How to Create a Vertical Garden

For apartment residents that are longing for a garden but are short on space, a vertical garden is a fantastic alternative to a traditional garden. These functional gardens take up minimal real estate, while still allowing green thumb enthusiasts to enjoy a beautiful garden space.

All you need is some free space on a wall — depending on how many plants you want to hang up — and the rest is up to you.

1. Choose a wall with some free space

A vertical garden can be created on practically any wall, either indoors or out. You can adjust the size of the garden based on the size of the wall and your preference for how much space you want it to take up.

If you have a wall that isn't particularly appealing, you can use your vertical garden to cover it and give the wall a refreshed appearance.

2. Decide on the type of garden

Vertical gardens come in many forms. You can select one that suits both your style and space. For smaller spaces, opt for a vertical planter that lays flat on the wall. If you have a larger space, you can have a bit more freedom to play with the design like a tiered garden.

A simple option to create a vertical garden is pocket planters. These are crafted from breathable felt fabric so the plants can grow well. You could also use a fabric shoe organizer to make things even easier.

Container style vertical gardens are another easy option where potted plants are attached to the wall or stacked up in planters. Vertical gardens can also be grown in a structure with slots or panels.

Recycling a pallet to create this structure is a trendy, budget-friendly and environmentally-sound way to create a vertical garden.

Do some research on what fits your space, plants and aesthetic, and select the right option for you. HGTV can help you decide between all of your options if you're still unsure. They discuss “steel with felt pockets" and “wood frame" ideas to name a few.

3. Choose your plants

Picking the right plants for your vertical garden plays an important role in the success of your garden. When it comes to vertical gardening, not all plants are created equal.

Your plant selection will depend on the location and the amount of sunlight the space receives, your preference for plants and the type of garden structure you're moving forward with.

If you picked a sunny location, select high light plants. If the wall is located in a shady area, low light plants are the better option. When you're purchasing your plants, take a look at the information provided on the back of their pot. Usually, this will inform you as to the amount of sunlight and water each specific plant needs. That way, you can rule out some types of plants right away, and you'll have a better chance of creating a long-lasting garden.

4. Pick up your materials

One of the simpler steps to creating your garden, make a list of the materials you need once you've decided on the type of vertical garden you're going to create. Laying out all of your materials will make the setup process much easier.

Include:

1. The framing
2. Nails to hang the framing
3. Hammer
4. Plant pots/pouches/fabric
5. Fertilizer/potting soil
6. Plants

5. Consider the aesthetic you want

Do you want hanging plants? Herbs? Succulents? A mix of all?

Some great options for vertical gardens are succulents, ferns, vines, begonias and herbs. Select herbaceous plants more so than woody plants because they're more flexible in the way they take shape in a vertical garden.

Many of these types of plants thrive in the shade and non-direct sunlight, and indoor garden walls tend to be in more shade rather than direct sunlight.

6. Remember some planting basics

When choosing the layout for your vertical garden, place the plants that need the least amount of water at the top. In a vertical garden, water will trickle down from the top plants to the bottom ones.

Many times, a plant is receiving too much water, and this is just as bad at receiving none at all. You can, indeed, drown your plants. Find the middle ground! Plants need water to survive, even if only once per month.

You'll also want to use potting soil when planting your plants. Just like other pots and planters, the plants in vertical gardens will dry out quickly and potting soil will help to hold more moisture.

And if you've ever considered composting in your own apartment, now's your chance to help your vertical garden flourish. It might take a little bit of extra work and messiness in the beginning, but your plants will thrive in the long run.

Enjoy the process and the end result

There are so many possibilities when it comes to vertical gardens. From succulents to herbs, these plants will add just the right dose of life to your space.

With a little research and planning, you can easily create a beautiful, space-saving vertical garden for your apartment! Before you begin, read through some health and safety tips of home gardening provided by the Center for Disease Control. The CDC warns not to forget to “wear safety goggles and gloves" when dealing with equipment and soil.

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