- 1. Look to the Ceiling<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Accessorize a Tiered Ladder<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Spruce Up the Bookshelves<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Install Floating Wall Shelves<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Mount or Clip a Wall Garden<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Show Off a Window Box<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Design a Pallet Planter<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Repurpose Your Shoe Organizer<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Build a DIY Succulent Wreath<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Rely on a Smart Garden<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Build or Buy a Hydroponic System<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Reuse old water bottles<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Grow an Aeroponics Garden<\/a><\/li>
- 14. Watch Climbers Grow up a Trellis<\/a><\/li>
- 15. Upcycle Your Gutters<\/a><\/li>
- 16. Stack Your Garden Beds<\/a><\/li>
- 17. Dress Up Your Drawers<\/a><\/li>
- 18. Use an A-Frame<\/a><\/li>
- 19. Get Crafty with Crates<\/a><\/li>
- 20. Build a Living Wall<\/a><\/li>
- Advantages of Vertical Gardening<\/a><\/li>
- When to Call a Gardening Pro<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Look to the Ceiling<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Hanging-plant-unsplash-1-646x969-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Your ceiling is a great asset when it comes to vertical gardening. If your horizontal surfaces \u2013 like tables or shelves \u2013 are overcrowded, and pictures and paintings pack your walls, then hanging your plants from the ceiling is the way to go.<\/p>
Need some ideas? Hang a vertical herb garden in your kitchen, or hang a few of your favorite trailing plants in the bathroom (it will make your self-care days extra relaxing). <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- Hanging your plants helps keep them away from curious children or rambunctious pets. <\/li>
- Saves limited space on your horizontal surfaces<\/li>
- Easy to vary the hanging heights. You can hang all your plants at a uniform height or experiment with different levels. <\/li>
- Allows you to grow those long, trailing plants you’ve always wanted to grow. <\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- String of pearls<\/li>
- Burro’s tail<\/li>
- Golden pothos<\/li>
- Boston fern <\/li>
- English iIvy<\/li>
- Ripple peperomia<\/li>
- Spider plant<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance tips: <\/strong><\/p>
- Planter pots can get heavy after adding potting soil and water. Before hanging your pots, make sure to purchase durable hooks and hanging baskets that can hold the weight. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Leave plenty of space between the wall and your plant. A pot hanging too close to the wall could scrape the paint or prevent the plant from growing. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Keep your plants healthy with good drainage (and your white furniture undamaged). Either keep the plant in two pots \u2013 one with drainage holes and the other without \u2013 or make sure the hanging pot has an attached saucer to collect the drainage. <\/li> <\/ul>
Cost:<\/strong> Ceiling hooks typically cost between $2 and $15, depending on durability and style. <\/strong>A <\/strong>hanging planter costs around $15. <\/p>
2. Accessorize a Tiered Ladder<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Ladder-garden-unsplash-1-1-646x969-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you’re buying a ladder to hang your ceiling plants or water the plants in hard-to-reach places, consider turning the ladder into a vertical garden when it’s not in use. A tiered ladder can make an excellent vertical surface for your potted friends, and it will fit nicely with Boho or shabby chic home decor. <\/p>
Unlike the hooks in your ceiling garden, this vertical garden idea is not permanent. A ladder garden allows for easy rearrangement of plants, and you can reutilize the ladder at any time. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- Two-in-one: A useful ladder and a beautiful display<\/li>
- A ladder can also act as a trellis for flowering vines. <\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants: <\/strong><\/p>
We recommend pretty flowers that will turn the vertical garden into a focal point, but herbs work just as well for this ladder idea. You’ll want to stick with plants that grow well in containers. <\/p>
