The sky’s the limit for vertical gardening
Many of us have the odd idea that to garden, we must be down on our hands and knees.
But, for those with precious little ground to sow, that may not be practical. Those who live in apartments or condos in the city have a clue or two for you. The No. 1 hint is to think “up.” That is, consider vertical gardening. If you walk outside to a tiny balcony, take a look up to the massive wall behind you.
Some call them “living walls,” and while we won’t say they’re simple to maintain, the payoff is stunning.
Even inside the house, a “green wall” will not only make you feel more peaceful, it will improve air quality. All you need is the framework, the right soil and the plants. Oh, and perfect light helps, which is why outdoor vertical gardens are often ideal. But get the right lights shining down, and you can see green all year around. Certain herbs, and a whole lot of succulents, do well inside.
Outside, consider planting in recycled gutters you place on the wall (be sure to drill holes in them for drainage). Inside or out, the sky is the limit, so to say. First, look to your favorite hardware stores. Here are some products to get you started:
Raise it up
Provided by Lowe’s
This wood box makes it possible to have a vertical green thumb just about anywhere. Grownomics red cedar hanging raised bed box, $228.60, lowes.com
Indoor/outdoor
Provided by Target
This handy garden features four openings for plants, and sports an internal drip system. We’re thinking herbs in the kitchen for this beauty, if you have the sunlight to keep them growing. PlantScape vertical garden, $68.99, target.com
Herb-tastic
Provided by Williams-Sonoma
And for the back-porch gardener? We just love this nifty unit that allows you to rest plants, hang them or plant them in handy boxes. So if your deck looks a bit bland, or you’re tired of purchasing expensive fresh herbs, invest in this beauty, which can make its way inside when the weather turns cold. There’s no doubt about it: When gardening, it’s time to start looking up. Vertical Gro System, $269.95, williams-sonoma.com
