A vertical herb garden is an innovative way to grow herbs, vegetables, flowers, and other plants in a compact vertical space rather than a horizontal garden plot. As urban living spaces continue to shrink and more people want access to fresh herbs and veggies, vertical gardening is exploding in popularity as an easy, sustainable solution.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn all about vertical herb garden benefits, appropriate structures and systems, essential growing tools, suitable plants, proper lighting requirements, effective irrigation and fertilization techniques, maintenance tips, and much more.
What Is a Vertical Garden?
A vertical garden, also called a vertical farm or vertical vegetation, is a nontraditional technique for growing plants in an upright vertical fashion rather than horizontal rows on the ground. This agricultural method allows for the cultivation of crops in vertically stacked layers commonly integrated into structures like the exterior walls of buildings, balconies, fences, columns, or freestanding vertical frames.
Vertical garden systems take advantage of vertical space to increase planting area and enable urban agriculture, agriculture in space-challenged areas, or agriculture in cities. Without the footprint of traditional horizontal farming, a vertical garden can produce high yields within a small surface area.
The concept of vertical gardening leverages vertical structures to plant upwards rather than outwards to save space and bring food production and greenery into dense urban environments. This agricultural practice takes growing plants off the ground and moves it to vertically oriented surfaces by using vertical structures that can be attached to walls or specially designed vertical frames.
Structures like stacked crates, ladders, wall-mounted containers, hanging bags, and vertical growing towers allow gardeners to plant and grow vegetables, herbs, and ornamental flowers by using the vertical space available rather than ground space. Vertical gardens can be designed for growing inside or outside the home.
The vertical gardening method is a revolutionary way to sustainably produce food and revegetate urban environments. From balcony vegetable gardens to living walls filled with foliage, vertical gardening allows anyone to grow plants anywhere while benefiting from key advantages like maximized growth space, reduced weed and pest pressure, conservation of water and soil, and more.
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Advantages of Vertical Herb Garden
Vertical herb gardens offer numerous advantages that make them a smart, efficient way to grow herbs, especially for urban gardeners, small spaces, and anyone with mobility challenges. The following key benefits showcase why planting herbs vertically can lead to an abundant, successful harvest:
- Reduced physical strain. A vertical herb garden requires little bending, kneeling or sitting to tend it. By positioning the garden at a convenient height, maintenance tasks can be performed in an upright position. The reduced physical exertion makes vertical gardening ideal for seniors, those with limited mobility or back problems. Grow your herbs vertically to avoid strain and make gardening more comfortable.
- Higher yields. Vertical gardens allow for intensive planting in a compact footprint, resulting in higher crop yields per square foot. The vertical stacking means more plants can be grown in less space compared to a conventional horizontal garden. More planting area equals greater production from each plant, enabling urban gardeners and those with limited space to grow more herbs. Go vertical to increase your herb harvest despite restricted room.
- Enhanced accessibility. Vertical structures position plants at easily accessible heights for any gardener. Heights are tailored to those working the garden, making tending and harvesting simple without climbing or reaching uncomfortably. Customized heights cater to those using wheelchairs or with limited movement for true accessibility. Vertical herb gardens mean herbs within arm’s reach for anyone.
- Improved food safety. Elevating a herb garden improves drainage and air circulation around plants, keeping foliage drier. Drier leaves mean less mold, fungi and other pathogens. Excellent drainage also reduces root rot or damping off due to waterlogged soil. Cleaner plants and less disease lead to safer consumable herbs. Go vertical for the safety of harvesting healthy, pathogen-free herbs.
- Decreased noise. Elevating pots or planters off the ground can decrease ambient noise exposure for plants. This shields herbs from loud noises that may stress or slow their growth. A vertical garden acts as a sound barrier, protecting delicate herb plants. Grow herbs vertically for peaceful surroundings that promote better rest and development.
- Visually appealing. A vertically oriented garden stands out visually while taking up minimal floor space. The striking, modern look adds style and flair whether mounted indoors or outdoors. Visually interesting herbs become an artful focal point and conversation starter for any room. Go vertical for showstopping visual drama in your gardening design.
- Lower water needs. Vertical gardens often incorporate efficient irrigation systems to maximize water usage. Strategic watering delivers just the right amount to each plant while reducing excess water run off. With less wasted water, a vertical garden needs less overall irrigation than the ground-level equivalent. Go vertical to conserve water.