- Geranium<\/li>
- Orchid<\/li>
- Succulents<\/li>
- African violets<\/li>
- Peace lily<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance tip: <\/strong>Fungus gnats love your moist potted plants. If your vertical garden is being devoured by fungus gnats, there are plenty of remedies to get rid of these pests. Let the soil completely dry out before the next watering or apply neem oil to keep these unwanted visitors under control. <\/p>
Cost:<\/strong> A wooden tiered ladder typically costs between $50 and $150. <\/p>
3. Spruce Up the Bookshelves<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/greg-rakozy-vw3Ahg4x1tY-unsplash-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Your bookshelf tends to hold many of life’s answers. Does it hold the answers to your vertical garden?<\/p>
Add some glam to your bookshelves with small potted plants (to act as bookends, of course), or adorn the top shelves with trailing plants. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- Allows you to grow your favorite trailing plants if hanging them from the ceiling is not possible. <\/li>
- Easy rearrangements<\/li>
- Easy to water<\/li>
- An eye-catching plant can accentuate your favorite stack of books. <\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants: <\/strong><\/p>
Want your bookshelves to attract the eye? Try growing trailing plants or textured plants. <\/p>
- Succulents<\/li>
- Devil’s ivy <\/li>
- Spider plant<\/li>
- Lipstick plant<\/li>
- Inch plant<\/li>
- Chain of hearts<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance tip: <\/strong>Keep an eye on your trailing or climbing plants \u2013 these growers can get out of control if not kept in line. Remember to prune and trim these plants to ensure healthy and controlled growth. <\/p>
Cost: <\/strong>Trailing plants usually cost between $10 and $20 each, though this can vary depending on the plant type. <\/p>
4. Install Floating Wall Shelves<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/jean-philippe-delberghe-6y-QUlhw3Rg-unsplash-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If your walls are bare and you need extra space for your herb garden or potted plants, installing floating shelves can be just the ticket. There are plenty of shelving sets to choose from with different designs, shapes, and colors. Decorate them with your favorite trinkets, pet rocks, and potted plants to create a charming wall garden. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- This vertical wall garden idea lets you choose the perfect spot where the plants will get the most sun.<\/li>
- You get to decide the appropriate shelf heights \u2013 no bending over or ladders needed when watering or maintaining this vertical garden. <\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants: <\/strong><\/p>
A potted herb garden in the kitchen would make all the difference to your cooking. These are among the best herbs for container gardening: <\/p>
- Mint<\/li>
- Basil<\/li>
- Rosemary<\/li>
- Sage<\/li>
- Thyme<\/li>
- Lemon balm<\/li>
- Parsley<\/li>
- Oregano<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance tip: <\/strong>Pick your herbs often to encourage new growth. Start picking from the outermost leaves. <\/strong><\/p>
Some herbs start to lose their delicious flavor when flowers begin to form. Pinch off any flower buds to ensure the herbs retain their mouthwatering taste. <\/p>
Cost: <\/strong>A packet of herbs typically costs between $1 and $2. Shelf sets range between $20 and $30 depending on the set’s size and design. <\/p>
5. Mount or Clip a Wall Garden<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pexels-mark-neal-2431830-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If your container garden is swallowing up your small front yard, or your potted flowers are taking over your workspace, turn to the walls for support. Using a clip hanger or flower pot wall mount, you can put your plants on instant display and finally reclaim your small space. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- Mounting your flower pots doesn\u2019t require shelving or any other supportive surface. One clip hanger or wall mount is all you need to start this vertical garden idea. <\/li>
- Choosing where to mount the pot allows you to take advantage of the sunny spots in your home. <\/li>
- Hanging your plant on the wall will turn it into a fun art piece.<\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants:<\/strong><\/p>
Terracotta pots are simple to hang because the clips and wall mounts can grasp at the pot\u2019s rim with ease. Terracotta pots don\u2019t retain moisture, so it\u2019s wise to pick plants that don\u2019t mind the dryness, such as succulents and cacti.<\/p>
