21 Vertical Garden Ideas for Those Short on Space
Photo: istockphoto.com
Short on space but still want to enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers? Vertical growing is a great solution. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning outdoor feature or add some greenery to your indoor space, there are plenty of creative vertical garden ideas to choose from. In this article, we’ll showcase 21 of our favorite ideas, complete with DIY tips and plant care advice. From pallet garden walls to hanging plant displays, there are vertical gardening ideas here for every style and skill level.
1. Fence Planter Boxes
Photo: outsidespacenyc.com | Hardscape Designer: Edward Jones | Planting Designer and Photographer: Irene Kalina-Jones
The planter boxes built into the back fence here are a great way to add a touch of greenery to any fence or wall. Made of plywood and faced with Brazilian hardwood ipe, they are both sturdy and stylish. Measuring 1.5 feet deep and 2 feet wide, these planter boxes provide ample space for larger plants, creating a wall of greenery. Whether you plant flowering vines or herbs, these fence planter boxes are sure to make a statement in any outdoor space.
2. Farmstand Nook
Photo: lettucegrow.com
The Farmstand Nook from Lettuce Grow is an indoor vertical garden system that’s perfect for those looking to garden indoors. This system uses a hydroponic method of growing, which means you don’t need soil to grow your plants. Instead, you grow your plants in nutrient-rich water. The Farmstand Nook can hold up to 20 plants, so you can cultivate a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruits. One of the benefits of the hydroponic system used in the Farmstand Nook is that it doesn’t require direct sunlight to grow plants. Instead, the system uses full-spectrum LED lights that provide the right amount and quality of light needed for plants to grow.
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3. Upcycled Wall Planters
Photo: Beth Heim
This beautiful orchid garden wall is a perfect example of how to upcycle materials to create a unique and eco-friendly vertical garden. To build a diy green wall like this one, you can repurpose materials like old pallets or wooden crates and attach them to a sturdy wall or fence. Make sure to line the planters with landscape fabric or plastic to prevent orchid bark or other growing media from falling out. You can then fill the planters with your favorite epiphytes, such as orchids or staghorn ferns, to create a lush and vibrant wall garden.
4. Multi-Tiered Plant Stand
Photo: wayfair.com
This highly rated multi-tiered plant stand available at Wayfair is a versatile and functional piece that can be used indoors or outdoors. Made of sturdy metal, this plant stand features multiple tiers of shelves that can hold a variety of plants. The shelves are crafted from wood, giving the stand a rustic and natural look. The hooks at the top of the piece allow users to install a hanging herb garden for a more dynamic look. While this plant stand is available to purchase, it could also be recreated in wood as a doable DIY project for an amateur woodworker.
5. DIY Wall Garden
Photo: istockphoto.com
To create a diy plant wall garden like this one, you’ll need a wall or fence to mount your plants on. You can use a variety of planters, such as terra-cotta pots or metal buckets, to create a unique and eclectic look. Choose plants with different textures and shapes to add visual interest to your garden. Succulents, cacti, and herbs are great choices for a minimalist garden, as they require nominal maintenance and can thrive in a variety of environments.
6. Mini Living Wall
Photo: creativeenvironments.com
This living wall is an easy DIY project that works for any outdoor space. Made up of a variety of plants, it creates an eye-catching display that’s both beautiful and functional. The standalone design makes this idea perfect for those who don’t want to utilize a large wall space. When creating a living wall like this one, make sure to group plants that have the same water and light requirements.
7. Zen Bathroom Wall
Photo: habitathorticulture.com | Photographer: Janet Paik | Designer: David Brenner | Installation: Habitat Horticulture
This vertical bathroom garden is an unusual and creative way to bring a touch of nature into your home to create a spa-like atmosphere. The plants are mounted on a living wall, creating a lush and vibrant display that’s perfect for a relaxing soak in the tub. To create a bathroom vertical garden, you’ll need a sturdy wall and a waterproof barrier to protect against moisture. Choose plants that thrive in high-humidity environments, such as ferns or mosses, to create a lush and natural look. Your living wall will need a quality growing medium to support the plants and provide them with the necessary nutrients. Consider using a soilless mix that is lightweight and well-draining.
8. Rock Wall Vertical Garden
Photo: istockphoto.com
This rock wall vertical garden will create a natural and rustic look in your outdoor space. You can create pockets in the wall by drilling holes and filling them with soil or by using a fabric pocket system. Succulents and other low-maintenance plants are great choices for planting in a rock wall, as they can thrive in rocky environments with minimal soil.
9. Pot Rack Ladder
Photo: EdnaFayeCreations via etsy.com
Made of wood and stained in a dark walnut color, this DIY-able pot rack ladder available at Etsy features several rungs that can hold a variety of planters. It’s available in two lengths—48 and 60 inches—to best suit the size of your space. DIYers can also recreate this concept for themselves by building a homemade ladder or upcycling an old one from which to hang planters.
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10. Pallet Planter
Photo: istockphoto.com
Making a wall planting system using pallets allows you to upcycle materials and create a unique and sustainable vertical vegetable garden. To create a pallet planter, you’ll need a wooden pallet and some basic tools. Start by removing any nails or staples from the pallet and sanding it down to remove any rough spots. You can then attach small planters, such as metal buckets or terra-cotta pots, to the pallet using screws or nails. You can hang your pallet planter on a sturdy wall or fence, or prop it up against a wall to create a freestanding garden.
