 

Vertical Garden Plants

 

Now, what plants are best for vertical gardens?

 

For traditional vertical planting, here are some of the options:

 

1. Annual Vines

 

Annual vines like black-eyed Susan vine, cardinal climber, cypress vines, moon flower, scarlet runner bean, and hyacinth bean are highly recommended for a vertical garden because they grow without becoming too heavy. They are also at their best when exposed to full sun.

 

2. Perennial Vines

 

Clematis Hybrids, American Bittersweet, and Ivy also quickly grow in vertical gardens. Perennial vines also grow best in full sun, but they prefer their roods to be under shade for the clematis hybrids.

 

3. Shady Vines

 

Shady vines include hardy kiwi, chocolate vine, Dutchman’s pipe, and the climbing hydrangea.

 

4. Edible Plants

 

Some edible plants adapt or grow best with vertical gardening. Such plants include kiwi, Siberian gooseberries, edible flowers, and vegetables such as peas, squash, tomatoes, and pole beans.

 

Maximize your space and reap the benefits of gardening. Yes, space can be a challenge, but there will always be ways to work around it. Before you proceed with vertical gardening, do some reading and research to carry it out successfully and with ease.

 

Be sure to check-out more of our Local NYC gardening guides!

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