Vertical Gardening

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Complete Guide to Building the Perfect Vertical Garden!

By Maddie Alexander

Disclaimer

This book is a self-help guide that gives reader valuable tips on how better understand vertical gardening. This book provides the reader with a better understanding of method of vertical gardening in hopes of making a difference in the reader’s life.

The ideas, views, and opinions expressed in this book are those of the author. The author assumes no liability for advice or suggestions offered in this book. The author and publisher of this book and the accompanying materials have used their best efforts in preparing this book. The author and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this book. The information contained in this book is strictly for informational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in this book, you are taking full responsibility for your actions.

Vertical Gardening: Ultimate Guide to Building the Perfect Vertical Garden!

Copyright © 2013 by Maddie Alexander. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: New Age of Gardening VS Traditional Gardening

Chapter 2: What, When, Where, and How

Chapter 3: Creative Planting with Vertical Gardening

Chapter 4: Be an Expert in Aeroponic Vertical Gardening

Chapter 5: Green Delights to Gain

Chapter 6: Green Thumb Tips for Vertical Gardening

Introduction

As the seasons change, so does the need of man. It is a clear fact that the world is designed with lots of creations, which fills the space of every need as well as the desires of humanity. Among the necessities in order for man to survive is food. For that particular aspect of life, various ways are crafted to produce solutions and to make a satisfying smile in a man’s face. Who would be able to smile fully if his tummy is growling in hunger? Surely it won’t be that easy to fake one.

When you’re hungry, your instinct will urge you to walk straight to the kitchen. You can either look for something to cook or if you’re being quite not in the mood to wait a few minutes to prepare a dish or two, then you’ll probably get your hands on your fridge.  But what will you do, when it is one of the days which you forgot to have your weekly grocery done?

Then let’s go to the picture where our forefathers and parents standing at the center of a green field. Together with the picture is a house adorned with various gardens, whether it’s filled with vegetable crops or with the blooming variety of flowers which is quite scenery. It is also beneficial because you can have a good source for your food needs. Imagine yourself plucking an apple whenever you want a snack or picking some fresh tomatoes for your salad.

But as time passed, many have evolved and man’s lifestyle is at the top of the list. Tall trees vanished and the wide valleys and fields are outnumbered by the buildings of suburbs and cities which is far different than the green place before.

With that change of society, solutions for the food source of man is transform into convenient/ grocery stores and other supermarkets. Long gone is the Traditional Gardening.  But in the goal of continuing the purpose and helpful ways made by gardening, a reinvented trend has staged the urban land.

Sustaining man’s urban lifestyle is converted with the purpose of solving the problem of limited space for gardening. The seeds are now being spread and only need some sowing of knowledge for people to try in order to reap more benefits for a healthier and organic way of living.

Let the vines of learning grow with the following chapters about Vertical Gardening.

Chapter 1: New Age of Gardening VS Traditional Gardening

Gardening is something that fits every home. Whether it is just caring a single plant in a pot, it still involves gardening. It is considered as an art which requires intent care. Since the old age, many methods are introduced and used to make plants greener as well as produce crops abundantly.

Presently, people particularly with the green thumb are in the hike of trying the new trend of gardening. It is called Vertical Gardening which in its etymology form, refers to the technique of making the plants grow upward. This method is quite different than the old “Traditional Gardening”.

How is the two different from each other? The first one utilizes a technique in making a vertical arrangement of plants, may it be vegetables or flowers. Meanwhile the latter is about having the biggest garden because it primarily involves ground planting.  The important factor that is needed for you to have the traditional garden is a good space. It is preferable to be big enough if you want to have a great chance of reaping a good number of crops; though it also means a great deal of work.

You may think what’s the big fuss about upward planting as originally plants grow upward? With Vertical Gardening, vegetation is planted upward diminishing the problem of less space. And because soil is something that is currently not abundant of world’s current state, farmers and other avid gardeners came up with an answer for the said problem. What happened to the idea of being unable to plant if at least an acre of soil is unavailable? It has been deflected with Vertical gardening. It is no longer a valid excuse for you not to own even a small garden because a tiny space in your patio or balcony is good enough to grow plants.

