Who says you need a huge backyard to have a fresh vegetable garden at home? With life becoming more and more urban, the idea of growing your own food has become a dream come true for many. And the best part? You don’t need much space for it! Vertical gardens are revolutionizing the way we grow our food, allowing even those who live in small apartments to have a vibrant and productive vegetable garden.
Imagine having lettuce, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs picked from your own garden, straight into your salad!
In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to create an incredible vertical garden, even if you’re new to growing vegetables. You’ll learn all about which vegetables to choose; how to set up your garden; essential care; inspiration and ideas; and much more.
You’ll have all the tools you need to turn a corner of your home into a green, self-sustaining oasis.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have fresh, healthy food grown by yourself!
1. Why grow your vegetable garden high up?
Who says you need a huge backyard to have a fresh vegetable garden at home? With life becoming more and more urban, the idea of growing your own food has become a dream come true for many. And the best part? You don’t need much space for that! Vertical gardens are the perfect solution for those who live in apartments, small houses or even in spaces with little sunlight.
But why choose a vertical garden?
More greenery in less space: Ideal for those who live in apartments or houses with little outdoor space, vertical gardens optimize every square centimetre, transforming walls and balconies into veritable green oases.
Fresh food always at hand: Imagine having lettuce, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs picked from your own garden, straight into your salad! Growing your own food ensures that you always have fresh and tasty ingredients on hand.
Improves air quality: Plants help purify the air, removing toxins and increasing humidity levels, creating a healthier environment for you and your family.
Contact with nature: Growing your own plants connects you with nature and gives you moments of relaxation and well-being.
Sustainability: By growing your own food, you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Where can you have a vertical garden?
Balconies: Turn your balcony into a green and pleasant space, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Kitchens: Always have fresh herbs on hand to season your recipes.
Living rooms: Create a cozier and more inviting atmosphere with a vertical garden.
Internal walls: Take advantage of internal walls to create a vertical garden that brightens up the room.
Vertical gardens are versatile and can adapt to any space, from the smallest apartment to the largest house.
2. Which vegetables to grow?
Now that you know the benefits of having a vertical garden, it’s time to choose which vegetables to grow. But where should you start?
Perfect vegetables for vertical growing
Some vegetables are better suited to vertical growing than others. The most popular are
Leafy greens: Lettuce, rocket, spinach and kale are great options for vertical gardens, as they don’t need much space for their roots and grow quickly.
Aromatic herbs: Basil, oregano, parsley, coriander and rosemary are perfect to keep on hand in the kitchen.
Cherry tomatoes: Small and tasty, cherry tomatoes are ideal for compact vertical gardens.
Strawberries: With their hanging plants, strawberries are a great option for adding color and flavor to your garden.
Chili peppers: If you like a spicy touch to your food, you can grow chili peppers of different varieties in your vertical garden.
How to choose the right vegetables
When choosing vegetables for your vertical garden, consider the following factors:
Light requirements: Some plants need more sun than others. Choose plants according to the amount of light your garden receives.
Root space: Plant roots need space to develop. Choose plants with compact roots for vertical gardens.
Growth cycle: Some plants grow faster than others. Plan your vertical garden with plants of different growth cycles to get a continuous harvest.
Combining vegetables
To optimize space and ensure the health of your plants, you can combine different types of vegetables in the same vertical garden. For example, you could plant lettuce at the bottom, cherry tomatoes in the middle and aromatic herbs at the top.
Extra tips
Vary the colors: Combine plants with different colors of leaves and flowers to create a more beautiful and interesting vertical garden.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of plants. Learning from mistakes is part of the process!
3. Get to work: Planning and preparing your vertical garden
Now that you know which plants to grow, it’s time to get down to work and start building your vertical garden! But before you start, it’s important to plan everything properly.
Choose the ideal location
The location where you are going to install your vertical garden will directly influence the growth of your plants. Some important factors to consider are
Lighting: Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Choose a spot that gets plenty of light, such as a wall facing north or west.
Accessibility: Choose a location that is easy to reach so that you can care for your plants without difficulty.
Protection: If you live in a windy area, choose a sheltered spot to avoid damaging your plants.
Types of supports
There are various types of supports for vertical gardens. The most common are
Modular panels: These are easy to install and allow you to create different designs.
