Vertical gardening isn’t a new phenomenon. Gardeners have been using trellises and steel arches to grow plants and veggies for years, but this idea of planting up rather than out is enjoying a renaissance.
It’s a great way to make the most of small outdoor spaces. Plants and veggies on walls and fences can also be used to block out unsightly bits of your garden and create privacy.
Let’s look at some of the vertical gardening ideas you can try at home this year.
1. Hanging baskets
Hanging baskets are the perfect container to grow plants vertically. You can hang them from a pergola, an arbour, or other similar garden structure.
Baskets are just one idea. You can use anything from upturned milk cartons to mason jars and colanders. Just ensure the container you choose has enough drainage so you can water your plants frequently without drowning them!
2. Fence containers
Bland, boring fences are a great place to add colourful containers that get your plants off the ground, maximising the space in small gardens.
You may already have things that you can repurpose as a fence planter. Consider using cup holders (Ikea’s are perfect!) or even an over-the-door shoe organiser (we know it sounds odd, but it works).
3. Wall planting
Cover up your unsightly walls with colourful plants. Some plants, like ivy, will naturally grow up a wall, but many require a trellis. It’s crucial that you ensure your trellis is strong enough for your chosen plant.
You can attach a trellis to the ground or anchor it in a container. This gives you the freedom to grow almost anything using much less space.
4. Steel rose arches
Using a steel arch is an easy route to vertical gardening. Traditionally, these arches have been used to grow roses, but you can grow any climbing plant this way. Clematis, wisteria, and sweet pea can all be grown using an arch.
Position your arch over your garden path or walkway to enjoy the aromas of fragrant plants like sweet pea as you walk under them.
5. Metal pergolas
A metal pergola consists of vertical posts or pillars that support cross beams, often creating a passageway, walkway, or sitting area. It provides an ideal framework for climbing or trailing plants, from vines to flowers.
Planting up the sides and across the top can create much-needed shade for those sunny afternoons when you need a reprieve from the sun.
Vertical gardening wrapped up
Vertical gardening is both functional and decorative. It’s an innovative way of making the most of small gardens where space is at a premium, but the visual interest it adds is worthy of a place in any sized garden.
Climbing plants and vines thrive in a vertical growing environment where they have access to more air and sunlight. That means you’ll need to water and fertilise them more often, but your hard work will be rewarded with a stunning, colourful display of plants, flowers, and veggies.
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