3 Easy Ways to Grow a Vertical Garden and Save Space

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By Ashley Hanson

Updated: Dec 26, 2024

8 min read

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    Vertical gardening is growing in popularity because it doesn’t require a lot of space but still allows you to enjoy a flourishing garden. Space-saving garden beds, trellises, and wall-mounted planters offer a stunning addition to any area, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Instead of having a garden using up all your ground space, vertical gardens grow upwards. This allows you to maximize small areas and grow more with less. 

    Here are three simple methods to create your own vertical garden while saving space. 

    Use Wall-Mounted Planters or Garden Walls 

    Wall-mounted planters and garden walls make great use of any unused wall space while adding greenery to urban settings. If you have a smaller area that you want to bring to life, this is one of the best ways to use your vertical space while creating a stunning focal point. Even better: garden walls are simple to install and easy to maintain. 

    How to do it:

    • First, install sturdy brackets or racks for the planters.

    • Choose lightweight planters or pockets made from durable materials (ideal for longevity and sustainability) and hang according to manufacturer’s instructions. If your wall is susceptible to rot, be sure to use sealed planters while maintaining adequate drainage.

    • Use trailing plants like herbs, strawberries, or flowers or opt for ferns/native plants.

    • Employ wall-mounted planters to create a sense of enclosure in a space or “garden room.

    Tips:

    As the top plants may not be accessible to water by hand, consider installing irrigation or using self-watering planters. Also be sure to place your vertical raised garden planters in an area with access to sunlight. 

    Use Trellises and Climbing Plants 

    By using trellises, you encourage vertical growth for plants that naturally climb, saving important ground space. This also increases air circulation for plants and access to sunlight. You can make your own trellis or purchase one made from wood, metal, or composite materials.

    How to do it:

    • Attach the trellis to vertical planters boxes, a vertical raised garden bed, or directly onto the wall.

    • Plant tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, clematis, or jasmine at the trellis base, fastening the plant to the trellis as it grows.

    • Ensure adequate water for the plants at root level. In most cases, the leaves do not need watering. 

    Tips:

    • For the support of heavier plants like squash or melons, be sure to use a trellis made of strong materials. These heavy crops have been known to topple even strong trellises if not adequately braced. To promote healthy vertical growth and prevent overcrowding, be sure to prune the plants regularly where required, such as with indeterminate tomatoes.

    Not only are you going to have a thriving garden that takes very little space, trellises can offer visual appeal. Explore the possibilities of creating your own secret garden in your backyard with arches, tripods, obelisks, and flat grids. 

    Use Tiered Raised Beds 

    Tiered raised beds maximize vertical space while providing ample room for roots to grow. This is an ideal option if you want to grow a variety of plants with different soil depth requirements. You can create your own DIY tiered raised bed or purchase vertical garden beds with the option of wood, metal, or composite materials. 

    How to do it:

    • Arrange taller plants like tomatoes or peppers where the soil depth is the greatest. For smaller plants requiring shallower soil depths, use the lower tiers. Be sure to position your beds so larger crops don’t shade the smaller ones. 

    • For a natural, layered look, include plants like strawberries or nasturtiums, which naturally cascade over the sides.

    Tips:

    • Be sure to use soil that’s appropriate for each plant type as your tiers may have different needs. Position the tiered bed in a sunny spot so that all tiers receive adequate light. Regularly rotate crops to maintain the soil health.

    A tiered vertical raised garden bed is a space saver and a great addition to gardens, patios, and balconies. As vertical garden beds are so aesthetically pleasing, they add a warm feeling to outdoor areas where you spend time entertaining. 

    Vertical Gardening Made Easy

    Wall-mounted planters, trellises, and tiered vertical raised garden planters are three easy methods to create a space-saving garden. Vertical planter boxes and trellises allow you to create a garden that provides plenty of area for all your plants, even if you live in a small space. 

    Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of any room or outdoor area, they also support sustainable living. These methods are simple and don’t have to cost a lot but make a big impact anywhere you put them. Try the method that suits your space and start your journey with Eartheasy’s vertical gardening options.

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