Vertical gardens are gardens where plants are grown vertically along walls or fences rather than along the ground. Like regular gardens, they help beautify the property and add a splash of greenery. Since vertical gardens do not require much space, they are perfect for homes with a small backyard. That said, they must be looked after well. Homeowners who wish to set up a vertical garden must use the right tips for a positive outcome.
Backyard vertical garden ideas
Individuals wondering how to create a vertical garden in a small backyard can try several space-saving gardening techniques.
Use a fence as a living wall
If someone has limited space for a vertical garden, they can use a fence or wall to liven up the space and add greenery. One way to create a living wall is to attach multiple compost-filled panels to a fence and grow plants in them. The compost-filled panels can be attached to the fence with the help of frames that work as slots or placeholders for the planters. This kind of living wall must be set up close to an outdoor tap to maintain irrigation or create a timed watering system that can always keep the wall well-irrigated.
Use the roof
Vertical gardens do not necessarily need to grow on a wall or a fence. They can also be set up on the porch, the top of the shed, or the roof. An easy way to create a roof garden is to get a professional to install wooden framing on the roof in which plants can be grown. However, before installation, one should check the stability of the structure and the amount of weight it can support. One should not build a heavy garden as the roof may buckle under the weight of the plants. The compost, plants, and timber can be fairly heavy and need solid support to grow.
Upcycle an old dresser
Individuals who want to start a small backyard vertical garden can do so using an old, abandoned dresser sourced from the storage room. If a person does not have an old dresser, they can purchase one from thrift markets for a cheaper price. After getting the dresser, one must put it outside, open the drawers, and fill them with soil and plants. The drawers on the top can be opened halfway while those at the bottom can be pulled out more (gradually, in increasing order) to create a cascading waterfall-like look. It is a perfect backyard vertical garden idea for a small backyard space.
Use shoe organizers
Vertical shoe organizers are life savers for people with a wide footwear collection. They do not take up too much space and keep all shoes visible and accessible. Vertical or hanging shoe organizers can also double up as a vertical garden wall. Each pocket can be used as a container for different herbs or plants that do not require a large supply of soil or space for growing.
Tips for maintaining a vertical garden
When growing a DIY vertical garden in small spaces, one must take time to maintain it. Regular maintenance might seem tedious, but it must be done to keep the garden growing and looking fresh.
Water the plants regularly
Vertical gardens have little soil, which cannot hold much water. That’s why they need to be watered more often. Frequent watering is especially important during summer as the heat can drain out the soil quickly. Plants growing on higher walls and fences will need extra care as they are more exposed to the sun and wind.
While frequent watering is important, one should monitor the soil’s moisture levels and not hydrate it more than required. One way to prevent water from accumulating in the planters is to drill holes at the bottom and allow the excess water to drain. Individuals who cannot follow a regular watering schedule can switch to a drip irrigation system. This system provides a slow, steady water supply directly to the plants, lowering the risk of over-watering.
Don’t ignore fertilization
Like regular gardens, vertical gardens require adequate nutrition to grow. One way to nourish them is to use fertilizer. When choosing a fertilizer, one must ensure it is suitable for potted plants in a standing garden. It is also advisable to look for water-soluble options as they quickly dissolve in water and get absorbed by the plants.
Fertilizer is ideally used every two to four weeks during the growing season for sustainable vertical gardening. That said, it is best to speak to experienced professionals about the frequency of usage. One should read the instructions on the package and follow the suggested dilution rates to avoid overfertilization.
Prune the garden
One of the most basic maintenance tasks is pruning, which involves regularly checking the container plants and removing yellowing or dead leaves. Pruning prevents the garden from losing its lush green color. When pruning a small-space vertical garden, one must also harvest herbs and vegetables if ready. Delaying this task may cause the herbs and veggies to become overripe.
Suitable plants for vertical gardens
Regardless of the type of vertical garden, one must grow the right plants. Spinach, radish, chives, and green onions are among the best plants for a vertical garden because of their shallow roots. If one wants to choose plants with moderately sized roots, they can pick from celery, Swiss chard, peas, kale, and peppers. Herbs and succulents are also preferred for a sustainable and easy-to-maintain vertical garden.
Self-clinging climbers like beans, clematis, and morning glories are suitable plants for a living wall. These climbers attach themselves to surfaces and grow even without supporting structures. That said, one can add trellis panels or a wire or plastic mesh to the walls to aid faster growth and increase green space.