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Vertical Gardening For Beginners – How To Start, Tips

Introduction to vertical gardening for beginners, how to start, tips, ideas, and techniques: Vertical gardens are hydroponically supported panels that grow plants vertically. Unique structures can stand alone or be attached to walls. Many new vertical gardens can last for decades and give nature pop into modern-day business. Plants in pots are an alternative to vertical gardens in the office. At the same time, potted plants have the advantage of being placed anywhere, so they can take up a lot of space and require lots of maintenance.

A guide to vertical gardening for beginners, how to start, tips, ideas, and techniques

Vertical garden tips
Vertical garden (Image source: pixabay)

On the other hand, Vertical gardens need only one area of care, and they will add an extra splash of color to any office space. You may think your place of business could benefit from a vertical garden, public walkway, or maybe even a meeting room, etc. There are many names for vertical gardens: moss walls, living green walls, and a few. Whatever you want to call them, these upright living plants range from as small as a picture frame or as massive as a 60 ft wide masterpiece. Vertical gardens can be installed in corporate headquarters, hotel lobbies, or even in a backyard. Vertical gardens not only look beautiful but will also make you feel more relaxed in your environment by tuning into nature’s calming effects. The vertical garden is mainly two types

Indoor vertical gardens:  Indoor vertical gardens are not only beautiful, but they also help your home breathe naturally. These gardens can be made up of many different kinds of plants like Pilea, Ferns, Ficus, and Calathea are the most common plants used in green walls. Vertical gardens can also be very effective at filling a wall’s empty spaces. Many employees in office environments are exposed to various harmful air chemicals like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. However, we breathe and are surrounded by cleaner air when we have vertical gardens. Plants also help to reduce sound pollution, creating a quieter working environment for building occupants.

Exterior vertical gardens: Many buildings throughout the country and the world have vertical gardens on their exteriors. In addition, many exterior gardens contain vines, moss, and other plants often used on vertical gardens outside. Vertical gardens outside benefit from natural direct sunlight, which makes them thrive. A vertical garden provides excellent protection from fluctuations in moisture and temperature, as well as UV radiation. Exterior vertical gardens evaporate water in the summer, which makes the air around them more relaxed. 

Different types of plants can grow in a vertical garden

  • Vegetables: Climbing beans and climbing tomatoes grow well along fences and are easy to train. Cherry tomatoes and hot peppers grow well in small containers and are colorful, too. Pole beans get their name from the habit of wrapping themselves around nearby poles. Cucumbers, however, are vines that enjoy growing in fences as well. Squash can hog too much space if grown at ground level, but supporting them on a large trellis can be ideal for keeping the squash off the ground while giving the vines more room to grow.
  • Fruits: Grapes and espaliered fruits require special layering techniques. They’re not difficult to master but may do a better project for an intermediate gardener. If you want to grow fruit vertically, try strawberries and kiwi vines. However, that will require more knowledge than a beginner would be able to gain.
  • Flowers: If you want plants with dazzling blooms, try creeping phlox or morning glories, two flowering vines that decorate vertical planters. Even bushes like lantana can be trained to drip from hanging planters. Planting Nasturtiums in pockets or otherwise planting them vertically is a good idea.

