Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Hacks & How-to's

How to create a gorgeous vertical garden

Amelia Wilson
By

Whether you’re an avid gardener with sizable garden beds filled with tasty treats or a simple city dweller looking to obtain a green thumb, vertical gardens may be the way to spruce up your outdoor space and take your gardening to a whole other level.

Vertical gardens are a fantastic solution to liven up ordinary garden spaces or take advantage of limited square footage in your yard, patio, or balcony. They’re a versatile way to grow plants of all kinds, allowing anyone to garden nearly anywhere. We’ll discuss the benefits of vertical gardens for every plant lover and then offer a few methods to transform your garden into an efficient, stunning setting.

vertical garden with plants on shelves
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why you need a vertical garden

Vertical gardens don’t have to be left to the pros. Whether you have an expansive backyard or a tiny apartment balcony, you can take advantage of vertical gardens to help renovate your space and begin reaping the harvest of your new plants. Below are some of the benefits to having a vertical garden.

Related

Saves space

The greatest advantage of vertical gardens is their ability to save space. It’s not uncommon to organize inside your home to eliminate floor clutter and provide more room to move around. Why should the outdoors be any different?

Recommended Videos

As their name suggests, vertical gardens allow growers to plant in a way that encourages plants to grow upwards. Doing so eliminates the need for large grow-beds or excessive space for potted plants.

Transforms your curb appeal

Another allure of vertical gardens is how they can transform your curb appeal. A vertical garden adds interest to your landscape by drawing the eye upwards rather than horizontally across your yard. For devoted gardeners, this can elevate the beauty of your garden by creating a more dimensional effect.

Best for vine plants

If you intend to grow vine plants like beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, or grapes, a vertical garden not only appears beautiful but also serves the function of supporting your plants as they grow. Efficiency is just as important as appearance, and vertical gardens certainly offer the proper stability to encourage vine plants to grow.

Types of vertical supports

If you’ve decided that a vertical garden is just what your outdoor space needs, you may be wondering what options are available to you. Thankfully, there are several ways to include a vertical garden in your space.

Teepees

Teepees are aptly named, coned-shaped garden supports perfect for growing beans, peas, tomatoes, and peppers. They often consist of three to five angled wooden stakes, tied at the top, with wire caging around the structure to offer additional support to plants. Teepee vertical structures can range in size from a mere three feet to six feet in height, making them a great addition to many gardens varying in size.

A-frames

If you’re looking for something larger that offers more stability with a similar framework, a-frames offer a great solution. A-frames are built with two wooden stakes angled towards one another at either end, with a longer wooden piece joining the two ends at the top.

A-frames often have multiple smaller stakes angled in the middle of the frame or a wire cage attached at the ends to offer support for growing plants. While this vertical garden isn’t ideal for smaller yards or apartment settings, it can be a stunning addition to larger, more established gardens.

Fence trellis

Perhaps one of the most common types of vertical gardens is the fence trellis. There is something to be said about the mystical, alluring look of vines weaving up a beautiful wooden fence. Gardeners and backyard entertainers alike have found fence trellis’ to increase their landscape’s interest while also providing adequate support for luscious greenery.

Fence trellises are easy to assemble and provide a long-lasting opportunity for gardens and plant growth. There are several styles, sizes, and frames to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that blends in seamlessly with your space.

vertical pallet garden repurposed
Vicknes Vinayak Veerappan/Pexels

Garden wall

Recently, garden walls have become quite the showstopper of any backyard or patio landscape. Garden walls are comprised of many different materials. The most common garden walls are often made of a wooden frame stacked with wooden crates to hold plants of all shapes and sizes. Alternatively, it is not uncommon to see DIYers utilize wooden pallets to simulate the garden wall aesthetic.

The best part about garden walls is that they are easy to build and allow growers to plant more than just vine plants. If you want to grow strawberries, peppers, or aesthetic hanging plants, garden walls are a must.

Whether you go the DIY route or choose to find the perfect pre-made garden wall, you’re bound to walk away with a unique and gorgeous vertical garden setup to enhance your garden’s functionality and efficiency by creating a space-saving, attractive solution that is sure to impress guests and delight your eyes every time you step outside. Whether you opt for supports listed in this article or choose to utilize supports not mentioned like arbors, tripods, or hanging baskets, you’re sure to find a solution suitable for your home.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson
Contributor
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
When you should (and shouldn’t) put used coffee grounds in your garden
Coffee grounds do have a place in your garden
coffee grounds mixed in the garden compost bin

Depending on how into gardening you are, you may be aware that putting used coffee grounds in your garden is a highly debated topic. Some people swear by using coffee grounds for growing plants, while others say it's the worst thing you can do for your garden.

