What grows best in vertical gardens?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Vertical gardening setups accommodate different types of plants to maximize upward growth. Many vining vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, naturally train themselves to grow up the trellis structures. Leafy greens, such as kale, thrive when grown in stacked planters. Compact herbs thrive in pocket systems. Select plant varieties that are well-suited to the type of growing system you have.
Sturdy cages are essential for the vertical growth of tomatoes. Properly supported, they will produce heavy crops. Cucumbers grow well on nets with ease and require little ground space. Pole beans climb poles rapidly. These vegetables utilize the space effectively, rather than occupying it vertically, and yield heavily. Plant them in sunny places.
Vining Vegetables
- Tomatoes requiring cages or string supports
- Cucumbers climbing nets or trellises
- Pole beans spiraling up vertical poles
Leafy Greens
- Spinach growing in shallow vertical gutters
- Kale varieties for cooler temperatures
- Lettuce mixes thriving in partial shade
Compact Varieties
- Basil flourishing in wall pocket systems
- Dwarf peppers producing in tight spaces
- Strawberries cascading from tiered planters
Flowering plants beautify vertical systems. Nasturtiums grow upwards and repel insects. Climbing roses create dazzling visual displays, and associate edibles with flowers for pest control. Vertical gardens also become living pieces of art. Pollinators are attracted to them, too.
Consider light and space when selecting plants for your garden to achieve the best results. Full sun is necessary for vining crops. Leafy greens will stand some shade. Take precautions in measuring vertical area as well as space to stand. Also note that all levels receive the required measure of moisture. Selecting the right plants for the garden is what determines the success of the garden.
Begin gardening with simple herbs like basil and mint. Incorporate strawberries for a faster reward. Move along to tomatoes when you're comfortable. Vertical systems can turn even the smallest areas into productive gardens. Your garden grows efficiently.
Read the full article: 10 Best Vertical Gardening Systems