- Less soil erosion. Vertically stacked pots prevent soil disturbance from weather exposure and retain soil structure better than ground-level beds. The contained nature protects precious soils while reducing erosion and structural degradation over a growing season. Grow herbs vertically to conserve your soil quality for years to come.
- Increased airflow. A vertical herb garden on an exterior wall or vertical structure benefits from improved airflow on all sides of plants. This air circulation provides better light exposure and consistent drying while deterring mold, fungi, and pests. Abundant airflow equals healthier herb growth. Position herbs vertically to maximize air movement for robust plants.
- The obvious but essential advantage is the extreme space efficiency of going vertical. Garden beds stretched horizontally require substantial ground area that is simply not available to urban gardeners or small space dwellers. But vertically oriented gardens provide impressive plant totals in very condensed footprints. For city or apartment herb gardening, vertical growing is a compact solution.
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Required Equipment for a DIY Vertical Herb Garden
Creating your own vertical herb garden at home is easy and affordable with minimal equipment needed. Whether building a freestanding vertical garden or installing one on a wall or railing, you likely already have many useful supplies. This straightforward beginner-friendly project takes just essential components and simple construction.
Before starting your vertical herb garden, gather these key DIY must-haves:
- Vertical structure. Choose a vertical frame, hooks, netting, ladders, or other vertical structure to securely mount containers. Ensure the structure is study, sized appropriately and meets weight-bearing needs for the planned plants. Consider durability, spacing, sunlight exposure and design when selecting a vertical support. The structure forms the essential skeleton to position plants vertically rather than ground-level.
- Growing containers. Attach pots, woven bags, crates, buckets or other vessels to the vertical structure to hold and grow herb plants. Containers should have drainage holes, be lightweight enough for the structure to hold, and made of weather-resistant material if outdoors. Match container size, depth and drainage factors to the chosen herbs’ needs. Containers enable easily moveable and customizable vertical arrangements.
- Soilless growing medium. In lieu of heavy soil, select a lightweight potting mix that still provides nutrients, anchors roots and retains some moisture. Commercial mixes blend peat, bark chips, perlite and other amendments into an ideal consistency for container vertical gardening. Prepare containers with nutrient-rich, fast-draining medium tailored for herbs.
- Simple fasteners. Use twist-ties, hooks, velcro strips, wire or other simple fasteners to attach containers and plants to the vertical structure securely. Fasten from multiple anchoring points for stability and to prevent crashing. Flexible fasteners also allow reconfiguring or adding containers easily. Don’t underestimate the need for effective fasteners when designing a DIY vertical garden.
- Irrigation system. Incorporate irrigation tubing, drippers or sprayers to effortlessly water vertical plants. Drip irrigation delivers water right to roots without overflow or waste. Timer attachments automate watering for ease. Proper irrigation is key for vertical gardens that can dry out faster than in-ground beds.
- Lighting gear. Boost sunlight with full-spectrum grow lights or neon strips with adjustable brightness. Mountable lights placed strategically fuel photosynthesis for indoor or outdoor vertical gardens, especially beneficial for low-light plants. Support vigorous herb growth with ample lighting from all angles.
- Trellising/cages. Guide vining herb growth vertically with clipped-on trellises. Use tall cages to contain aggressive plants within bounds. Trellises boost yields for vining plants and keep them growing neatly upwards. Cages lend support and a neat, tailored look to vertical herb arrangements.
- Wall brackets. For mounted gardens, use sturdy brackets designed to handle weight-loads of mature plants plus containers when watered. Bolt mounting boards to studs for stability and anchor L-brackets, rails and modular wall garden systems securely. Proper hardware keeps the vertical structure and valuable plants safely and permanently in place.
- Back panels. Place moisture barrier panels behind a vertical garden installation to protect walls from moisture damage. Plastic, foam or waterproof courtyard board panels shield exterior or interior walls from soil, overflow and irrigation moisture. Prevent leaks, wood warping, mold and wall degradation, especially in humid climates.
Container Types for Herb Gardens
When designing a vertical herb garden, select the best container types tailored to the available space, structure, and chosen plants. The vessels holding the soilless mix and herb roots come in many forms to facilitate vertical or wall-mounted gardens. Explore these popular vertical planter options for healthy, prolific herbs.
