Vertical gardens, also known as living walls, are becoming an increasingly popular way to grow your own fruits, vegetables or plants in small spaces, both in your garden and indoors. Not only are vertical gardens a great solution for limited space, but they also offer several other benefits such as improving air quality and reducing energy consumption by insulating buildings. With the right materials and techniques, anyone can create a beautiful and functional vertical garden in their home or garden.

What is a vertical garden and how does it work?

These gardens are designed to help grow plants vertically using walls or other vertical surfaces as the growing medium. Vertical gardens are ideal for small spaces, as they take up less floor space than traditional gardens. They are also aesthetically pleasing and can be designed to fit any style or colour scheme. 

There are different types of vertical garden structures that are perfect for small spaces.  Here are a few examples:

• Pocket planters: These are small fabric or plastic pockets that can be attached to a wall, allowing you to grow herbs, succulents, or small flowers in a vertical garden.

• Pallet gardens: Old wooden pallets can be repurposed into vertical garden structures, with plants grown in the spaces between the slats.

• Hanging baskets: These are a classic choice for vertical gardens, as they can be hung from a hook or bracket on a wall or ceiling.

• Tiered planters: These are multi-level planters that allow you to grow plants vertically, with each level providing a new growing space.

• Vertical garden towers: These are freestanding structures that can be placed in a small outdoor space, such as a patio or balcony, and allow you to grow plants vertically in a compact area.

These are just a few examples of the many vertical garden structures that are suitable for small spaces. When choosing a structure, consider factors such as the size of your space, the amount of sunlight the plants will receive, and the type of plants you want to grow.

Plants that are suitable for vertical gardening

There are many plants that are suitable for modern vertical farming, depending on your climate, lighting conditions, and personal preferences. Some  examples of plants that are commonly used in vertical gardens all around are:

• Succulents: These are low-maintenance plants that are perfect for vertical gardens, as they require minimal watering and can be planted in small pots or containers.
• Herbs: Many herbs, such as basil, thyme, and rosemary, can be grown in vertical gardens and provide fresh, flavourful additions to your cooking within minutes away from you. 
• Ferns: These plants thrive in moist, shady conditions and can add a lush, tropical feel to your vertical garden. Another fresh green aesthetically beautiful greens to add into your indoor garden
• Vines: Plants like ivy, jasmine, and climbing roses are ideal for vertical gardens, as they can climb up trellises or other structures and provide a beautiful, natural backdrop.
• Strawberries: Now who doesn’t love Strawberries? But did you know they are great for vertical gardens, as they can be grown in hanging baskets or stacked planters and provide a tasty, healthy treat.
• Peppers: Peppers are another great option for growing in vertical gardens, particularly in warmer climates. They can be grown in pots or hanging baskets and produce delicious and spicy fruits.
• Spider plants: Spider plants are easy to grow and are known for their air-purifying properties, making them a great addition to any indoor vertical garden.
• Radishes: Radishes are quick-growing vegetables that can be harvested in as little as 30 days. They’re perfect for vertical gardens, as they don’t require much space and can be grown in a variety of soil types.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is a great choice for growing in a vertical garden, especially if you’re a fan of salads. You can grow different types of lettuce, such as romaine, arugula, and butterhead, in a small space.

These are just a few examples of the many plants that can be grown in vertical gardens. When choosing plants for your vertical garden, consider factors such as lighting, soil type, and watering needs to ensure that your plants will thrive in their new environment.

Benefits of a vertical garden

If you’re planning your design ideas for this spring or summer, consider setting up a vertical garden as a unique and practical addition to your living space. Vertical gardens offer a range of benefits and can be a rewarding way to grow plants, even if you have limited space. In fact, setting up a vertical garden in your home can provide several advantages. Let’s explore some of the benefits you can enjoy by setting up a vertical garden in your home:

Space-saving

Vertical gardens are great space savers because they allow you to grow plants vertically, rather than taking up valuable floor space. In traditional gardens, plants are grown horizontally in rows, with each plant taking up a certain amount of space on the ground. 

They can be customised to fit any space or style, with a variety of containers, structures, and plants to choose from. This makes them a versatile and practical option for those looking to incorporate more greenery into their living space while still maximising their available space.

Air purification

Vertical gardens can help with air purification in a few different ways. First, plants are natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. 

This process can help to improve air quality and reduce toxins in the immediate environment. 

In a vertical garden, plants are grown in a concentrated space, allowing for a greater number of plants per square foot than in a traditional garden. This means that a vertical garden can have a greater overall impact on air purification, particularly in indoor environments where air quality can be poor due to factors such as lack of ventilation or exposure to chemicals.

Aesthetic appeal

Vertical gardens can be designed in a variety of styles and colours, adding a unique and visually appealing element to your home decor. 

One of the key benefits of vertical gardens is that they can be customised to fit any space or style. They can be designed to complement the existing decor of a room or to add a unique and eye-catching element to an outdoor space. 

The plants themselves can be chosen for their colours, shapes, and textures, creating a visually interesting and dynamic display.

Improved mental health

Firstly, being around plants has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. 

The greenery and natural elements of a vertical garden can create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, which can be particularly beneficial in high-stress environments such as workplaces or hospitals.

Additionally, caring for a vertical garden can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can boost self-esteem and improve overall mental health. The act of nurturing and watching plants grow can be therapeutic and rewarding, providing a sense of connection to the natural world.  

Poor air quality has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and cognitive decline. By improving air quality, vertical gardens can help to create a healthier living environment, which can have a positive impact on overall well-being.

Access to fresh produce

If you choose to grow edible plants in your vertical garden, you’ll have access to fresh, healthy produce right in your own home. Another key benefit is that it can be done in small spaces. 

Even if you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, you can still grow a variety of plants vertically, using walls or other vertical surfaces as the growing medium. This means that you can grow a wide range of produce, from herbs to tomatoes to strawberries, even if you don’t have a traditional garden.

Cost-effective

Vertical gardens can also be more cost effective than traditional gardens in terms of maintenance. Because vertical gardens are grown in containers or on walls, there is less weeding, tilling, and soil preparation required, which can save you time and money. Additionally, because the plants in a vertical garden are grown vertically, they are less susceptible to pests and diseases, which can also reduce the need for expensive pesticides and fungicides.

Overall, vertical gardens can be a cost-effective and practical way to grow your own produce, reduce your carbon footprint, and create a beautiful and unique living space.