Different factors that affect Vertically Garden system

  • Choose Your Location Wisely: Plants you can grow in your vertical garden will depend on the site you choose. Vegetables and Fruits need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to produce, so they cannot be grown in a shadier environment. However, some areas can be used for greens and herbs that grow well in vertical container gardening arrangements without requiring much light. If you plan to grow indoors, your sunlight requirements will be limited, and you may have to settle for plants that do best in an indoor climate, such as plants that thrive in low lightings, such as spider plants. Even though you won’t get fruit, you will undoubtedly create a better indoor climate with green plants that refresh the air.
  • Equipment Required: To grow vertically, most beginners must also purchase gardening equipment. Secondly, survey your surroundings and see if you have vertical structures already available that can be put into use. A few eye-hooks on porches, a string on eaves, or a chain-link fence can be used to train climbing vines to grow vertically. Of course, a vine can be wound around a freestanding post as well. Whenever possible, start with vertical structures such as trellises, vertical growing kits, grow bags, and differently shaped and sized planters and stands if you don’t have any. Once purchased, the garden equipment will deliver results every year. For those that are talented, they can build their trellis with wire and piping, wood. However, it might be more attractive to buy one that can also incorporate design elements into the vertical growing arrangement. Getting the right plants for growing vertically will be easier with a kit. For example, you might decide to grow strawberries along the sides of a strawberry jar. You can also use a grow bag to grow lettuce and strawberries by hanging the bag in a place that receives enough sunlight. Unless you’re growing a hanging vine, smaller plants that can fit into small spaces are usually more successful in vertical gardens.
  • Top Quality soil: If you use vertical or wall-hanging planters designs from kits, ensure the soil is rich in nutrients and drains well. That may mean that rocks will also be placed at the bottom to keep drainage holes clear and coconut coir or peat moss to absorb moisture and release it. The soil in vertical container planting dries out quickly and needs to be watered more frequently. Depletion of nutrients also occurs over time, and the soil may need to be amended or replaced the following year when reusing the system.
  • Fertilize and water frequently: Since the soil is in separate compartments in some vertical growing systems, you should use an all-around soluble fertilizer to water twice during the growing season. It will deliver nutrients to the soil and the foliage. In this way, you keep nutrients in the soil since they tend to get depleted as water drains from vertical beds. Vertical wall planters and containers should be watered more frequently than plants planted directly in beds, as this will keep everything lush and reduce the risk of plants dying. One way to keep vertical gardens watered adequately is to install an irrigation system to deliver water to the plants’ roots, even as they grow vertically. For thirsty container plants, drip irrigation can also be used with vertical planters and containers. Group planters close to a water source to make it easier to water them thoroughly. Design a garden with architectural interest Once you have mastered growing vertically, and you can begin creating rooms in your garden with arched climbing structures, fencing, and trellises. A garden room can be divided into different sections and defined vertically. For instance, if you want to give your patio or deck some definition and privacy, you can install a vertical wall or trellis to grow a privacy screen. But, again, separating the area would give you more privacy. Moreover, you can divide the garden into different sections by strategically placing arbores. Understanding vertical gardening not only offers you more room to grow your favorite plants, but it also is a crucial element of designing secret gardens that have their privacy.

Some essential tips for the vertical garden

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How to start a vertical garden
vertical garden tips (pic source: pixabay)
  • Find the Best Location for Your Vertical Garden: The tip refers to both inside and outside vertical garden structures. When outside, you should make sure the garden is in a place where it’s not going to be in your way. If you have hanging planters, be sure to place them so you can easily see them, and you’re not going to hit your head on them. Place large planters on the ground in an area where you won’t trip over or bump into them. Indoor gardens are also affected by this. Hanging plants should be at a height from which you can water them, and they won’t be in your way. It would help if you didn’t put large planters in such a way that you trip over them when you turn a corner. Vertical gardens on walls are ideal because they can be watered easily and won’t get in the way.
  • Select the Right Plants Based on the Location: When selecting plants for the garden, think about your type. When you have an indoor garden, be wary of plants that overgrow and take over, like vines. Consider how high each plant will grow. Inside, there may be less space to grow some plants, while outside may be a better option since there’s more room.
  • Make the most of your existing resources: This is the essence of vertical gardening. First, take a good look at your exterior and indoor vertical surfaces. Indoors, you can create a garden out of shelves, dressers, and walls. Outside, you have a lot of fence and yard space at your disposal! There are many options for your gardens, so make the most of them.
  • Prune the trees regularly: Vertical gardens need to be pruned regularly. If your plants are growing too close together, you can remedy this. Regular pruning of plants can also help you notice issues with your plants, such as too much sun or a lack of watering.
  • Take Notice of Lighting: Your plants need a lot of light, so find out how much they are getting. Some plants may be taking in too much, and others not enough. Check your plants regularly and move them if necessary. If you see that the plants are going limp or wilting, that spot may be better for plants that require a lot of sunlight.
  • Create a mobile vertical garden: There are many situations where you may not own a home; you may rent or live with your family. Therefore, the structure of your vertical garden must be one that can be moved easily. Make your structure from lightweight materials that can be taken apart or moved quickly.
  • Begin with a small project: Unless you already know something about gardening, start small. While vertical gardening may not be a problem for green-thumbed people, there will be a learning curve if you first experience growing plants. There will probably also be mistakes. When you have a more miniature garden, you can fix mistakes more efficiently or start from scratch. As well as horizontal ones, this holds, too.
  • Please don’t start with seeds: while designing a vertical garden, place the plants out on a horizontal surface for a few weeks before planting, and it allows the roots to settle into the soil and helps with holding the soil in place. For this reason, you may want to plant seedlings instead of seeds for your vertical garden. You don’t have to cover the first step yourself – getting your plants from a nursery works too.
  • Lock your planter’s wheels: Your vertical garden planter might have wheels, depending on its type. If the area your planter is in is at an angle, you may see your planter roll away. If the planter’s wheels do not have a locking device, place a brick or move the planter onto a flat surface if the wheels cannot be locked.
  • Ensure the building structure can handle a load of your plans: Consider how heavy your planter will become. If you have indoor planters on walls, your planter may fall if you have heavy plants inside. Make sure the planter is tightly secured to the Wall, or choose lighter plants. If you have hanging planters, heavy plants have the potential to break and make a mess. These types of vertical gardens are best suited to lighter plants.
  • Use top-quality soil: Your choice of soil can make or break your vertical garden. Choose a soil type that is light enough for your planters to carry yet nutrient enough for your plants. Tip some gardeners set up timers and irrigation systems for their vertical gardens. These can be very helpful, but you need to ensure every plant receives the water it needs. Sprinklers are great for covering large plants, but the water primarily hits the leaves, causing black spots and pest problems. Drip irrigation systems avoid these problems by delivering water straight to the roots, but each plant receives the same amount of water, which may not be enough for some plants. A good tip is to do some research on how much water plants require. Then, it is best to group plants that require the same amount of water.
  • Do It: That’s a tip. Don’t be distracted by too much research. If you’re not sure where to begin, do it! The best way to start a vertical garden is to get your feet wet – or your fingers covered in dirt. You can ensure your vertical garden will thrive and be as efficient as possible by following these tips.
  • You Can Plant Anything: Don’t worry if you don’t want to spend money on planters. Various items can be used as planters, including old dressers, crates, plastic containers, and wine bottles. Using items already on hand will not only save you money but will also reduce waste.
  • Protect your walls and floors: Whether your vertical garden is indoors or outdoors, you should consider water damage to the floor and walls. An inside vertical garden should have a tray large enough to catch any drainage if the vertical garden is not very large. Trays can also work for outside gardens, or you can place the garden so that the water will drain away rather than collect.
  • Provide your plants with the support they need: Some plants, like cucumbers and, tomatoes need support to grow vertically. You can help plants grow upward by using stakes, clips, trellises, and wire fencing. Plant supports are also helpful with the weather, holding plants in place.
  • Buy quality equipment gradually: Whether its shears or gardening gloves, if you’re serious about your new hobby, you’re going to need specialized equipment. Of course, it is not necessary to buy everything right away, but you should budget ahead for future purchases.
  • Organize your records: Maintaining your garden is a vital part of gardening, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Get a logbook like this one and write down everything you do. Discover what works and doesn’t work for you, and have fun doing it.
  • Identify a garden sitter in advance: Taking care of your budding vertical garden every week or even daily may be necessary. Get a friend or neighbor familiar with your setup before you start. That way, if you have to leave in an emergency, you will have a “garden sitter” on hand.
  • Use cascading plants for fast results: Cascading plants such as Creeping or Phlox Wave Petunias make an excellent living wall. Your plants will soon cover the spaces between your planters, creating a stunning effect that you and your guests will enjoy.
  • Do your research in advance: It’s a good idea to know as much as possible about your plants, mainly if you are a busy individual. Depending on the species, each plant requires a different level of care. Consider whether you can provide each plant with the attention it needs or if it will die.
  • Plant a Vertical Garden with Food: Some people think vertical gardens are only for aesthetic reasons when you mention them. Green walls may be the most well-known application of vertical gardening, but there are many more possibilities. Vertical gardens offer us an excellent opportunity to grow a variety of vegetables.  A vertical herb garden is easy to construct, but you can quickly grow tomatoes and even squash.

