Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up the pleasure of having plants in your home. For those with limited space, a vertical garden can be the perfect solution to bring nature indoors without taking up much room. Creating a small vertical garden in your apartment not only beautifies the space, but it can also improve air quality and bring a sense of tranquility to your home.
In this article, we will explore how to set up a practical, beautiful, and easy-to-maintain vertical garden inside your apartment. From choosing the right plants to the best techniques for installing your vertical garden, here are some useful tips to help you transform your home.
What is a Vertical Garden?
Before you start, it’s important to understand the concept of a vertical garden. Essentially, a vertical garden is a cultivation technique where plants are grown vertically, rather than being spread out in horizontal areas like planters or pots on the floor. This practice uses walls or other vertical structures as support for growing a variety of plants.
Vertical gardens are an effective way to maximize space, especially in small apartments where floor space is limited. They can be installed in various areas of the home, such as living rooms, balconies, kitchens, or even bathrooms, depending on the type of plants you choose.
Benefits of Having a Vertical Garden at Home
Before investing time and effort into creating your vertical garden, let’s review some of the benefits of having one in your home:
Space Saving: Since you’ll be using walls or other vertical surfaces, the vertical garden takes up much less space than a traditional garden or plants scattered around the house.
Improves Air Quality: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping purify the air. A well-chosen vertical garden can transform the atmosphere of your apartment, making the environment healthier.
Aesthetic and Decoration: A vertical garden is a great decorative element. It can become the focal point of a room, adding life, color, and freshness to your space.
Easy Maintenance: Because the plants are grown on elevated structures, caring for them can be simpler, especially when it comes to watering and pruning.
Sustainability: Having a vertical garden helps create a more eco-friendly environment. Besides consuming less space, you can also grow your own herbs and vegetables at home, contributing to a healthier diet.
How to Choose the Location for Your Vertical Garden
Choosing the right location for your vertical garden is crucial. The spot needs to receive adequate light, be easily accessible for maintenance, and not obstruct the flow of the space.
Natural Light: Most plants need light to grow. Choose a location near a window that receives natural light but isn’t exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, which could harm some plants. If your apartment receives little light, consider using grow lights (LED lights specifically for plants).
Accessibility: Choose a location where you can easily access the plants to check on them, prune, and do necessary maintenance. Avoid hard-to-reach spots like very high areas or corners that are difficult to access.
Visibility and Style: The vertical garden can be a standout element in your apartment. Pick a location where it can be appreciated, whether in the living room, kitchen, or even the balcony, depending on the available light.
Types of Structures for Vertical Gardens
There are different ways to structure your vertical garden, depending on the available space and the desired style. Here are some of the most popular options:
Metal or Wood Frames: These structures can be mounted on the wall and allow you to hang pots or spread plants that grow in the direction of these frames. They are ideal for climbing plants or plants that need support to grow.
Wooden Pallets: Using recycled pallets to create vertical gardens is a popular and eco-friendly practice. You can fix a pallet to the wall and add pots or trays to plant directly in the gaps.
Modular Wall Gardens: There are modular vertical gardening kits that come with several cells where you can plant. These kits are easy to install and can be purchased ready-made, making the process easier for beginners.
Pocket or Bag Systems: The fabric pocket system is an economical and practical solution. Typically, you can attach these pockets directly to the wall, with each pocket holding one plant. This system is especially good for small to medium-sized plants like herbs and succulents.
Vertical Shelves or Racks: A simpler alternative is to use shelves or racks to place plant pots. This creates a vertical garden practically, and you can organize the plants based on size and light requirements.
How to Choose Plants for Your Vertical Garden
When selecting plants for your vertical garden, it’s important to consider the type of light the location receives, the amount of available space, and the level of maintenance required. Here are some ideal plants for vertical gardens:
Herbs: Herbs like basil, rosemary, mint, and thyme are perfect for vertical gardens. They grow well in small spaces and are easy to care for.
Succulents: Succulents are hardy and require minimal maintenance. They can be placed in small pots or even directly on a wall or concrete structure.
Cacti: Cacti are excellent for a vertical garden in areas that receive plenty of direct sunlight, such as windows facing the west.
Climbing Plants: Plants like ivy, pothos, and clematis can spread out and create a green, natural effect along the wall.
Ornamental Foliage Plants: Plants like philodendrons, ferns, peace lilies, and calatheas are ideal for vertical gardens. They have beautiful leaves and are relatively easy to care for.
Shade Plants: If your apartment receives little natural light, opt for plants that tolerate shade, such as snake plants (Sansevieria) or ZZ plants.
How to Set Up Your Vertical Garden
Now that you’ve chosen the location and plants, it’s time to set up your vertical garden. Here are the basic steps for installation:
Choose the Vertical Gardening System: If you’re using a modular kit, trellis, or pallet, follow the assembly instructions provided. If you’re creating a vertical garden with shelves or racks, simply attach them to the wall.
Prepare the Support for the Plants: If needed, add pots, containers, or fabric pockets to the chosen support. Make sure the containers have drainage holes.
Place the Plants: Fill the pots or compartments with the appropriate soil for the plants you’ve chosen. Plant your herbs, succulents, or climbing plants as needed.
Secure the Plants: If you’re using a frame or wooden structure, hang the plants on strings or hooks. If you’re using pockets or bags, place the plants directly into the compartments.
Water and Care for the Plants: Water your vertical garden according to each plant’s needs. Remember, because it’s a vertical structure, proper drainage is important to prevent water accumulation.
Care and Maintenance of the Vertical Garden
After installation, maintaining your vertical garden is relatively simple. Here are some tips for keeping your garden healthy:
Regular Watering: Water as needed, but don’t overdo it. Excess water can lead to root rot.
Pruning: Pruning plants helps control their growth and keeps the vertical garden organized. Remove dead or sick leaves and trim climbing plants to prevent them from spreading too much.
Fertilization: Depending on the plants, it may be necessary to apply fertilizers periodically to ensure healthy growth.
Leaf Cleaning: Clean the leaves to remove dust and improve light absorption. This is especially important for indoor plants that don’t have a chance to be naturally cleaned by rain.
Conclusion
Creating a small vertical garden in your apartment is a wonderful way to make intelligent use of space while still having plants in your home. With the tips and suggestions provided, you can transform any wall or vertical surface into a green oasis, enhancing the aesthetic of the space and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
With a bit of creativity and planning, your vertical garden will be a place of beauty, tranquility, and a great reflection of your lifestyle. Good luck in creating your garden!