Whether you have a tiny backyard or just an apartment balcony, you can grow vegetables and herbs with the help of a trellis.
Keeping plants suspended allows air to circulate freely around them, which can reduce the risk of fungal disease and prevent ground-dwelling pests. It also cuts down on rotting fruits and vegetables from sitting too long.
Better Air Circulation
Many gardeners envision a lush landscape full of beautiful flowers and nutritious vegetables. Those who don’t have enough yard space may consider growing vertically to maximize their crop yields.
Unlike traditional gardening methods that place plants on the ground, vertical gardens keep plants suspended, increasing exposure to sunlight and improving air circulation, which can help prevent fungal diseases and promote healthy growth. Hanging plants also reduce the number of weeds that can take over a garden bed.
Indoor vertical gardens improve air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. They can also lower energy bills by functioning as an extra layer of insulation to help maintain a cool temperature, reducing the need for expensive air conditioning during summer.
Less Pests
A vertical garden is a great way to make your home look nicer and add privacy to outdoor spaces. It also helps with air quality in urban areas by absorbing harmful pollutants and releasing healthy oxygen. It can also reduce noise pollution in urban environments by acting as a sound barrier.
Many vegetables, like pole beans, peas, and sweet potatoes, vine-like squashes and melons, and sprawling types of herbs can grow well on trellises and other supports. Other options include netting, bamboo poles, and wire cages.
Most vertical gardens are a low-cost, do-it-yourself project. Some require more complex systems, such as hydroponics. In general, they need regular watering and fertilization, and deadheading (removing flower buds) to keep the plants looking nice. They also need sunlight to thrive. It is important to use a drainage system with your containers, and to avoid using gravel or stones in the bottom of the pot as this will absorb heat, increase soil temperature, and cause the moisture to evaporate more quickly.
More Space
Whether growing flowers or vegetables vertically, tiered plantings allow you to grow more in less space. A gardener can use a trellis to grow tomatoes above strawberries, or a wooden pergola to support clematis and roses.
This is a great way to add some visual interest to a small landscape. Planters made of wood or metal can be painted to match the style of your home or garden. Drawers from old furniture, repurposed shoe organizers and even recycled milk jugs can be used to hold potting mix and plants.
Another benefit of indoor vertical gardens is that they can improve the air quality in homes by absorbing harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen. If you’re considering moving to a new home, it’s a good idea to check the neighborhood’s air pollution levels before making a final decision. Greenery can also help you maintain a healthier life by improving your mood and increasing concentration levels. It’s a great stress-buster, too!
More Plants
Vertical gardens allow you to grow more plants in the same space. This means that you can get more produce in your home and add more color to your landscape.
Many vegetables, herbs, and flowers are good candidates for vertical gardening. Some that grow well include cucumbers, green beans, and peas. You can also plant tomatoes and other fruiting crops on a strong trellis. Other favorites are trailing ivy and nasturtiums.
Keeping your plants off the ground also reduces fungal disease risks and rot. And because ground-dwelling pests can’t access them, they are less likely to eat your food or damage your plants. This means less time spent on fertilizers, chemicals, and weed killers.