This unique way of gardening allows you to transform a tiny space into a good use. A little imagination is what you’ll need to have one of your own. You can plant in a trellis, fence, upright wires and even walls. That is why it is also called as green walls, live walls and sky farms. These walls are called such as they sustain life’s food source. With Vertical gardening you can craft your bland walls, or any upward structure into something in which you can grow plants.

Chapter 2: Vertical Gardening answers 5 life Qs

Vertical Gardening is a simple way of creating your own garden which most people think is not possible. When planting, the usual thing that comes into mind is soil; lots of soil enough to grow your plants in. But you can shake that though off because you can creatively make your plants grow. You wouldn’t even need a plant fairy to sprinkle some pixie dust and weave magic them.

Know how Vertical Gardening can answer the 5 questions by providing green deals for one’s life.

What

What is the importance of making your own garden? Let’s admit that not all people get excited when this topic is brought up. It is because they initially afflict this to farming. To them, farming is something that involves a great deal of hard work. Even girls sometimes fear of having calluses of just working on a single plant to grow.  But garden is different from farming. Aside from the principle that separates the two, they also have different intentions. Gardening is concern with aesthetics or recreational art while farming is distinguished to be in the direction of commercialization and monocropping. The first one is only for a smaller scale which intended for family use or sustaining a community while the latter aims to produce a larger scale of goods which salable that is a major motivation for it.

Vertical gardening answers the need of producing goods in a pleasurable and resourceful way. Just imagine yourself starting a day with hearty green and yummy breakfast. It won’t be a hassle to prepare one with the help of your vertical garden. You wouldn’t even need to run over a grocery store just because you crave for fresh lettuce for your salad. By creating your own vertical garden inside or outside, you are securing your food storage with organic foods that’s freshly beneficial for you health.

When

There is no specific time in which you must have your own. But with the current economic state of a country it could make a change in the possibility of food scarcity. Let say in a number of 10 people, all of them are looking for the same product which in turn to have only the last bundle available in a grocery store. That is why, there would be an issue of who gets that last piece of product and the unfortunate 9 would only have to wait for the next availability of the product.

Let’s admit that we have been so much inclined with the idea of going over the convenient stores whenever we need to refill our food storage. We rely in supermarkets in terms of our daily meals, thinking that they’re always available and can provide our needs. Besides, they’re mostly just around the corner. So why would trouble yourself in creating a garden?

The answer would soon be realized when you are caught in a situation where you can’t go out, for example due to heavy rain. You can enjoy a moment at home without the fear of having nothing to eat because Vertical Garden will make your tummy full. How about food deliveries from food joints and restaurants? Not so ideal for healthy body. You can’t also be assured that the veggies used are fresh unless you are the one who cultivated and planted them. So there’s no moment to lose, build one now so you can have a reliable food source for emergency cases.

How

The next thing to think about is how to start making your own vertical garden. Its’ easy! Growing your own vegetables or even some fruits is one of the most practical decision s one can do.  But if you’re living in a city or confined in a condo or apartment, having a fresh veggie for you plate is still possible.  With a good plan mixed with imagination, you can start your vertical home grown healthy treats.

Here are easy to follow steps which also act as important factors in creating your vertical garden:

         Place to Consider. What conditions are present in your place? For example if you only have a balcony or a part of your home where there’s enough sunlight to creep through. The first step if is to find a place where you wanted to place your vertical garden.

         Plants to Choose. Once you’ve determined your area, you should think of what best suits for the place you’ve picked. In case you are being surrounded with towering building or any high establishment, you will have the need to choose what kind of plants you can plant in your garden.  It is because of ending your efforts into such waste. You must choose a place where you plants won’t be shaded too much, unless they do need some shade. But if there’s no other choice aside from the shady area, you can still have leafy vegetables like cabbage, greens and lettuce. They are good choices which jive with the beat of limited sunlight.

