Canarm
Canarm CORIN LED Black Outdoor Light
Make a lasting impression with your outdoor lighting in both style and illumination with the CORIN LED outdoor wall light. The CORIN wall light has made it e...
$135
View ProductRise | We've Done the Research
What is Vertical Gardening?
Vertical gardening is the art of growing upward and not outward. In recent years, this strategy has become increasingly popular for weekend gardeners and professional farmers alike. But why is that?
There are two vertical gardening styles: growing plants in containers attached to vertical frames or wall surfaces; and training a plant to grow vertically. Both of these growing styles take plants off the ground and allow their foliage to expand three-dimensionally.
Now, vertical gardens do come with some challenges. They often take extra time to train the plants to climb a certain way, but the fact that you can grow this way indoors or out makes up for the additional required attention.
Vertical gardens are an excellent option for homes where space is limited, properties looking to create living fences, and even walls inside a home or business.
When choosing your plant's support system, be sure to choose something that will support the mature plant's weight. Plants, like beans and peas, do best with climbing trellises that they can overwhelm. Your perennial grapevines, on the other hand, will need a sturdier structure for support. If you're planning on growing against a wooden frame, be sure to add extra layers of protection against humidity. This protection is because, over time, the wood will become saturated and decay.
Some sites recommend layering the surface with plastic covering and jute, giving the area a clean appearance and giving the plants something to grip. The downside is, if done improperly, you run the risk of trapping moisture in with the wood and running into the same issue.
That said, these are my 5 of my favorite vertical garden ideas:
Tripods
Tripods are great for spaces away from walls and preferably in a yard where the whole area gets sunlight. Planting beans around each pole and allowing them to climb is one way to take advantage of the tripod design. By adding in connecting strings between each leg, you can train your crop around the support, creating a small enclosure. I've seen tripods large enough for children to sit comfortably in while they excitedly harvested the beans!
Upcycled
In the realm of vertical gardens, upcycled seems to be taking off. From reused canvas shoe organizers to bisected 2-liter bottles and even gutters, it can be a planter if it can hold a crop. Of course, when upcycling, always be sure to research the products you are using to ensure they are non-toxic.
In a world with plenty of trellises at the store, an upcycled garden may catch the praise of a passerby or create the inviting aesthetic you were hoping to achieve for your guests.
Tower Gardens
These gardens can be DIY or purchased and are, as the name implies, a tower of plants. These come in many forms, from a pyramid style to a vertical cylinder. When space permits, you can build a pyramid of planter boxes that can hold your strawberries, creating a delicious conversation starter.
Hanging
Whether they are hanging against the wall or under the awning, hanging baskets fill a vertical niche. These dangling delights can be full of pollinators, attracting various beneficial insects to your space. Or they can carry hanging fruits and vegetables like strawberries and cherry tomatoes. Be sure to consider sun and wind exposure with these containers as too much may dry them out quickly.
Recommended by Rise
Gardening & Outdoor
Shop the best high-performing gardening and outdoor products that impact your health, wealth, and the planet through their use.
What Are the Best Herbs for Vertical Gardening?
Herbs are an excellent option for vertical gardening. Basil, mint, parsley, chives and thyme are the five easiest herbs to grow in a vertical garden.
As with everything in gardening, your garden may require research to succeed in your site's unique conditions. And that's okay! Everything takes time, and learning what plants will work best for your property is just one step in the fun journey of gardening. But before long, you'll be enjoying your wall of herbs and hanging baskets of tomatoes.
Rise Writer
Expert. Practical. Sustainable.
Article by
Tanner Sagouspe
Tanner Sagouspe has a Masters in Environmental Management and is a Permaculture Designer who promotes tackling the climate crisis at home.
Expertly Curated
We find and feature the best products for a healthier, more sustainable home.
Trusted by Thousands
Helping 10,000+ families build better homes.
A More Sustainable Tomorrow
People. Planet. Better living.
