It’s Time To Give Vertical Gardening A Try This Spring – Yahoo Life

Fences and walls and trees, oh my!

Just like home decor and fashion have their own trends, so does gardening. The latest? Vertical gardens. Whether you’re short on ground space or just want to do something unique, it’s a fun way to turn your beloved plants into a statement. Plus, it has a ton of different applications both indoors plus outdoors. Read on to learn exactly what vertical gardening is, how to maintain it, exactly what to plant, and much more.

What Is Vertical Gardening?

At its most basic, it’s exactly what it sounds like: using vertical area to grow plants. “Many people think vertical gardening is just grow walls and hydroponic structures, ” shares Mike Mosel, General Manager of online plant company Yarden . “Those are great systems, but it’s more than that—it’s about incorporating the right plants plus structure to utilize the three-dimensional growing room you possess to work with. ” And it’s not just a trend for the outdoors. “Plant walls are a great way to bring your garden indoors, improve indoor air quality, and add a beautiful design element into your home, ” Mosel finishes.

What In order to Know Before You Grow

The most important thing to keep in mind: “Waterproofing is vital, whether you’re hanging it indoors or outside, so the surfaces on which they hang aren’t damaged, ” explains Debbie Neese, Horticulture Expert at Lively Root . Another big consideration is irrigation. “A drainage system must be in place, so the roots are not waterlogged and drown, ” she continues. After that, Neese stocks the basics that come into play: placing plants that are made for the amount of light available and using clean, fresh, well-draining potting mix specific to whatever you’re planting.

Maintaining the Vertical Garden

Maintenance for vertical gardens is fairly similar to any other garden. “Always water at the particular base of the herb instead associated with wetting the leaves. This particular method of watering can help prevent fungus and mildew growth, ” advises Neese. How a lot you water is dependent upon root depth, temperature, gentle, and airflow. You need to watch for diseases as well. “Do grooming once a week by looking under the leaves and steams with regard to pests that can be hiding out, ” the girl says. “Also, prune the particular stems when the plants get leggy to keep the flower pushy. ” Compared to a typical backyard, this care is more minimal. “Keeping plants off the ground can benefit plus simplify maintenance since it protects them from garden pests. Weeds are usually also reduced since they’re not getting watered via the floor, ” the lady explains.

Straight Garden Structures

There’s a wide range of ways in order to achieve a vertical garden, some of which are more obvious: fruit trees and shrubs, a trellis, and dangling plants . You can also employ the use of your fence or railing, giving them new life. “If you’re the DIY type, you can build your personal vertical garden box. If building on your very own, you’ll would like to find a naturally rot-resistant wood such as cedar, ” Mosel says. “Another option is to buy an all-in-one kit online. There are a few really innovative brands making vertical horticulture systems and plant wall kits. ” Basically, as long because it’s straight, it’s fair game.

Up and down Garden Plants

“When this comes in order to choosing vegetation for your up and down garden, it all depends on your goals and the particular amount of space you have regarding each vegetable, ” Mosel explains. For plant wall space and stand-alone systems, he recommends starting small. “For indoor seed walls, peperomia, pothos, ferns, and small philodendrons great choices, ” he continues. “For outdoor vegetable top to bottom gardens, leafy greens like spring mix, romaine, or even butter lettuce works great. ” Herbs like mint, parsley, or basil, as well as edible flowers like nasturtium, do as well. Plus, since Neese points out, “herbs plus spices used for cooking can be beneficial to provide aromatic, culinary, and medicinal benefits. ”

In case you have got a trellis, climbing vines are just the beginning associated with your possibilities. “A potted blackberry or even passionfruit place will create a wall of vines and produce delicious fruit. If you want veggies, cucumbers are a great option intended for vertical growing plants with a trellis, ” states Mosel. He also recommends incorporating fresh fruit trees. “It doesn’t obtain much better than growing your own citrus and picking it new from the tree right on your own patio or balcony. ”

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