So which opinion is correct, and how do you know which side to trust? How do you know if you should -- or shouldn’t -- put used coffee grounds in your garden? We’ve researched the pros and cons and broken them down below so you can decide if you want to use coffee grounds in the garden.
Should you use coffee grounds as mulch?
Using mulch in your garden can be beneficial, but many people find the cost of mulch too expensive to turn into organic matter. Straw and compost can be used as mulch, but not many people have tons of straw lying around, and compost takes months to create. So it seems as though coffee grounds would be the perfect solution for gardeners in need of mulch.

Read more
Eucalyptus in the shower? Here’s how to grow this fragrant plant for your spa-themed bathroom
Hanging eucalyptus in your shower has a ton of benefits. Here's how to plant it for months of use
Eucalyptus plant in shower

Are you looking to create a spa-like experience in your luxurious bathroom? Eucalyptus in your shower can create a relaxing ambiance and add a refreshing and invigorating aroma to your daily routine. If you're curious about the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower, how to grow eucalyptus indoors, and the proper techniques for harvesting and using it in your shower, you've come to the right place. We'll walk you through how to grow this fantastic plant indoors and why you need it in your shower today.
Benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower
Eucalyptus is a fantastic choice for your next shower plant. Its aromatic leaves are not only known for their pleasant fragrance, but this plant also sits at the top of many lists of medicinal herbs due to its numerous health benefits. Here are just a few benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower.
Spa-like fragrance
Imagine stepping into your shower and having a soothing and refreshing scent reminiscent of a luxurious spa greet you. Eucalyptus emits a delightful fragrance when exposed to steam and warm water, turning your daily shower into a revitalizing experience. The aromatic oils released by eucalyptus can invigorate your senses and awaken your mind for the day ahead.
Reduces stress
In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and relaxation is essential. Eucalyptus has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, as its fragrance has calming properties. When the steam from your shower activates the eucalyptus leaves, it releases essential oils that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Breathing in the fragrant vapor creates a serene atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and melt away the tensions of the day.
Soothes respiratory issues
If you're battling respiratory issues like congestion or allergies, eucalyptus can offer relief. The aromatic compounds in eucalyptus leaves are actually known to have natural decongestant properties. When infused with steam, the eucalyptus vapor can help clear your nasal passages and soothe irritated airways. Breathing in this therapeutic mist can provide a comforting sensation, making your shower a sanctuary for respiratory wellness.

How to grow eucalyptus indoors
If you're sold on the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower, you're probably wondering how to get your hands on some of this amazing plant. Instead of searching for pricey sprigs of eucalyptus online or in stores, try your hand at growing it on your own as a beneficial indoor plant. Here's how to grow and nurture eucalyptus plants.
Step 1: Choose the right eucalyptus variety
Before embarking on your eucalyptus-growing journey, it's essential to select the right eucalyptus variety to thrive indoors. Some eucalyptus species are better suited for indoor cultivation due to their compact size and adaptability to container gardening. Consider varieties like Eucalyptus gunnii or Eucalyptus globulus, which are commonly grown indoors for their aromatic leaves and manageable growth habits.
Step 2: Create the ideal growing conditions
This aromatic plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, so find a well-lit spot near a window where your eucalyptus can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the room temperature remains between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as the plant prefers moderate warmth. Adequate humidity is also crucial for its growth, so consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase moisture levels. Of course, growing it as a bathroom plant ensures wonderful levels of humidity that your eucalyptus will love.
Step 3: Plant and care for eucalyptus properly
When planting and caring for eucalyptus, make sure to use the following techniques to guarantee excellent growth and a healthy plant:

Read more
Say goodbye to dirt and odor: Learn how to wash pillows like a pro
Most people's pillows aren't even close to clean. Here's how to wash pillows and ensure they're fresh
Woman hugs pillows

Even if you succeed in choosing the right pillows for your maximum comfort and rest, you may not have considered the cleaning steps you'll need to take later to maintain their wonderful fluff and freshness. It may be the last thing anyone wants to think about, but the pillows where we place our heads at night are basically breeding grounds for bacteria and other microorganisms.

The average person spends one-third of their life asleep. During that time (it’s gross, but all too true), our skin and saliva can, shall we say, free themselves from the body, promoting the growth of bacteria inside our pillows and pillowcases in the process.

Read more