Maintenance tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re hanging your terracotta plants indoors, make sure the pots have a saucer attached to catch the drainage. <\/p>
Cost:<\/strong> Clips usually cost about $1 each and are often sold in sets. Wall mounts average about $3. Terracotta pots may range between $1 and $10 or more, depending on the size. <\/p>
6. Show Off a Window Box<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/donald-giannatti-rO7ap9LVQGI-unsplash-1-646x590-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Your Chicago home will stand out from the rest with this vertical garden idea. Embellish your windows with floral window boxes. These containers can feature a wide variety of colors and textures and are a great way to make the neighbors\u2019 jaws hit the floor. <\/p>
If you have a window by your kitchen, why not turn your window box into a small herb garden? When you\u2019re making your Chicago-style deep dish pizza, sprinkle on some fresh herbs straight from the window box. If your kitchen window has an adjustable screen or no screen at all, that will make picking herbs even easier. <\/p>
Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>
- Limited weeds<\/li>
- Offers a beautiful view from your window<\/li>
- A window box can help cover up those unsightly scratches on your window frame. <\/li>
- Adds a splash of color and texture to your Chicago home\u2019s exterior<\/li>
- Growing your plants by the window puts them at eye level, catching the eyes of passersby. <\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants: <\/strong><\/p>
Your window box can show off various plants with different colors, textures, and growth patterns. Before filling your window box with plants, make sure each plant has the same sun requirements. <\/p>
Window box plants that prefer sun: <\/p>
- Marigold<\/li>
- Dusty miller<\/li>
- Rosemary<\/li>
- Periwinkle<\/li>
- Lavender<\/li> <\/ul>
Window box plants that prefer shade: <\/p>
- Parsley<\/li>
- Snapdragon<\/li>
- English daisy <\/li>
- Pansies<\/li>
- Johnny jump-ups<\/li> <\/ul>
Climbing window box plants: <\/p>
- Carolina jessamine<\/li>
- Moon vine<\/li>
- Honeysuckle <\/li> <\/ul>
Trailing window box plants: <\/p>
- English ivy<\/li>
- Strawberries<\/li>
- Alyssum<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance tip:<\/strong> Make sure all your plants grow well together. Since they\u2019ll all share the same container, you don\u2019t want to combine plants that require different growing conditions. Stick with flowers that harmonize, and your maintenance routine will be easy to follow. <\/p>
Cost: <\/strong>Window box prices will vary between $5 and $400 depending on its design and material. <\/p>
7. Design a Pallet Planter<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Piersons_Raised_Bed_from_Pallet6-1-1-646x862-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ellin Beltz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A pallet is a flat platform that enables easy handling, shipping, and lifting of commercial goods or containers. If your outdoor garden is small or you have no greenspace at all, a pallet is a great way to begin or expand a vegetable garden.<\/p>
Place the garden pallet on your porch or balcony and watch your Chicago garden sprout from the soil. Just make sure the lake\u2019s blistering winds don\u2019t try to knock it over. <\/p>
Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>
- It\u2019s easy to organize your vegetable garden in a pallet. Tall plants grow best on top, while the trailing plants do well at the bottom. <\/li>
- No weed picking like in a traditional garden <\/li>
- Keeps the soil in place<\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants:<\/strong><\/p>
Veggies to grow on top: <\/p>
- Cabbage<\/li>
- Peppers<\/li>
- Eggplant<\/li>
- Bush beans<\/li>
- Tomato varieties like Tiny Tim, Small Fry, and Toy Boy<\/li> <\/ul>
Middle:<\/p>
- Lettuce<\/li>
- Thyme<\/li>
- Spinach<\/li>
- Oregano<\/li>
- Mint<\/li>
- Sage<\/li>
- Basil <\/li>
- Rosemary <\/li> <\/ul>
Bottom: <\/p>
- Summer squash<\/li>
- Small melons<\/li>
- Cucumbers<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance tip: <\/strong>Only make a pallet garden with pallets or wood slats stamped with HT. Wood pallets labeled with HT means they were heat treated rather than chemically treated. Chemically treated woods can be unhealthy for your plants. <\/p>