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Hanging Wall Baskets
Traditional hanging baskets instantly adapt to vertical gardening by mounting to exterior or interior walls. Line sturdy baskets with coir liner before filling with potting mix and herbs. The cascade of greenery and easy access makes wall-mounted baskets a favorite for small-space herb gardens. Match basket size to the weight load of mounts. Group colorful baskets together for artful displays.
You can retrofit classic hanging baskets as vertical planters combined with wall hooks, rails or brackets. Choose lightweight baskets with width and depth sized appropriately for trailing herb varieties. Include water reservoirs and line with permeable fabric before filling with potting mix. Mount bundles of vivid baskets to transform blank walls into an artful edible display. Position near kitchens or seating areas to stimulate use of freshly grown herbs.
Stackable Garden Pots
Stacking vertical planter pots offer flexible herb gardening with the option to add levels as needed. Interlocking plastic or ceramic pots in short tower arrangements suit patios, decks, windowsills and more. Choose planter pot towers with wide bases and drainage holes for stability and healthy roots. Stackable vertical planter pots lend height for more planting area when horizontal space is limited.
Vertical stacks with three to five growing levels mean up to double the planting area in any backyard or courtyard. Choose stackable planter systems sized proportionately when filled to prevent tipping. Include catch trays to protect floors from drips and drops from bottom pots. Elevate your harvest by incrementally adding stackable vertical garden layers as desired each season.
Rolling Cart Planter
Convert a wheeled utility cart into a mobile vertical garden for herbs. Use one with built-in shelves, or retrofit found objects like dressers or cabinets. Line cart levels with pond liner, landscape fabric or plastic sheeting to protect wood from moisture before filling. A rolling cart vertical planter travels anywhere and integrates charming shabby chic style.
Salvaged rolling carts become inexpensive vertical planters on casters. Their mobility keeps productive herbs within easy reach outside by the grill, along a deck, or shifted for sunlight exposure. Choose all-weather rolling carts sized appropriately when filled with soil and plants. Line cart levels first for efficient watering and draining to protect contents and mobility.
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What Herbs Suite Best for Vertical Garden?
When designing a vertical herb garden, select varieties that thrive rooted in pots rather than ground plots. Herbs suited to container living tend to have smaller root balls, grow quickly, and remain more compact. Choosing small-to-medium sized perennial herbs also provides the reward of recurring plants each year.
Consider these ideal herb varieties for beginner-friendly vertical garden success:
- A staple vertical garden herb, basil thrives in warm weather and functions beautifully as an annual replanted every spring. Columnar basils grow neatly upright, while traditional varieties reach 2 feet wide. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushy basil plants. Grow prolific basil anywhere with adequate sunlight exposure and container depth.
- Vigorous mint never stops growing once established, making it ideal for vertical gardens. The aggressive roots prefer containment away from open ground. Pineapple mint, spearmint, peppermint and more supply year-round brightness for cooking and tea. Prune back mint often and monitor for invasive overgrowth climbing nearby plants.
- Also known as cilantro, fast-growing coriander flourishes in cool weather and tolerates partial shade, making it a versatile vertical herb. Achieve higher yields by successional planting every few weeks to have micro-green coriander year-round. The shallow roots thrive in tight spaces as this quick herb goes from seed to harvest in under two months.
- A valuable culinary herb, parsley grows densely in vertical gardens for convenient harvest right into winter. Curly varieties offer compact growth under a foot, while Italian flat-leaf may reach 2 feet. Thrive in full sun and provide rich organic matter via trimmings. Reliable parsley greens up any vertical space with vitamin-rich, harvestable beauty.
- Flavorful oregano makes an excellent vertical garden herb in hot, sunny spaces with its trailing nature and drought-tolerance once established. Compact Greek or Italian oregano stay under 12 inches while vigorous golden and Mexican oregano may reach 2 feet! Prune long stems back regularly and harvest young leaves any time for intense aroma. Oregano thrives when slightly pot bound and overwinters indoors in some regions.