         Plan of Structure. Know what you really like to have in your garden so you can also plan what structure is best to have. Most of the plants do well with a particular material. There are types which are ideal to be placed in a basket or wall pocket would be enough. It really depends with your choice of plants. Other structures you can use are left-over pallets or Wolly pockets attached to your walls. Fences or wires are also not just the only place you can make your vines grow.  There are tons of materials which you can use in creating your personalized garden; and they will be further discussed in the next chapter.

Where

With the problem of space, Vertical Gardening breaks the tradition of horizontal soil beds and plots. Urbanites can also experience the joy of having fresh veggies and green treats just by reeling their imagination into play. So in continuation of enlightening you with the best solution in terms of where your plants are suitable to grow here are some reasons to reflect in deciding the place.

When deciding where to place your garden, assess the plant’s exposure to sun and soil compatibility along with the material used as the vertical structure support. Some of the materials you can use are the wolly pockets which you can purchase. Shoe bags, left-over canvas and trellis attached to your wall are also your other options.  You may also place some plants by your window sill, aside from balconies, patios and even your house roof.

Though an important denominator with the place you’re about to choose is the specific structure support to be used. There are many kinds you can utilize for your garden. For example, Wire rod panels. This material is quite an investment. The panels can be cut into smaller sections which can support you plants, particularly the vine type plants. It can be bought from local stores. Another is the String on supports that are considered to be the least expensive specifically if one will use the twine but consumes a good deal of time. You can also make use of 1 x 2 inch Pine furring strips which goes well with climbing plants.

But you don’t want to spend a dime in buying some structure support, you can still create your own vertical garden with the use of materials you currently have. Attaching something into your shed is also a good thing for your plants to grow. You can also make use of an old wooden ladder for an excellent support.

Here are some of the other different structures you can choose in beautifying your vertical garden:

         Trellises

This is a common structure used for vertical garden. It can be in horizontal, vertical or diagonal bars made from soft or hard wood. This form of wall gives you privacy and division which can stand alone. It may also be designed to lean on a wall, whatever you like it to be. Other trellis can be made from metal or galvanized iron and even plastic. This goes well with vegetables and flowers.

         Pots, Decks and Verandas

Enhance your verandas and decks by allowing your plants to make a beautiful vine traces as they climb in a post. You can also hang some pots. Just make sure they’re secure. With this style of vertical garden, you can add some relaxing aura in your verandas.

         A-Frames, Teepees and Tripods

“A-Frames” is made by two trellises joint together while forming the letter “A”. It durably supports your plants while maintaining a lower expense of materials you want to use. You can use nylon or tie wire in forming your own “A”. But make sure they’re equally placed in the ground so as to give a proportioned look. On the other hand, teepees and tripods are in pyramid form which is made in old branches.

         Arches, Pergolas, Gazebos and Arbors

If you have old structure like these four, it is time to give them life. They provide beautiful designs for your house while giving you delights of growing your own garden. It can be made from vinyl and wood. Meanwhile, with pergolas and gazebos, you can place your plants atop on the gazebo or pergolas. It also gives an extra shade.

These are just a few of the structure supports you can utilize in making your own vertical garden. Other ways like the GroVert Panels and Wally One Panels will be further discussed in the next chapters. Check out the different methods and supports you can try to have a unique vertical garden of your own.

Why

The reason of having a vertical gardening ranges from the simple ones up to the awesome benefits you can gain. The basic causes of why putting a vertical garden is highly beneficial to most people is mainly for using less space that gives you less time and work particularly with watering them. You will also have fewer problems with weeds or pests. It then gives you higher yield of producing more veggies which you can even sell if you wanted to. Aside for these reasons, it has the purpose of giving you the chance of getting a cheaper, healthier and tastier food which you can share to your neighbors, family or relatives and friends. You’ll be able to save more money instead of spending them at supermarket which surely ranges a rather high cost value due to added tax.

This can also resolve the sadness of people who can’t physically enjoy the pleasure of gardening. It is because, it also a perfect hobby for those who have physical disability. A person who may have been sitting in a wheelchair can have the joy of cultivating plants as they will not be limited with the method used in this particular kind of gardening.  Other benefits will be further introduced at the following chapters.

