Vertical Gardening { Neat + Compact }

Who doesn’t want a garden? Yes, maybe you don’t want the hassle of a garden or the mess of a garden, but what if we’re talking fuss-free gardens? Vertical gardening, also known as micro gardening, is the answer to many a mom’s green dilemma, as it takes little upkeep, little space and little cleaning. And it looks fabulous! Grown either in-doors or out, the options are endless and the kiddies can also get their hands dirty within a contained environment.

Simply put, vertical gardening is the creative use of a structure to maximise growing space and harness the potential of vertical and horizontal planes. The idea is to really think outside the box here – play around with fun pots and planters, interesting shrubs and greenery, and a combination of earthbound and vertical gardening. Because each plant is contained within a pot, it requires less pruning and maintenance, staying neat and tidy for longer – music to a mother’s ears!

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Turn your garden entrance into a vertical garden by either erecting a trellis on either side of the path or constructing a
• Plants that aren’t grown on the ground are much more exposed and fragile, and therefore need extra care, attention and, in most cases, water.
• Check which direction the sunshine comes from to ensure that your plants get the right amount of light and shade throughout the day.
• Consider the type of plant and the height it will reach when it becomes mature. This will affect your choice pots and height of the garden.
• Carefully consider the height of your planter pots – it has to be low enough so you can water it with ease yet high enough so you don’t bump your head against it.
• Make sure the wall, fence or rafters against which you grow your vertical garden is strong enough to carry the weight of the (mature) plant as well as the pot and soil.
• Think twice before opting for creeper plants as with time, they can damage paintwork and structures.
• Remember to anchor the structure to ensure that it doesn’t tumble when the wind breezes past.
• Start with tried and trusted plants like tomatoes, violets, daisies, herbs and other easy-growing potted plants.

Original images and their credits available on Pinterest