- As a woody perennial herb, Rosemary functions beautifully in vertical gardens with ample drainage year after year. Varieties like Tuscan Blue or Arp remain compact under 3 feet with upright form, while creeping rosemary trails elegantly. Transfer rosemary containers indoors through zone 5 winters, then enjoy this antioxidant powerhouse again each spring! Just don’t overwater rosemary vertically.
- Delicate yet hardy thyme persists for years in vertical gardens with minimal care thanks to drought and heat tolerance. The low mounds spread slowly to drape containers with foliage and purple flowers, attracting pollinators! Common thyme stays under 12 inches tall, but taller creepers like doone valley exceed 2 feet. Shear back thymes routinely to prevent legginess and woody stems affecting flavor.
- They deliver big perennial flavor in compact vertical gardens, ideal for urban dwellers and kitchen gardeners. Onion chives and garlic chives reach 10–12 inches tall for low-maintenance, continuous slicing. Violet blooms appear in spring. Best of all, cut chives continually at ground level, and they’ll keep growing. Position chives vertically near kitchen doors for instant seasoning.
Tips for Starting a Vertical Garden
Embarking on your first vertical garden adventure is thrilling, but can feel daunting too. Arm yourself with fundamental vertical gardening knowledge to sidestep beginner mistakes.
Start out right by following these key tips for launching a thriving, low-maintenance vertical herb garden:
- Choose herbs that are easy to grow and useful. When deciding what to plant, stick with prolific herbs you’ll actually use and enjoy. Reliable starter herbs like Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, mint, oregano and chives establish readily in vertical gardens. Focus on your favorite flavors for the most rewarding first harvest.
- Water moderately daily. Unlike ground gardens, containers in vertical gardens dry out faster and depend on manual watering. Check soil moisture daily, water thoroughly without saturating mix, and invest in drip irrigation for convenience. Consistent moderate water prevents shriveling.
- Cut back established herbs regularly. Maintaining vertical garden herbs through pruning ensures steady growth rather than bolting too quickly. Remove faded flowers, wilted stems and leggy offshoots routinely. Not only does pruning encourage Bushy replacement foliage but also provides harvestable herbs all season. Enjoy the built-in benefit of a continual harvest through simple cut backs of vertical herbs.
- Ensure the wall or ceiling can support the load. When installing a permanent vertical garden, first confirm the structure can handle the weight. A filled 8-foot wall of mature plants and soil may exceed 300 pounds! Bolster backing, use sturdy brackets and hardware, and anchor into studs or rafters. Reinforce surfaces prior to mounting vertical gardens to prevent dangerous collapse or detachment.
- Waterproof early to avoid damage. Whether indoors or out, keep walls or surfaces behind vertical gardens 100% moisture protected. Sheets of plastic, foam boards or vinyl courtyard wall coverings prevent leaks, drips, condensation and splash damage on wood, plaster or drywall. Waterproof at the start or permanent stains, mold, peeling surfaces or decay may result from unprotected vertical irrigation.
- Ensure adequate light for plants. When siting permanent vertical gardens, conduct light tests beforehand using a meter if possible. While some herbs tolerate shade, most require at least 4 hours of direct sun daily for ample growth and flavor production. Track light across the potential wall space over several days before installing to prevent struggling, sparse vertical plants.
- Harvest leaves correctly. Learn and follow each herb’s proper cutting technique to encourage steady regrowth after harvest. Cut most herbs just above leaf nodes but avoid taking more than 30% of stems at once. With basil, avoid stripping all leaves off stems down to sticks! Snip chives at ground level for rapid regrowth. Always use clean sharp pruners to minimize disease transmission while harvesting.
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Ideas for Your Vertical Herb Garden
When envisioning the possibilities for your vertical herb garden, let creativity lead the way. Consider fun adaptations like converting household items into planting towers or crafting an artistic display on a wall. Vertical gardens allow for customizable designs to match personal tastes and available space.
Explore these innovative ideas to inspire your green thumb:
- Repurposed ladder garden. Give retired wood ladders new life as an efficient vertical planting structure. Securely mount the ladder horizontally to a wall or fence before filling the rungs with potting mix and herbs. Unexpected materials like ladders or crates often cost little or nothing to repurpose.
- Backdoor bamboo garden. Situate slender cylindrical vases, jars or conduit pipes stuffed with herbs between secured bamboo stalks right outside the backdoor. This natural vertical garden taps into Asian style using easily sourced materials. Cluster complementary plants like Thai basil, cilantro and chives for a themed fusion garden mere steps from the kitchen.