Chapter 3:  Creative Planting with Vertical Gardening

Growing your vertical garden is something that takes heart. Though not literally but more on the deep way of caring. There are plants that originally grow in vertical direction. They are the vine-type plants which naturally climb upward. But with the other kind of plants that may not be a vine-type, you can still plant them in your vertical garden. That is through the help of the mentioned structures in the previous chapter.

All you need is to have a good set-up where you can place your plants.  As discussed before, the amount of sunshine is an important factor when deciding the place and also choosing the kind of green you can put and plant for your vertical garden. Some of the selections you may consider, that is if you are blessed with great warmth of the sun, are tomatoes, beans, potatoes, radishes, carrots and other vegetables that strive well in its full exposure.

Once you’ve decided on which plants you’ll include in your vertical garden, the question would be is how to place them. Nearly any container works for caring a plant though one should still check if it’s particularly ideal for a certain plant to grow in with. Old washtubs or wooden crates can also be implemented to be of use for growing your crops. As long as you won’t forget checking if they can provide an adequate drainage, they’re good for your plants.

But the most fun part with vertical gardening is the chance to be creative even with the tiny space. Finding your own style starts by knowing how to go beyond your imagination.  There have been some facts written in history how a garden has been creatively made even way back in early times. Surely, you’ve heard the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Then it has evolved into pathways with designed with pergolas and trellis structures which became popular to British and American people. Later the cement walls that are bland and bore the human eye have been brighten with plants where flowers are mostly the centerpiece of those beautiful artwork.

So here are some sneak-a-peek ideas you can use and some easy steps to follow on how you can create a masterpiece of your own:

Color some of your pipes. When you have some pipes at homes, you can brighten them up by planting your plants which turns your vertical garden into a unique one. You can do it yourself. Just mix some colorful paints and you’ll have a creation you’ll be proud of. Plus, watering them won’t be so hard because the water would flow automatically within the pipes that are connected.

Show some of your carpentry skills.  Some pieces of woods and your skills on carpentry would definitely make some wonderful creations. You can enhance your plain fence by adding some shelves which can nurture your plants.

Add some garden artistry by your window. If you’re living in an apartment, you can still have a vertical garden through using window boxes. Installing window boxes are easy and ideal for studio-type home or apartments. Put boxes in your window and attach them through your wall. You can secure them with the help of some neat screws, brackets or hooks. But before you place your plants in, make sure that the boxes are already durable. Once done, you can enjoy a fresh smell of flowers or a beautiful sight of green plants by the time you open your window.

Elegance with Hanging Vertical Garden. You can have a “classy” kind with the hanging vertical garden in your balcony or patio. By using some hanging baskets or containers, whichever suits your taste; you can adorn your house with an elegant style. This is advisable when you have no space in the ground, all you need is to be imaginative with the aerial space you have in your house. Another option for this is “upside down grow bags”. Plus, it has the advantage of giving you less trouble in pulling out weeds in your plants.

Art of Block wall. Another style for vertical garden is by making use of the stackable space in a layered approach. A helpful material which you can use in creating your own are pieces of hollow blocks. Stack the hollow block in a wall or your backyard fence. You can make your plants grown in it by using the holes or the box spaces made by the hollow blocks.

Beauty from Container cans and Plastic bottles. Aside form the common wall mounted vertical garden, you can also make use of old container cans. If you have lots of container cans at home, you can finally ditch them. But instead of stacking them in as trash, you can recycle them and also a way of helping the world to be clean and greener.

Old Personal Organizer. If you have an old organizer where you used to put some of your accessories, fashion bangles and other small stuff, you can transform it as your cute and fashionable vertical garden. Originally, an organizer has bright colors and cute designs which make your garden definitely eye-catching. Fill the compartments with soil and you can plant your veggies, flowers and herbs.

Tube Planters. Made from industrial cloth that is sewn and intentionally made into circular tubes in varying sizes and lengths. You can use this kind of structure in making your vertical garden in a more neat and organized way. You can place them in your latticed walls or within wood frames which will create an outstanding living wall.

