Vertical vegetable gardeningIs you garden space limited? Why not try Vertical Vegetable gardening?Yes, you can grow veggies in a vertical garden. It's a fantastic way to conserve space and have fun while your doing it.

Yes, straight up- or even upside down- both are an option. How?

Well, you'll need a wall, fence, trellis or something similar to get you started. Also, you'll need to consider which plants you want to use.

Many are the vegetables and fruit suitable to vertical vegetable gardening. See below!

Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peas, Beans, Grapes, Miniature-melons, and Passionfruit

Tomatoes- This wonderful fruit can be trained up a trellis or wire fence. Also, you can hang them upside down in many of the varieties of containers now available.

Cucumbers- They are basicly grown using similar methods to Tomatoes, but here a wire or lattice fence is preferable.

Peas- There are just so many great different varieties of Peas around. My favorite is the humble Snow Pea. These can also be grown on a trellis or wire fence. As Peas have a natural hooking system, they can latch on and climb easily without much help. As a vertical vegetable, they're a cinch to grow.

Grapes- Generally you will need a very large area for grapes; a wall or arbour is preferable. The key with grapes: surrounded them with lots of air, as they are susceptible to disease in a humid environment.

Below is a list that will point you in the right direction. Also, I recommend you use the links provided to search for other relevant information.

1. Do you want a formal or informal design?

2. What type of plants will suit your design?

3. Do you desire multifarious crops, or a single variety?

4. Would you like ornamental plants, such as a variegated species? (you'll find more here on our Herb Gardening pages)

5. If you move house, can you readily take these plants and containers with you?

The Plants

1. Will you be growing herbs? If so, will they be compatible with the vegetables you intend to grow?

  2. Do you want a mixture of herbs and vegetables, or just one?

3. Will you grow a variety of species?

4. What conditions do your plants require? If you are uncertain, enquire at your local nursery.

5. How tall will they grow?Example: Grapes cover a massive area, so be prepared.

6. Are they the type of plant that can become a lot of hard work and, if so, are you ready to put in the time? Example: pruning and training.

7. Will you purchase these plants from a nursery, or start them off yourself as seedlings?

8. Where will you start your seedlings, or new plants? Do you have a suitable area?

Example: Do you have the required space, warmth and sunlight? Is a miniature greenhouse an option?

9. At what point will they need to be potted into larger containers?

Example: depending on the type of plants, a general rule is three weeks to one month.

1. What type of containers/ pots will you use?

Example: Terracotta, plastic, self-watering.

2. Where will you access these containers?

Consider what you will need and how much you would like to spend. You can find some great bargains in the gardening section of variety shops these days.

3. How will you mount the containers?

Keep them low and train the plants verticaly, is usually the cheapest and safest option.

4. Do the containers have enough drainage holes?

Always view underneath to see if there are at least four or more drainage holes for adequate drainage.

   5. If you are using Terracotta containers, will you seal them?

These pots are porous and loose liquid fast. However, you can buy the sealant from local hardware shops and nurseries. Also, a good idea is to enquire as to porousity before you purchase such pots.

6. Will you use trays to catch the water?

Remember, if you have a bad mosquito problem, trays are not a good idea! That's where they breed.


Potting mix

1· What medium will I choose?

2· Will it be organic?

3· Will it be Hydroponic base, such as Vermiculite?

Fertilizer

1. What is the better option for me? Hydroponic or Organic?

2. Maybe a mixture of both could be a consideration?

3. Where will I access my materials?

I hope you enjoyed this article, Vertical Vegetable Gardening! Please view our other Hub pages and website for more Apartment and Small Space Gardening tips and ideas!

PS: As you can see, there is a lot to consider! We will be returning and updating this page over time; answering a lot of the questions above. Also we will provide links guiding you to the relative content.


Happy Gardening, Marty