Reimagining Your Growing Area: Introducing the Vertical Container Garden
Creative-thinking with regard to your vertical space is key when container gardening in small spaces. There are any number of ways to increase your growing space by growing vertically, including use of stakes and trellises, towers, creating or using prefabricated tiered or scaffold-type potting structures.
Who said that you can’t grow vining vegetables or flowers without the space of a yard or field? If you want to grow cucumbers, squash, or melons, you can do that! All you need is a large enough container, the appropriate plant selection, basic tools and structural support. Consult our Planting Guide for minimal container size requirements.
Structural Support
Trellis
In most instances, this structural support is best provided by purchasing or creating a trellis. You can purchase a prefabricated one, or create one from attaching the following to stakes (bamboo, wooden, plastic or metal): prefabricated wooden or plastic garden lattice, prefabricated nylon trellis, chicken wire, metal fencing/mesh, wooden fence sections, repurposed furniture pieces with lattice-like woodwork. If you are crafty, create your own netting or latticework with nylon or durable twine. *Note: If using your trellis for edible plants, ensure that materials are food safe.
I made trellis frameworks with bamboo and nylon line for cucumbers, as well as wooden fence posts and twine for small cantaloupe (Ambrosia) and watermelon (Sugar Babies) varieties. If you do not have enough space in your planter to insert and stabilize the support posts, you can mount them to a stable structure such as a fence, deck or porch railing with zip ties or alternate lashing system. Once your plants begin to climb, you will simply need plant-safe ties to train and secure your vines to the trellis/latticework. Visit our Garden “Toolkit” page for suggestions.
Not only does growing vertically permit more growing space, but it also keeps your fruit and vegetables off of the ground, deck, patio, porch or balcony surface, and provides more light exposure for photosynthesis and plant energy production.
Before You Begin
Calculate the area you plan to use, including the vertical dimension. Keep this in mind when selecting your plants. You will need to consult the growing details on your seed packet or tag on your seedlings. This will tell you the average height and spread (width) of your plants. *Note: It is recommended to choose smaller plant or fruit/vegetable varieties (i.e., pepper plants that bear small to medium peppers, smaller melons, plant varieties with shorter vines) for larger harvest when container gardening, and to ensure you have adequate space and nutritional support for your plants. Use your calculated area to also assist you in determining how much material you need for trellises, if applicable.
Resources for Building Your Own Trellis System
https://www.thespruce.com/diy-trellises-for-your-garden-1104036
https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g31025071/trellis-ideas/
https://www.apieceofrainbow.com/21-diy-trellis-structures/
Tower/Tiered Planters
These container types use vertical space to allow for planting and growth of multiple plants, and in some cases use gravity and PVC/tubing to assist with watering. It seems that their most popular use is for growing flowers, herbs, greens and strawberries. There are some varieties that do not require soil, and advertise as aeroponic or hydroponic compatible. Others offer varied amenities, such as an area for composting and compost use, LED grow lights for indoor growing, and casters for mobility.
Explore Tower Planters:
You may also find great deals for stackable planters that will allow you to build a DIY tower arrangement at your local “Dollar”-variety and discount stores.
Hanging Planters
If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it! Do you know how grandma and your older Auntie’s always adorned their porches and decks with flowers in hanging planters or porch and deck rail planters? They knew how to maximize their growing space and were queens at ornamental gardening. These methods still work. Personally, I’d recommend sticking with flowers and herbs vs. berries due to critter vulnerability.
Hanging planters can be anchored on railings via screws/hooks or clamps, and also installed on a freestanding post with hook and can be stuck in the ground area. Whatever you do, just make sure you have a liner as needed to prevent loss of soil and proper drainage to prevent root-rot.
Hanging Planters and Deck Rail Planters to Explore:
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that one of my earlier container garden selections, the Topsy Turvy, is reportedly new and improved, and still receives good reviews. The downsides being the runoff and increased frequency of watering as there is no reservoir or catch tray, and greater vulnerability in high winds.
It’s for sale at Amazon and other retailers.
What can you plant in a Topsy Turvy? Click here to explore.
Other Structural Supports
In some instances, you can use a companion plant for support. For example, plants like corn and sunflowers may provide strong, sturdy support for some vining/climbing plants. Consult a companion planting guide to see if your plant selections might benefit from this method.
Whichever products you select, just keep in mind that this is your nest, your oasis, and you are the designer. Like a designer you must think in 3D, and reimagine and redefine what is “workable” space. Most importantly….Enjoy the journey!
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