Who said you need a lot of space to grow a vegetable garden? Even a small balcony or a corner of the house can become a lush garden, thanks to the vertical garden! This technique uses vertical surfaces, such as walls and fences, to grow plants, aromatic herbs and vegetables, making cultivation possible even in small spaces. In this article we will explore how to create a vertical garden, which plants to choose and the benefits of having a green corner even in the city.
Why Choose a Vertical Garden?
The vertical garden is a practical way to always have fresh vegetables, even in small spaces. This solution offers numerous advantages:
- Maximizes space: using the walls allows you to save horizontal surface, leaving the floor of the balcony or terrace free.
- Improves aesthetics: a vertical garden adds beauty and freshness to the balcony or house, transforming empty walls into green surfaces.
- Purifies the air: many plants purify the air, improving the quality of the internal environment.
- Reduces stress: contact with greenery and caring for plants are excellent allies for mental well-being.
Choosing the Right Space for Your Vegetable Garden
Before you start, it is essential to choose the right place. Here are some things to consider:
- Sun exposure: most plants need light, so choose a place that receives at least 4-6 hours of sun a day.
- Accessibility: place the vegetable garden at a comfortable height, where you can easily reach each plant to water and care for it.
- Wind protection: especially if the balcony is exposed to the wind, consider using windbreaks or covers to protect the more delicate plants.
How to Make a Vertical Vegetable Garden
There are various ways to create a vertical vegetable garden. Here are some practical and creative solutions to set up your green space:
- Wall shelves: install shelves to place the pots in rows, creating a stepped effect. You can play with different heights to make watering easier.
- Wooden boxes: recover wooden boxes and attach them to the wall for a rustic and functional look. Each box can contain different plants and vegetables.
- Felt or fabric pockets: there are waterproof fabric supports with pockets where you can insert plants. This solution is lightweight and very suitable for those who have little space.
- PVC pipes or vertical channels: if you are handy, create holes along a PVC pipe where you can insert the plants. This system is ideal for growing aromatic herbs and salads.
The Ideal Plants for a Vertical Garden
Not all plants are suitable for vertical cultivation. Here is a selection of plants that grow well in small spaces:
- Aromatic herbs: basil, parsley, thyme, mint, sage and oregano are easy to grow and useful in the kitchen.
- Leafy vegetables: salads, spinach and rocket take up little space and grow quickly.
- Strawberries: perfect for balconies, strawberries climb and produce fruit even in small spaces.
- Cherry tomatoes: with the right support, cherry tomatoes or date tomatoes grow vertically and produce tasty fruit.
- Edible flowers: nasturtiums and violets not only add color but are also perfect for decorating salads.
Vertical Garden Maintenance
A vertical garden requires regular care to thrive:
- Irrigation: water tends to flow downwards, so plants in the upper part may dry out more quickly. Check the humidity of each plant and use a drip irrigation system to make the job easier.
- Fertilization: provide a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, choosing natural products to avoid chemical build-ups.
- Pruning: cut off dry leaves and excess branches to stimulate growth and keep your garden tidy.
Creating a vertical garden is a simple and sustainable way to always have fresh herbs and vegetables available, even in small spaces. This project allows you to rediscover the pleasure of cultivation, contributing to a greener lifestyle that is attentive to well-being. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, the vertical garden brings a corner of nature into your home, ready to offer you freshness and authentic flavors.
