If you are wondering “what foods can I grow in a vertical garden” and don’t know where to start, read this article to get you going.
I put together this guide showing you which vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits and herbs that you can successfully grow in your own vertical gardens.
When setting up your vertical garden, make sure to choose the right containers, trellises, or wall-mounted systems that provide adequate support and proper drainage for your chosen foods.
Additionally, consider the available sunlight and climate conditions in your area to ensure the success of your vertical garden. Good soil and nutrients are very important factors for a successful growth and yield.
Here are a list of foods that can be successfully grown in a vertical garden or live wall system:
| Vegetables: | Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers, Green beans, Zucchini, Radishes |
| Greens: | Spinach, Kale, Lettuce, Arugula, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Sorrel, Endives |
| Fruits: | Strawberries, Bush Melons, Patio Melons |
| Herbs: | Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Chives, Sage, Lemon Verbena |
Vegetables for Vertical Gardens 🥒
Vertical gardens for vegetables are excellent if you would like to save money by growing your own vegetables. As prices are on the rise for produce around the world, growing your own organic vegetables are the way to go.
Tomatoes: Many compact tomato varieties, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, are well-suited for vertical gardening.
Cucumbers: Dwarf cucumber varieties are excellent for vertical gardens, and they can be trained to climb trellises.
Peppers: Bell peppers, chili peppers, and sweet peppers can be grown vertically with the support of stakes or trellises.
Green Beans: Pole beans are ideal for vertical gardening and can be trained to grow on vertical supports.
Zucchini: Certain compact zucchini varieties can be grown vertically using trellises or cages.
Radishes: Radishes have shallow roots and are suitable for vertical planting in pockets or containers.
Leafy Greens for Vertical Gardens 🥬
Leafy greens are excellent choices for vertical gardens because they tend to have shallow root systems and can thrive in smaller spaces.
Lettuce: Various lettuce varieties, such as leaf lettuce, butterhead lettuce, and romaine lettuce, are well-suited for vertical gardens. They can be grown in pockets or wall-mounted planters.
Spinach: Spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy green that can be grown in vertical planters, and it’s especially well-suited for cool climates.
Kale: Kale is a hardy green that can be grown vertically, and it’s packed with nutrients. Varieties like curly kale and lacinato kale work well.
Arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor and grows quickly, making it a good choice for vertical gardens.
Swiss Chard: Swiss chard is an attractive leafy green with colorful stems that can add visual interest to your vertical garden.
Collard Greens: Collards are a Southern favorite and are suitable for vertical gardening, especially in warmer climates.
Sorrel: Sorrel has a tangy, lemony flavor and can be grown in vertical planters or pockets.
Endive: Endive has a slightly bitter taste and can be grown in vertical containers or pockets.
When growing leafy greens in a vertical garden, ensure that you provide them with adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering. Vertical gardening systems with shallow pockets or trays work well for leafy greens, and you can harvest them as they reach the desired size for your salads and recipes.
Fruits for Vertical Gardens 🍈
Growing fruits in a vertical garden are more limited compared to vegetables and herbs because fruiting plants often have larger root systems and can be more challenging to support vertically.
However, there are some fruits that can be grown successfully in a vertical garden with the right conditions and support structures.
Strawberries: Strawberries are a popular choice for vertical gardening. You can plant them in hanging baskets, wall-mounted pockets, or vertical towers. They have shallow roots and produce small, delicious fruits.
Melons: Compact melon varieties, such as bush or patio melons, can be grown vertically using slings or mesh bags to support the fruit as it develops.
When growing fruits in a vertical garden, consider the specific requirements of each fruit type, including sunlight, support, and pruning needs. Additionally, make sure your vertical garden structure can support the weight of the fruit and that you have proper soil and watering conditions in place to ensure successful fruit production.
Herbs for Vertical Gardens 🌿
Herbs are excellent choices for vertical gardens because they often have shallow root systems and can thrive in smaller spaces.
Growing herbs vertically not only saves space but also keeps these flavorful plants easily accessible for culinary use. Here are some good herbs to grow in a vertical garden:
Basil: Basil is a popular herb for vertical gardens due to its vibrant flavor and versatility in cooking. It can be grown in pockets, wall-mounted planters, or on trellises.
Parsley: Both flat-leaf (Italian) and curly parsley are suitable for vertical gardening. They can be grown in pockets or containers.
Cilantro: Cilantro is a staple in many cuisines and can be grown in wall-mounted planters or pockets. It bolts quickly in hot weather, so regular planting is a good idea for a continuous supply.
Thyme: Thyme is a low-growing herb that works well in vertical gardens, especially when combined with other herbs. It’s a great choice for wall-mounted planters.
Oregano: Oregano is a hardy herb that can be grown in vertical pockets or containers. It’s perfect for Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be grown in wall-mounted planters or pockets.
Rosemary: Rosemary is a woody herb that can be grown in vertical containers, but it can become quite large, so choose a suitable variety and provide ample space.
Sage: Sage can be grown vertically in wall-mounted planters and is often used in savory dishes.
Lemon Verbena: Lemon verbena has a lovely citrus aroma and can be grown in wall-mounted containers or pockets.
When growing herbs in a vertical garden, ensure they receive sufficient sunlight, proper drainage, and regular watering.
Be mindful of the growth habits of certain herbs, such as mint and rosemary, and choose the right variety or provide adequate containment to prevent them from taking over your garden.
Vertical gardening systems with individual pockets or shelves work well for growing a variety of herbs in a limited space.
I hope this article has answered your “what foods can I grow in a vertical garden” questions. Please feel free to reach out.
Happy gardening 🌱!