Commonly asked questions about Vertical Garden

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Vertical Garden Questions and Answers
Questions about Vertical Garden (Image source: pixabay)

1. How to secure a vertical garden?

An economical and easy way to grow a vertical garden is with a wood frame. Install horizontal wood spacers on the Wall. Make sure the edge is framed with wood (or another material). Two layers of waterproof building paper should be applied to the plywood backing.

2. What do we need for a vertical garden?

Vertical gardens and living walls are excellent ways to grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Several things must be considered: proper orientation, water, lighting, drainage, and nutrition. Live Wall supports these primary plants’ needs and yields healthy vertical gardens.

3. How often should we plan to water a vertical garden?

It recommends starting with 30 minutes once or twice a day, then adjusting as needed. For example, start with one watering cycle a day for 30 minutes. Then, keep a close eye on the soil and feel it with your finger. If the soil is too wet or soggy, water it twice a week for 30 minutes or every other day for 30 minutes.

4. Vertical gardens are they easy to maintain?

Vertical gardens are generally easier to maintain when compared to a regular garden. Physically, working at eye level will be accessible than having to bend over. Also, you won’t have to spend much time fighting pests and diseases since the plants are in containers.

5. Can a vertical garden create humidity in a room?

Planters like Flora felt Vertical Planters provide a desirable amount of humidity in your environment, especially near the plants themselves, which allows them to flourish.

6. Is air filtered by plants in a vertical garden?

Plants consume carbon dioxide and toxins. As a result, they will remove them from the air and provide valuable oxygen.

7. Is it possible to move or rearrange plants?

Yes. With or without Root Wrappers, plants can easily be rearranged. In panels where plants have grown for years, their roots may be well established and difficult to remove.

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