Growing space between the plants inside your pallet garden may be slim, which means diseases and pests can spread quickly. To keep the spread under control, keep a watchful eye on your plants\u2019 health or choose to grow plant varieties with high disease and pest resistance. <\/p>
Cost:<\/strong> Pallets range from $5 to $200 depending on size, quality, and material. <\/p>
8. Repurpose Your Shoe Organizer<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/5480666227_003c2d94aa_o-1-646x862-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: wiccahwang<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Planning to take your old clothes and shoes to the thrift store? Before you toss the over-the-door shoe organizer into the plastic bag bound for Goodwill, it might still have some use for you. Your shoe organizer could grow your herbs instead of holding your flats.<\/p>
Hang the shoe organizer in a nice sunny spot, fill the pockets with soil, and pop in your herbs. For added charm and appeal, decorate the pockets with labels for easy picking. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- Hanging your garden off the ground helps prevent pests from making their way to your plants. <\/li>
- A shoe organizer is easy to move around whenever you need to change your garden’s location. <\/li>
- No more weed control<\/li>
- Simple and easy organization <\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants: <\/strong><\/p>
Fill your shoe organizer with your favorite small flowers or tasty herbs. <\/p>
- Oregano<\/li>
- Lemon balm<\/li>
- Parsley<\/li>
- Basil<\/li>
- Sage<\/li>
- Thyme<\/li>
- Mint<\/li>
- Rosemary<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance tip:<\/strong> Are your shoe organizer’s pockets not draining? Poke a few small holes at the bottom of each. If you\u2019re growing this vertical garden indoors, place a small box underneath the garden to catch any dripping water. <\/p>
Water the pockets whenever the soil is dry. You may need to water your vertical garden every day to keep the soil moist. <\/p>
Cost:<\/strong> If you don\u2019t have an old shoe organizer to reuse, some shoe organizers are available for under $10. <\/p>
9. Build a DIY Succulent Wreath<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Succulent-wreath-unsplash-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Unsplash<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Despite their striking colors and fascinating textures, succulents are low-maintenance and easy to take care of. There\u2019s little to be intimidated by when it comes to caring for a succulent garden. <\/p>
To turn these fleshy plants into a vertical garden, decorate your walls or front door with succulent wreaths. They\u2019re fun and straightforward to make, and no two will look alike. <\/p>
Check out how Garden Answer transforms a moss wreath form into a stunning succulent wreath<\/a> using succulent cuttings, scissors, and greening pins. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- No messy soil or garden pots are needed for this vertical garden project \u2013 just decorate your moss wreath and hang. <\/li>
- A succulent collection can take up lots of space on tables and windowsills. Free up your horizontal surfaces and enjoy your succulents on the wall instead. <\/li>
- A succulent wreath can make a beautiful, one-of-a-kind art piece. <\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants: <\/strong><\/p>
When choosing the right succulents for your wreath, shop for succulent cuttings instead of succulents in a small nursery pot. <\/p>
Maintenance tip: <\/strong><\/p>
- Lay the wreath flat for four to six weeks to allow the succulent cuttings to develop roots<\/li>
- Gradually introduce the succulent wreath to sunlight over one week. <\/li>
- Depending on the time of year, water your succulent wreath every three to 10 weeks. To water, lay the back of the moss form in a tub of water for one hour. Ensure only the back of the moss form is in the water and that none of the succulents are in the water. <\/li> <\/ul>
Cost: <\/strong>Succulent cuttings usually cost less than $1 each and are sold in bulk. Greening pins cost roughly $6 a pack. Depending on its shape and quality, a moss wreath form costs between $10 and $50. <\/p>
10. Rely on a Smart Garden<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Vertical-smart-garden-unsplash.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Always on the go in the Windy City? Finding the time to grow a plant \u2013 let alone a garden \u2013 can be hard when you have places to go and people to see. But what if there was a garden that could sustain itself without your constant attention and care?<\/p>