- Family tea garden. Create a custom afternoon tea garden for the family, featuring classic tea herbs and edible flowers. Mount a wire storage rack securely to grow chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, fennel and vibrant nasturtiums, pansies or violas conveniently together. Include teacups hooks to finish the charming vintage display.
- Pint-sized tower. Even tiny spaces can support petite vertical gardens. Try a slim wooden wine box tower anchored to a countertop or balcony railing. Rotate small herb varieties like thyme, oregano and chives through the split box levels each season for always-fresh mini harvests.
- Hanging bottle columns. Fasten collected glass bottled horizontally to fence posts or porch columns before planting with herbs and lettuces. Vary bottle shapes, colors and groupings for an artsy patchwork column garden custom to your style. Mix edibles with ornamentals, too, like petunias or vinca spilling from bottles.
- Rain gutter garden. Mount a cleaned-out metal rain gutter securely along a building eave or porch railing to invent an instant long narrow planter. Anchor drainage holes along the length before sowing productive cascades of salad greens, strawberries, bush beans or trailing herbs.
- Wheelbarrow garden. A stationary rustic wheelbarrow placed on cinder blocks crafts quick vertical growing space. Line the wheelbarrow bed with landscape fabric before filling with potting mix suitable for draining herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage. Position near entranceways or next to front stoops and paths for an old-fashioned country garden feel.
- Conduit tower. Lean multiples of white electrical conduit piping together into a tall tower before stuffing each tube with trailing flowering herbs like nasturtiums. For stability, anchor the base into a weighted bucket of cement or sand. The industrial chic metal tower will blossom wildly in striking vertical lines.
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FAQs
How does a vertical herb garden work as a system?
A vertical herb garden works as a system by utilizing vertical structures like walls, fencing, or freestanding frames to position plants stacked upwards rather than spread horizontally. Containers like pots, woven bags, or crates attach to the vertical framework and hold a soilless planting medium and herb plants. The vertical orientation saves considerable space while still producing abundant harvests.
What grows well in a vertical herb planter?
Small herbs with compact growth habits or trailing/cascading forms grow best in vertical gardens. This includes basil, mint, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, chives, cilantro, parsley, dill, marjoram, and lemon balm. Be sure to match sun and drainage needs of herbs to the vertical garden location.
Can you grow carrots in a vertical herb garden?
No, carrots and other traditional vegetable crops with extensive long taproots do not grow well vertically. The shallow depth of vertical planting containers cannot accommodate long carrot growth. However, vertical gardens excel at growing smaller, quick crops like salad greens, bush beans, strawberries, or radish.
Are these vertical planters suitable for a vertical vegetable garden?
Yes, the vertical gardening method works very well for compact, fast-growing vegetable varieties in addition to bountiful herbs. Leafy greens, green onions, baby eggplant, dwarf tomatoes, beans, peas, and radishes all thrive planted vertically. Just ensure the vertical structure, containers, and location meet crops' drainage, sunlight and irrigation needs.
Is a freestanding herb garden easy to maintain?
A freestanding herb garden can be relatively easy to maintain as long as you use good quality soil, fertilize when needed, ensure adequate sunlight exposure, and practice proper watering techniques. Proper drainage is also important to prevent root rot.
How do I water my vertical garden?
To water a vertical garden, use a watering can with a long spout to reach all areas, or install a drip irrigation system. Make sure not to overwater. Check if the walls or pockets seem dry before watering again.
Are the vertical planters made from food safe material?
Vertical planters from reputable brands are typically made from food-safe materials such as powder coated steel, plastics safe for food contact, natural fibers etc. Check the specifications of the product to ensure the materials used are food-grade and non-toxic.
Is there a difference between a vertical garden and vertical planters?
The main difference between a vertical garden and vertical planters is that a vertical garden uses the entire wall or vertical surface area, while planters are self-contained units that can be installed on walls independently. Vertical gardens incorporate the wall or structure into the planting bed while planters have their own beds, often made from plastic, metal, or other materials that can attach to the wall.
Before you start growing hydroponics herbs, veggies, and leafy greens, you’ll need to pick the right system to start with. Here are our suggestions: 