11. Living Wall Fence
Photo: habitathorticulture.com | Photographer: Gary Belinsky | Designer: Mickey Mangan | Installation: Habitat Horticulture
A living wall fence is a sustainable and beautiful way to add a vibrant and dynamic garden to your outdoor space. This living wall is made up of a variety of plants arranged in a striking and visually appealing pattern. It uses succulents, greenery, and flowering plants to great effect, acting as a colorful centerpiece in any outdoor space. Plan out the design of your living wall before you start planting. Consider the colors and textures of the plants, as well as the layout and spacing. Keep an eye on your plants to make sure they are growing properly and thriving in their environment. Prune or replace any plants that are not doing well to keep your living wall looking its best.
12. Succulent Wall Art
Photo: istockphoto.com
Have you ever considered framing your plants like a painting? These living artworks are made up of different types of succulents arranged in a visually appealing and artistic pattern. To create succulent wall art, you’ll need a sturdy frame, such as a shadow box or picture frame, and a selection of succulent plants. Make sure to plant them in a well-draining soil mix, as succulents are prone to root rot. Water your succulents sparingly, as they are drought-tolerant plants and can easily be overwatered.
13. Acrylic Greenhouse Shelves
Photo: ManCandle via etsy.com
Adapt existing IKEA furniture with acrylic shelves like these available at Etsy. The shelves are available in either 1/4- or 3/8-inch thickness, depending on the type of planters you want to use. The 1/4-inch thickness works best for lighter-weight plastic or propagation planters, while the 3/8-inch thickness is ideal for heavier ceramic or terra-cotta planters. The shelves come clear and feature dedicated holes in the rear for cable pass-through, as well as engraved center markers for easy alignment when installing your light accessories.
14. Aeroponic Farm
Photo: aerogarden.com
An aeroponic farm is a high-tech way to grow plants indoors. The AeroGarden Farm 24XL is an aeroponic system that can accommodate up to 24 plants at a time, making it perfect for growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers. The system features a large water tank, a high-performance LED lighting system, and a control panel that allows you to customize your plant growth settings. Users can even set up the system to be self-sufficient while they’re away from home, allowing them to return from traveling to healthy plants.
15. Natural Garden Fence
Photo: newecolandscapes.com
A fence is a great structure to use for a vertical garden, as it provides a sturdy and reliable support system for your plants. It’s a great way to add plants to your outdoor space without taking up too much room, and it can also help to provide some privacy and screening from your neighbors. To create a vertical planter garden on a fence, you can use a variety of materials, such as wooden pallets, trellises, or wire mesh panels, depending on the construction of your existing fencing.
16. Recycled Plastic Bottle Planters
Photo: istockphoto.com
Repurpose plastic bottles and create a unique and eco-friendly planter wall. To start, collect several plastic bottles of the same size and shape. Cut a hole in bottles using scissors or a utility knife to create an opening. Next, use a hole punch or a nail to make several small drainage holes in the bottom of each bottle. Fill each bottle with soil and your desired plants, making sure to leave enough space for the roots to grow. Install your recycled plastic bottle planters in a sunny spot and water your plants regularly.
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17. Fence Box Planters
Photo: landmechanics.com
These fence box plants allow users to create a vertical garden while adding a touch of rustic charm to their backyards. To create your own similar box planters, you’ll need to start by buying or making wooden boxes. This is a great opportunity to repurpose wooden pallets or extra wood from other projects. Once you have the boxes, drill holes in the bottom for drainage. Next, fill the boxes with soil and your desired plants, making sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of sunlight the area receives.
18. Tiered Pyramid Garden
Photo: wayfair.com
This highly rated pyramid-shaped vertical garden planter from Wayfair is made from durable and weather-resistant materials, featuring a series of wooden boxes that can be filled with your favorite plants. The boxes are arranged in a tiered design, creating a dynamic and visually interesting display of greenery. It’s perfect for a pocket garden, taking up just 6 1/2 square feet of ground space while offering additional square feet of space for planting.
19. Stacked Planter Tower
Photo: istockphoto.com
This project is a fun and creative way to create a DIY vertical garden using stacked planters. To get started, you’ll need several planters and a sturdy metal rod. Using the holes in the bottom of each planter, insert the metal rod through each one, stacking them on top of one another at an angle. Fill the planters with soil and add your favorite plants to complete the process.
20. Wooden Planter Wall
Photo: istockphoto.com
Transform an exterior wall or fence into a stunning greenery display by creating a full wall of wooden planters. This design features some trough-style planters that are large enough to fit several plants, as well as wooden plant shelves meant to accommodate pots or planters. The final look is natural and eclectic, and is sure to make a statement.
21. Spiral Staircase Plant Tower
Photo: istockphoto.com
A spiral staircase tower garden is an excellent space-saving design that works just as well for creating a vertical garden as it does for providing access to another floor. Each step of this planter can hold one large pot or several smaller pots, and due to the nature of the design, the containers won’t create shade for the plants on the steps below them.