Though on the pricier side, smart gardens are an excellent tool for growing your favorite herbs and greens. Most systems alert you when the plants need more water (so you aren\u2019t left guessing), and they come with their own grow light. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- Many smart gardens are self-sustaining and require little effort from you. <\/li>
- Many smart garden products come with shelving or a vertical stand that helps save space. <\/li>
- Perfect for Chicago apartments and homes with little sunlight. <\/li>
- Can offer a fun and successful gardening experience for beginner gardeners<\/li>
- Planting and maintenance instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.<\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants:<\/strong><\/p>
Most smart gardens come with a pack of herbs that grow best with the product. <\/p>
Maintenance tip: <\/strong>Smart gardens typically require routine cleaning whenever you change out the plants. But don\u2019t worry about excessive scrubbing or soap-suds \u2013 you can get a smart garden that\u2019s machine washable. <\/p>
Cost: <\/strong>Smart-gardens generally cost between $100 and $200 or more. <\/p>
11. Build or Buy a Hydroponic System<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Hydroponics-vertical-gardening-flickr-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Hydroponics is a gardening approach that grows plants without soil. Instead of soil providing your plants with nutrients, a nutrient-rich water solution does the work. <\/p>
There are several kinds of hydroponic systems, all with a different approach to growing plants without soil. In some hydroponic gardens, the roots are submerged in the water. Other hydroponic systems have the plants growing in a soil substitute, like sand or gravel. <\/p>
If you’re a DIY mastermind and have the resources, you can build a hydroponic system at home. You can also buy a hydroponic vertical gardening system with a sleek design that conserves space. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- Gardening without soil helps to prevent soil-borne diseases from infesting your plants. <\/li>
- With fewer pests and diseases, a hydroponic system requires fewer pesticides and chemicals.<\/li>
- Plants can absorb nutrients from the water faster than from the soil, leading to faster plant growth. <\/li>
- Hydroponics requires less water than a traditional vegetable garden.<\/li>
- No soil erosion<\/li> <\/ul>
Best plants:<\/strong> <\/p>
A hydroponics system can feature various herbs, veggies, fruits, and houseplants. <\/p>
- Oregano <\/li>
- Chives<\/li>
- Basil <\/li>
- Sage<\/li>
- Mint<\/li>
- Strawberries<\/li>
- Tomatoes<\/li>
- Lettuce<\/li>
- Spinach<\/li>
- Cucumber<\/li>
- Peace lily<\/li>
- Devil’s ivy<\/li>
- Spider plant<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance tip: <\/strong>Keep your hydroponic garden’s water reservoir clean and sterile. Otherwise, you risk exposing your plants to bacteria. Remember to clean the reservoir every few weeks. How often you’ll need to change the water will vary depending on the system. <\/p>
Cost: <\/strong>There are several hydroponic choices available for under $100. Larger systems can cost up to $800 or more. <\/p>
12. Reuse old water bottles<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Bottle-flower-pots-vertical-garden-wikimedia-commons.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Celinebj<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Looking for a vertical garden idea that’s environmentally friendly? Instead of buying flower pots, turn to your recycling bin for old plastic water bottles. Cut an opening in the bottle, fill it with potting soil, hang it with string, and voila! You have the perfect recycled pot for your plant. <\/p>
Checkout how 5T1 Balcony makes a vertical garden with old plastic bottles<\/a>. <\/p>
Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>
- Keep your plants healthy with good drainage (and your white furniture undamaged). Either keep the plant in two pots \u2013 one with drainage holes and the other without \u2013 or make sure the hanging pot has an attached saucer to collect the drainage. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Leave plenty of space between the wall and your plant. A pot hanging too close to the wall could scrape the paint or prevent the plant from growing. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Planter pots can get heavy after adding potting soil and water. Before hanging your pots, make sure to purchase durable hooks and hanging baskets that can hold the weight. <\/li> <\/ul>
- 2. Accessorize a Tiered Ladder<\/a><\/li>