Wooden structure: You can build your own wooden structure for a personalized vertical garden.
Hanging pots: A simpler and more versatile option.
Fabric pockets: Ideal for small spaces and plants with shallow roots.
Preparing the soil and watering
Substrate: Use a quality substrate to ensure good root growth. A mixture of topsoil, organic compost and sand is ideal for most vegetables.
Irrigation: It’s important to choose a suitable irrigation system for your vertical garden. You can opt for a drip system, a sprinkler system or water manually.
Extra tips
Drainage: Make sure your vertical garden has good drainage to avoid water accumulation and root rot.
Weight: Take into account the weight of the substrate and the plants when choosing the support for your vertical garden.
Maintenance: Bear in mind that a vertical garden requires regular maintenance, such as removing dry leaves and fertilizing.
4. Caring for your vertical garden: tips for healthy growth
Now that your vertical garden is ready, it’s time to take care of it to ensure that your plants grow strong and healthy. But how do you do that?
Watering: Watering is fundamental to the success of your vertical garden. The frequency of watering will depend on the type of plant, the climate and the type of substrate you are using. Water your plants whenever the top of the substrate is dry to the touch.
Fertilizing: Plants need nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Use a liquid fertilizer specifically for vegetables and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pests and diseases: As with any other type of cultivation, plants in vertical gardens can also be attacked by pests and diseases. To prevent problems, inspect your plants regularly and remove any diseased or yellow leaves. If you spot any pests, there are several natural solutions for controlling them, such as using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with all the care you take, it’s common to make some mistakes when growing vegetables in vertical gardens.
Overwatering: Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes and can lead to root rot.
Lack of light: If your plants aren’t getting enough light, they can turn yellow and grow poorly.
Lack of nutrients: A lack of nutrients can cause leaves to turn yellow and flowers to fall off.
Pests and diseases: If you don’t control pests and diseases, they can spread quickly and damage your entire garden.
How to avoid these problems
Proper watering: Water your plants regularly, but avoid soaking them.
Choose the right location: Make sure your plants are getting the right amount of light.
Fertilize regularly: Fertilize your plants regularly to ensure they have all the nutrients they need.
Inspect your plants regularly: Identify and treat any problems as soon as possible.
6. Inspirations that will make your mouth water: Different vertical garden designs
Now that you know all about how to create a vertical garden, how about getting inspired by some incredible designs? There are many ways to personalize your garden and make your space even more beautiful and functional.
Modular vertical gardens: These are perfect for those who like to change their décor frequently. You can create different combinations of plants and colors.
Vertical gardens with:
- pallets – An economical and sustainable option for those who like a more rustic style.
- plastic bottles – A creative way to reuse materials and create a unique vertical garden.
- hanging pots – Ideal for those with limited space who want to add a touch of green to their decor.
Personalize your vertical garden
Choose your plants: Combine plants with different colors, textures and heights to create an interesting visual effect.
Use different materials: Use pots of different sizes and colors, stones, gravel and other decorative elements to personalize your garden.
Create a theme: You can create a vertical garden with a specific theme, such as a Zen garden, an edible garden or a tropical garden.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to turn your little corner into a small urban forest? Growing your own food, as well as being delicious, is a way of connecting with nature and contributing to a more sustainable world.
Imagine a little piece of nature inside your home, with fresh herbs to season your recipes, mini vegetables for colorful salads and vibrant flowers to brighten up your days. With a vertical garden, you not only decorate your space, but also improve air quality, reduce stress and enjoy fresh, nutritious food picked directly from your home.
But the benefits go beyond your home: by opting for a vertical garden, you’re doing your bit for a greener, more sustainable future. After all, every plant you grow is a small victory against climate change and in favor of biodiversity.
And don’t worry if you think you don’t have a “green hand”. With a little research, patience and the right tips, anyone can create a lush vertical garden. There are several plant options, substrates and irrigation systems to choose from, adapting your garden to your needs and your space.
How about starting your vertical gardening journey right now?
Read more
How to Turn an Empty Wall into a Vibrant Vertical Garden
How to Build a Self-Irrigating Vertical Garden
Culinary Herbs that Thrive in Low-Light Environments
