Vertical gardening is an innovative way to transform vertical spaces like walls into lush, green oases by growing plants, herbs, fruit or vegetables upward, turning even the smallest area into a thriving garden. These gardens are a great fit for urban settings, where space is constrained as they can be set up both indoors or outdoors. This article will explore the concept of vertical gardening, examining why this upward growing trend has become an important part of modern gardening.

Understanding Vertical Gardens

So, what is a vertical garden? Essentially it is a garden that grows upwards using wall-mounted devices, trellises, or towers. Vertical gardens make use of up-right space instead of dispersing plants horizontally, creating a lush, green display that is great for urban environments where space is limited. From edible plants like herbs, vegetables, and fruits to decorative flowers and leaves, these gardens can be used to grow a range of produce and plant life. 

There are many types of vertical gardens with the most common being:

Green Walls

These are entire walls covered with plants or produce.They can be created using panels of pre-grown plants or by growing plants directly onto the wall with the help of special materials. At Grobrix, our modular green walls transform spaces into productive food sources by growing crops within a frame.

Trellis Systems

This is a traditional method where plants grow on a trellis or a similar framework, perfect for climbing plants like vines and beans.

Vertical Planters

These are stackable or wall-mounted containers that hold individual plants. They are great for small herbs, flowers, and some vegetables.

Hydroponic Vertical Gardens

These systems use nutrient-rich water instead of soil to grow plants. They are particularly popular for indoor gardens because they are clean and efficient.

What Are the Principles of Vertical Gardening?

The principles of vertical gardening revolve around making the best use of available space, ensuring the correct plant selection, and maintaining optimal growing conditions. The following principles of vertical gardening will help turn little urban areas into rich, lush gardens.

Choosing the Right Plants

When setting up a vertical garden, choosing the right plants is crucial. Consider the amount of sunlight the location receives and choose plants that will thrive in those conditions. For example, if your vertical garden is indoors or in a shady spot, go for shade-loving plants like ferns, ivy, or certain herbs; while vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and sun-loving flowers love the sunnier spots.

Soil and Nutrients

Vertical gardens often have limited soil compared to traditional gardens, so it’s essential to use high-quality, nutrient-rich soil. Hydroponic systems for example use a balanced nutrient solution that provides all the necessary elements for plant growth. However, some vertical garden systems, like our modular green walls, don’t use any soil at all!

Watering System

Just like any garden, adequate water supply is crucial to the success of a thriving vertical garden. Many vertical gardens use drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the plant roots.This method is efficient and ensures that each plant gets the right amount of water. For indoor vertical gardens, self-watering planters or systems with built-in reservoirs can also be very effective.

Support and Structure

Vertical gardens require a sturdy support structure to hold the weight of the greenery. Depending on the type of garden, this could be a trellis, a series of shelves, or a specially designed wall panel. Ensure that the structure is securely anchored and capable of supporting the plants and produce as they grow.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your vertical garden healthy. This includes pruning, fertilising, and checking for pests and diseases. Pests can spread quickly in a vertical garden because plants are so close together. It’s important to keep a close eye on your greenery and deal with any problems right away.

Benefits of Vertical Gardening

Two chefs holding produce they grew in a vertical gardenA group of women making lunch from produce they grew in a vertical garden in an office.

Vertical gardens not only help the planet by reducing waste, saving water and doing away with the consumption of harmful chemicals, but they also provide a way for urban environments to harvest produce, and improve air quality within limited spaces through indoor gardening technology.

Maximising Space

Vertical gardening is especially valuable in urban environments where space is limited. By growing upwards, you can create a lush garden in a small footprint, making it possible to grow a significant amount of food and greenery in spaces such as balconies, patios, small backyards, office spaces and even restaurants!

Environmental Benefits

Vertical gardens contribute to environmental sustainability in many ways. By growing your own herbs, fruit and vegetables, you can reduce packaging waste and food miles associated with store-bought produce. Efficient watering systems like drip irrigation minimise water waste; and finally, growing your own greenery allows you to avoid harmful pesticides and fertilisers, promoting healthier ecosystems.

Improving Air Quality

Plants naturally purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Vertical gardens, particularly indoor ones, can significantly improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants and adding humidity to the air.

Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits

A women at work tending to an edible vertical garden looking happy and content

greenery has been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and boost overall well-being. In urban settings, where natural landscapes are scarce, vertical gardens provide a much-needed connection to nature.

Food Production

Growing your own produce can enhance food security and provide fresh, nutritious produce right at your doorstep. This is especially important in urban areas where access to fresh food can be limited.

Bringing Nature into Urban Environments

Vertical gardens offer a fantastic way to bring nature into our urban environments, making the most of limited space while providing numerous benefits. From promoting environmental sustainability and air quality to providing aesthetic delight and fresh food, vertical gardens are a flexible and useful addition to any small space.

Grobrix offers a complete urban farming solution from seedlings, to nutrient and pest management. Our dedicated team supports the longevity and efficiency of our vertical garden walls, which transform office and hospitality spaces into productive food sources by cultivating crops within a frame. Want to know more about our vertical gardens?

Reach out to us today!