Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a garden. In fact, vertical gardens are a perfect solution for maximizing space in urban homes. By using walls, windows, and other vertical surfaces, you can create a lush, green environment without taking up valuable floor space. Vertical gardening not only adds beauty to your apartment but also helps purify the air and provides a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a vertical garden in a small apartment, from choosing the right plants to selecting the best structures and tools to help your garden thrive.
1. Assess Your Space and Lighting Conditions
Before you begin, it’s important to assess the space and lighting conditions in your apartment. Vertical gardens can be placed on walls, balcony railings, or hanging from ceilings, but the placement will largely depend on the light levels in each area.
Bright, Indirect Light
If you have areas in your apartment with bright, indirect light (such as near windows with sheer curtains), you can grow a wide variety of plants. Some plants that thrive in bright light include:
- Succulents (Aloe Vera, Echeveria)
- Herbs (Basil, Parsley)
- Ferns (Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern)
Low Light
If your apartment doesn’t receive a lot of natural light, choose plants that are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions, such as:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Full Sun
If you have access to a sunny spot, you can grow sun-loving plants, including some edible varieties like:
- Tomatoes (Cherry Tomatoes)
- Peppers
- Flowers (Geraniums, Marigolds)
2. Choose the Right Plants for Vertical Gardening
Selecting the right plants for a vertical garden is crucial to ensuring it thrives. There are several plant types that work particularly well in vertical gardens, from climbing vines to cascading flowers. Here are a few great choices:
Climbing Vines
Climbing vines are a natural fit for vertical gardening because they can cover a lot of space in a short amount of time. These plants will naturally climb upward, making them perfect for trellises, fences, or wall-mounted planters.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Clematis
- Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor)
Hanging Plants
Hanging plants are perfect for vertical gardens as they don’t require much space on the floor and can grow downward, creating a beautiful cascading effect. Some great choices include:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
- Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Edible Plants
If you want to grow your own food in a small apartment, vertical gardens are ideal for growing herbs and small vegetables. Look for plants that don’t require deep soil and can thrive in containers.
- Herbs (Mint, Thyme, Rosemary)
- Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach)
- Small Fruits (Strawberries)
3. Selecting the Best Vertical Garden Structures
To create a vertical garden, you’ll need the right structures to support your plants. Fortunately, there are many options that can fit into small spaces while adding a decorative touch to your apartment. Here are some ideas:
Vertical Planters
Vertical planters are designed to hold multiple plants in a stacked arrangement, allowing you to grow a lot in a small footprint. They can be purchased as pre-made planters or created from repurposed materials.
- Wall-mounted planters – These can be attached to your apartment walls, creating a living wall of greenery.
- Stacked planters – These multi-tiered planters can be placed on the floor or mounted, making them a perfect solution for small spaces.
- Hanging planters – Hanging planters can be suspended from the ceiling or a shelf to create a cascading effect.
Trellises and Lattice
Trellises and lattice structures are ideal for growing climbing plants, such as ivy or peas. These can be installed on walls, placed in pots, or even attached to balcony railings. For a unique touch, consider a freestanding trellis or one that’s part of a piece of furniture, like a shelf.
Recycled Materials
For a budget-friendly and eco-conscious approach, you can create your own vertical garden using recycled materials like pallets, wooden crates, or old ladders. These items can easily be transformed into creative vertical planters that are both functional and decorative.
4. Care and Maintenance for Your Vertical Garden
While vertical gardens are low-maintenance in terms of space, they still require regular care and attention to ensure your plants thrive. Here are some key maintenance tips:
Watering
One of the challenges with vertical gardens is ensuring that your plants receive enough water. Since the plants are elevated, it can be tricky to water them evenly. Make sure to water thoroughly, especially for hanging planters or those placed on walls. Use a watering can with a long spout or a drip irrigation system to ensure the water reaches the roots.
Fertilizing
Plants in vertical gardens will benefit from occasional fertilizing, especially if they’re in containers. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). For edible plants, you can also use organic fertilizers to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
To keep your vertical garden looking tidy, make sure to regularly prune your plants. Remove dead or yellowing leaves, trim back excessive growth, and train climbing plants along your trellis or wall structure to keep them neat.
Support and Structure
As your climbing plants grow, they may need extra support to stay upright. Use garden ties, twine, or plant clips to secure the vines to the trellis or wall. Be sure not to overcrowd the plants, as this can inhibit their growth and affect air circulation.
5. Decorating Your Vertical Garden
A vertical garden doesn’t just have to be functional—it can also be a decorative feature in your apartment. Here are some ideas for adding style to your vertical garden:
- Colorful Planters: Choose brightly colored or patterned planters to add a pop of color to your space.
- Mix and Match Plants: Combine different textures and colors by using a variety of plants in your vertical garden. Mixing leafy greens with flowers and vines will create visual interest.
- Lighting: Add small LED grow lights to your vertical garden if it’s located in a dim area. This can help your plants thrive and add ambiance to the space.