Vertical garden kits and planters are becoming common because we no longer have conventional spaces for gardening. The typical rectangular or square garden is not available in all situations. Let’s learn more about vertical gardening.
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What Is A Vertical Garden System
Sometimes you are faced with a space challenge when you are doing your gardening. Space may be limited or oddly shaped. Inadequate space does not mean you cannot start a garden. In fact, thanks to vertical gardening, space might never be an issue again.
A vertical garden will turn spaces that seem impossible and unusable into productive gardens. You can practice vertical gardening in many areas, including on rooftops, patios, and balconies. You can even have an indoor vertical garden.
The simplicity of a vertical garden is attractive to home gardeners who simply don’t have the space for regular gardening. A vertical garden involves:
- Mounting a support platform vertically.
- Installing cubbies, pockets, or pots.
- Growing plants in them.
Wall garden kits offer the best support for vertical gardens. You simply install the hydroponic gardening kits on the walls and begin your edible vertical garden.
Plants that use trellis, such as climbing vines, are technically vertical gardening systems. You can also have a vertical garden by suspending plants and growing them downwards. However, vertical garden ideas have gone beyond growing climbing vines and suspending crops. Modern vertical kitchen gardens have become a more inventive method of growing herbs and vegetables.
An indoor vertical garden system will allow you to grow more crops in a small indoor area such as a greenhouse. You set up shelves and grow indoor crops on the shelves on top of each other. You can make maximum use of the indoor space.
Why Start A Vertical Garden?
Limited space is just one of the reasons why starting a vertical garden is a good idea. Best of all, vertical gardens are not limited to home growers who lack the space for a traditional garden. There are many reasons for starting a vertical garden.
- Flexibility Vertical gardens can be installed not only in small spaces, but also in areas with poor soil, areas with lots of pests, and harsh weather conditions. You can install a vertical garden nearly anywhere.
- Creativity Vertical gardens allow you to be creative with your available space. They are ideal for an unused wall or corner of a room, that would otherwise sit idle. Wall garden kits can be installed on the side of a house or a fence. You can also grow vertical gardens in narrow spaces.
- Ambiance Vertical walls are attractive and provide a natural décor. You can dress up a not-so-attractive space in your garden by installing vertical garden kits.
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Vertical Garden Kits
Buying a vertical garden kit makes it simple to start a vertical garden. However, there are factors that you must consider before purchasing a kit. The following buying guide will assist you in getting the best kit.
Placement
You need to know whether you will place your kit indoors or outdoors. The amount of light and the type of plants you want to grow will also determine where you place your kit and the best kit to get.
System
The system you intend to use will also determine the kit you get. Ensure that the kit is ideal for the system.
Plants
There are a variety of plants that you can grow in a vertical garden. Ensure that the kit you get is the best for the plants you want to grow.
Care And Maintenance
Different vertical garden kits will need different levels of care and maintenance. Your vertical garden will need more watering than a traditional garden. Make sure you are aware of the maintenance needs before you get a kit.
Find the right vertical garden kit can be a challenge. Here are a few hydroponic gardening kits worth considering for those looking to get started with vertical gardening.
Amazing Creation Vertical Indoor Garden Kit
This kit is a five-tier stackable kit that will allow you to grow up to 15 different plants. You can use it either indoors or outdoors. The kit is ideal for fresh herbs in the kitchen or balcony. It is easy to stack, manage, grow, and water plants in a small space. Make a simple vertical garden tower using this kit.
Pros & Cons Of Amazing Creation’s Indoor Vertical Garden Kit
- The kit is made from heavy-duty plastic making it durable.
- The kit is reusable.
- A trickle-down system helps the kit absorb water.
Cons
- Instruction on the kit is vague.
- Water drainage is poor.
Aerospring Outdoor Vertical Garden
Aerospring kit uses aeroponic technology that allows oxygen to the roots, promoting healthier growth. The kit is tall, making it best for a vertical garden tower. It is well suited for both advanced farmers and beginners.
Pros & Cons Of The Aerospring Outdoor Vertical Garden
- You can grow a lot of crops.
- You can use the kit for hydroponic systems.
- Easy to assemble and maintain.
Cons
- The kit is more costly
Mr. Stack Smart Farm Self Watering Vertical Garden
The kit has a set timer that will water the plants automatically. The water tank is large and can last for two to three weeks. The kit has a 16-gallon reservoir, submersible pump, water distribution head, pipe, and a growing guide.
Pros & Cons Of The Mr. Stack Vertical Garden
- The kit is durable
- The kit is easy to assemble and use
Cons
- The kit is expensive
Other Vertical Garden Planters
Meiwo New Upgraded Deeper And Bigger 7 Pocket Hanging Vertical Garden
The kit is a seven-pocket wall hanging made from felt cloth. You can quickly begin a vertical garden tower with this seven-pocket tall kit. It is suitable for a variety of hanging plants.
Pros Of The 7 Pocket Hanging Vertical Garden
- Easy and quick to operate.
- The kit is cheap.
Cons
- Water drains out completely, leaving the soil dry.
NEWKITS Vertical Wall Garden Planter
The vertical wall planter is all you need to transform your porch into a vertical pallet garden. It has a three-dimensional design allowing you to put more soil.
High-quality materials are used to make the planter. You will get healthier plants because the fabric has high-quality air permeability.
Pros Of The NEWKITS Vertical Wall Garden Planter
- The planter is easy to install and move.
- It is durable
- The kit retains water.
Cons
- Soil dries out faster than in pots.
Vertical garden kits are the best for beginners who do not have enough space to grow their crops. However, ensure you get a kit that will meet all your goals and requirements.
Vertical Garden Design Ideas
There are a variety of designs to consider when starting your vertical garden. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each design. Ensure the design you choose meets your goals and expectations.
Container Design
This system uses typical soil pots. Start a vertical garden pot by placing pots in a vertical structure. The pots are easy to move without disturbing the neighboring crops. However, growing pots are rigid hence little flexibility in the design process.
Pocket System
Pockets are popular with vertical gardens. Unlike standard pots, it is easier to regulate the temperature in a pocket system. Roots are healthier in bags because they are air pruned as they reach the fabric pockets’ edge. However, it is difficult to move a plant without disturbing the rest.
Hydroponic System
A hydroponic system does not take much space. It is also less messy because it does not use soil. However, the initial cost of setting up a hydroponic system is high.
Trellis System
Vine crops are the best for growing on a trellis system. The system saves a lot of space and grows healthier crops. You can repurpose poles, fences, and stepladders for trellis.
DIY System
You can opt to build your own vertical garden system using common materials. You can simply develop shelves and place pots on them. Alternatively, you can also use pallets, wiring, and mesh to create a vertical pallet garden.
What Are The Best Vertical Garden Plants
You can grow both vegetables and herbs in your edible vertical garden. However, it is essential to pair plants that have the same growing criteria. You should not pair a plant that grows well in the shade with one that needs a lot of sunshine. Also, consider the soil depth when choosing the plant to grow. Herbs do well in vertical gardens because their roots are smaller, and they grow into little bushels.
Vegetables which will do well in vertical gardens include:
Herbs that do well in vertical garden kits include:
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Thyme
- Basil
- Sage
- Coriander
FAQs – Vertical Garden Kits
If you are limited on space, a vertical garden is a worthwhile alternative to test out. They are easy to install and work well with a number of vegetables and herbs. Some of the most popular vegetables to grow vertically include carrots, garlic, and tomatoes.
Vertical gardens are no less difficult to maintain compared to other gardens. In fact, some say vertical gardens are easier. Vertical gardens are generally at eye level, saving stress on your back, knees, and legs.