If you’re stuck on how to add a green space to your home or backyard in a tight area, then knowing how to make vertical gardens can be a game changer.
However, even if you do have a large space in your yard to “play” with – sometimes an excessive amount of pots just doesn’t work for the needs of your household. If you can’t go out, go up – and the good news is that there are plenty of choices on offer when it comes to learning how to make vertical gardens that suit just about any home, wall or outdoor space.
Types Of Vertical Garden Systems
Even if you have enough space for more traditional greenery, vertical gardens are a great solution if you’re just plain old busy. Apart from the usual watering and feeding requirements, they’re considered to be undemanding once established. Whether you opt to purchase a pre-made vertical garden system or to DIY it instead, your options for crafting a vertical garden are almost limitless.
Mounted Mesh Grids – Whether you’re looking to train a vine to cover a wall or would like a base to hang individual pots or planters from, securing a wire mesh grid to a surface is one of the most flexible choices on how to make vertical gardens.
DIY Pallet Box – If you have a smaller apartment or flat, crafting an old pallet box into a vertical garden can be a great project without breaking the bank. They’re a great option to try growing your own herbs or succulents, especially if you’re new to gardening.
Stand Alone Portable Systems – If you’re renting or require an unsecured structure, then a portable system on wheels can provide a great solution. Easy to maintain, they’re also a great choice if you have “baby” plants that need a chance to become established.
Picture Frames – A standard black pot or planter might be a bit too basic for your taste. For those who fancy themselves as craft gurus, head down to your local thrift store and pick up an old frame – as these can be repurposed into vertical living succulent gardens.
Stand Alone Planter Boxes – Do you want ten different plants, or one hundred? With stand alone planter boxes for a vertical space, you don’t have to make a steadfast decision just yet as you have the flexibility to mix and match.
Felt Vertical Garden Pockets – If you want to eventually cover an entire wall space, then felt vertical pockets are a great place to start. Along with moisture retention, once planted in their felt pockets, the plants can be moved and swapped about without inflicting any damage.
Plants Suitable For Vertical Gardens
Once you’ve selected the materials for your modern day Hanging Gardens of Babylon, it’s time to choose your plants. Make sure your selections are suitable for the amount of watering you want to do, and the amount of sunlight that the area can expect to see.
Edible Wall – Herbs are one of the easiest plants to grow for beginners, but did you know that there’s also a range of vegetables that are suitable for vertical gardens? Think lettuce, bok choy and even chilli for plants that will ideally find their way into your kitchen too.
Go Troppo – If you’re considering a large scale vertical garden that will ideally cover an entire wall or courtyard, opt for tropical species like most ferns. Not only will they make your abode feel like a holiday house, but they’re highly adaptable and resistant to humidity. Just take note of the climate you are in as this will dictate the types of plants to use.
Succulents – Whether you’re opting for a DIY pallet or frame, or even individual pots in a wire grid, succulents have remained a popular plant for Aussie gardeners for a reason. While incredibly low maintenance, the variety of colours and shapes make them plants that truly “pop”.
Making sure your plants get the nutrients needed
One of the trickiest parts about vertical gardening is making sure your plants get the necessary nutrients. As soil is limited in these situations it is always great to start with a potting mix that is high in organic matter. Feeding fortnightly with Biotic Booster and RE-250 will ensure your plants are healthy and thriving all year round!
Further Advice On How To Make Vertical Gardens
Whether you’re on the hunt for more tips with how to start gardening more efficiently at home, or further insights regarding an alternative for chemical based plant food, fertilisers or weed killers – it’s always worth speaking to the professionals.
Here at Bioweed, we specialise in environmentally friendly gardening products, including herbicides, plant probiotics, and natural alternatives to traditional gardening solutions. Should you have any questions about how to improve the sustainability of your home, garden or agricultural crop, get in touch with us today.