Having limited space is no longer a reason to give up gardening. A vertical garden allows you to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers even in the smallest balconies, patios, or terraces. By using vertical structures, you can make the most of every centimeter while creating a green, productive, and decorative corner in your home.

Why choose a vertical garden?

Vertical gardens are perfect for urban gardeners who want to produce fresh food in compact spaces. They improve air quality, help regulate temperature, and add a natural touch to walls or fences. Most importantly, they allow you to grow a surprising amount of plants using minimal ground area.

Best crops for vertical gardens

Not all plants adapt well to vertical growing, but many herbs and compact vegetables do. Some of the easiest and most productive options are:

• Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, and arugula grow fast and don’t need deep soil.
• Herbs: Basil, cilantro, and parsley thrive in small pots or hanging containers.
• Compact vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and peppers perform well in vertical setups with good sunlight.
• Climbers: Beans or peas can be trained up a trellis to save horizontal space.

Choosing the right structure

You can build a vertical garden using different types of supports depending on your space and budget:

• Wall planters: Modular panels or wooden pallets attached to walls.
• Tiered shelves: Ideal for pots and small containers.
• Hanging pots: Great for lightweight herbs and trailing plants.
• Trellises or netting: Perfect for climbing crops like beans and cucumbers.

Soil and watering tips

Vertical gardens dry out faster than ground-level beds, so proper soil and irrigation are crucial. Use high-quality potting mix rich in organic matter, and mix in compost for extra nutrients. For watering:

• Install a drip irrigation system or self-watering planters.
• Check moisture daily, especially during warm months.
• Water slowly so the upper pots don’t dry before lower levels are reached.

Light and location

Most vegetables and herbs need at least 5–6 hours of sunlight per day. Place your vertical garden on a south-facing wall or balcony if possible. If sunlight is limited, opt for leafy crops like lettuce, kale, or mint that tolerate partial shade.

Maintenance and harvesting

• Prune regularly to promote airflow and avoid overcrowding.
• Harvest often to encourage continuous growth.
• Feed plants with compost tea or diluted organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks.
• Rotate crops seasonally to maintain soil health and productivity.

For long-term soil fertility, see our guide on how to make homemade compost to enrich your garden naturally.