If you’re mulling over the idea of maximizing the growing space on your patio but want a garden that requires minimal maintenance, then you’ve come to the right place. The great thing about a compact garden is that it can beautify your space, offer additional privacy and it’s much easier to prevent diseases and pests on the few plants you have.
Enjoy these benefits and more by starting your own vertical garden on your small patio.
Recycle so the Earth Will Like You
You may have wondered where you’re going to plant your seeds or produce your seedlings. Well, it’s a no-brainer, just recycle old containers. Not only does this allow you to use what you have, but you’ll learn not to throw out potentially useful items and reuse what you have.
Had some soda the other day? Find that bottle and get to planting! All you have to do is cut a hole on both ends of the bottle and fill both holes with twine. Then, in goes your gravel, soil, and seeds. Hoist your bottles up with the twine and suspend it by a thread.
As long as you can use the item as a suitable cradle, you’re good to go. Do you have an old cabinet lying around? Bust those drawers open and get growing. Even a decommissioned ladder or gutters can serve as shelving for pot plants.
Take the Hydro Road
The beauty of hydroponics is that you can draw your plants near to each other. You don’t have space-taking soil in the way, so there’s more room and higher yields. There are many different systems to choose from. A popular technique is to connect and mount PVC pipes. Add a bucket of water that has a nutrient solution and a submersible pump and let gravity do the rest.
Don’t Grow Plants that are Afraid of Heights
Not everything green does well in vertical gardens. You want to look for plants with shallow roots when stocking up for your set-up. Get those orchids and ferns up in there. Go for those herbs and vines. Cherry tomatoes and peppers are another great duo of plants that are easy to grow.
Stick Them Up
Having a mounted garden guarantees maximum efficiency. Not only that, but it makes for a secure garden that won’t fall apart when someone bumps into it. You could use a trellis. Mounting wall planters is another idea. Maybe consider attaching your pots to a mesh. Fabric pockets work well too, you know, the ones for shoes?
Another way to save ground space is to make use of your balcony railings. You just clip your pots to them, and you’ll never have to worry about anyone kicking your plants over. Since people will probably sit or stand by the balcony, you’ll want to go for the best-smelling plants you can find. This option is especially great because it’s fairly simple, you really don’t have to be a hardcore DIYer for it.
Who says your vertical garden has to be uniform? It’s up to you if you want to incorporate different pot styles and structures. From the textures to the colors and even the shapes, blend different elements to inject your personality. Contemporary vertical gardens are the pinnacle of diversity and the plants are always the star of the show.
Make a Hanging Flower Garden
You can admire flowers on the ground, or you can bring them up to your nose to enjoy them better. Hanging flower pots or baskets from a rail with twine can help you do just that. You can have some hanging low, some high, it all depends on the effect you’re going for. Don’t just play with height, carefully pick an assortment of flowers that’ll bring the whole display full circle.
Up and Done
And that’s how you make the most out of your patio space through vertical gardening. Now you’ll finally have space for your backyard teak dining set, and a gorgeous backdrop for it, too. While you start plotting your garden, just remember to remain conscious of light and shade. Otherwise, have fun, put your heart into it, and take your time.