GroVert Panels. These are kind of panels are seamless way of growing your plants vertically. This can be bought in a local store or purchase online. It is creative and very useful. It is good to have this kind of panel because it includes a moisture mat which helps you to distribute water evenly. Starting from the top panel, the water will drip through each panel, until it is entirely watered. The usual dimension of a GroVert panel is 18” high and 8.5” wide x 4” deep. It also consists of 10 panel box which can secure a plant from a 4”pot.

Wally One Pockets. This is a kind of Wolly Pocket that is designed to help you hang your plants. It in the form of felt pouches made from 100% recycled plastic materials which makes it easy to use and be installed. This work well in indoors and outdoors as well which ideal in sprucing up most edible plants. Each pocket can be installed separately or you can arrange them in a beautiful array at your home in which each has the size of 15” high and 24” wide. All you need is t o screw them in and you can then start planting.

Wherever you decide to make your vertical garden indoors or outdoors, these are important materials you’ll need to establish your very own. More information about Vertical gardening, particularly with Aeroponic Vertical Gardening will be explained in the next chapter. You will then be guided with benefits you never imagined you can gain from vertical garden. Plus tips and more ideas to learn will be revealed to you. So just keep on reading and you’ll have a greener and better life even you’re in the urban hub.

Chapter 4: Be an Expert in Aeroponic Vertical Gardening

Vertical Garden is indeed remarkable in simplifying the art of gardening.  After introducing the styles and methods that are mentioned in the previous chapters along with the structure supports which you can utilize, we’ll be learning the unique vertical garden system that is considered as the smarter way of gardening. It is Aeroponic Vertical tower Garden.

This is a state of the art of gardening which uses water and air to produce nutritious fresh produced veggies, herbs and other crops with a better tasting. It is in a tower form wherein there is a twenty gallon reservoir at the bottom part.  The tower tonic that is developed by experts is placed in that particular reservoir, which is said to be a mineral that helps the plant to grow faster and healthier than the ones planted in soil.

The process starts when the seedlings are placed in your tower garden. They’ll be watered and nourished with the water and tonic mineral that is being pumped with a submerged pump system.  The roots of the plants will be watered with the dripping water and at the same time is being oxygenated. Though it takes no soil and just utilizes 10% of the water used in the conventional type of gardening. It promotes the idea of easier and smarter way of growing your plants even three times than the usual results of your crops.

Chapter 5: Green Delights to Gain

In everything you do, there is always a reason and something to gain. With gardening there are many benefits you’ll have and by trying Vertical Gardening you will also meet various advantages once you create one in your home.   Aside from the undisputable evidence of how it best to eat home-grown veggies and foods, here are some of the other benefits you’ll be delighted to know.

         Improves good health

The topmost benefit one must look is the effect t of vertical garden to your health. Just imagine your table filled with fresh and nutritious foods right from your indoor garden. You’ll also have the opportunity to breathe fresher air due to your plants.

         Provides more privacy

You can use them in creating walls that are creative and nature-themed which you can install as a divider wall in your living room or any part of your house.

         It is more practical to have than spending money in supermarkets.

Save more and be healthy than before with your own veggies. You can then have the chance to put your money to other important matters or add them up to your bank account for future use.

         Garden-Wise

This benefits your garden by simply maximizing your space, an easier chance to take care of your plants. You wouldn’t have trouble of watering and keeping them healthy from weeds or other pests. This is quite beneficial to elderly as they won’t have difficulties of bending or reaching the plants.  You’ll be able to control the weather as well because there are specific plants that doesn’t need to be much exposed to sun’ heat or heavy rain; an advantage of having them indoors.

         Personality Enhancement

You’re initiative in gardening will be enhanced and helps you to improve emotionally. You will also be relaxed with the peaceful aura brought by your plants while they form a beautiful garden design.

There are various advantages which you will meet when you started growing your very own vertical garden, as this is an endless and effortless way of gardening.

Chapter 6: Green thumb Tips for Vertical Gardening

Now that we’re in the last chapter, only means that you’ve learned the important facts, factors to consider and principles that need to be used in making your own vertical garden. Different styles and various support structures are also introduced and discuss for you to have ideas on which among the selection will best suit to you and your tiny space at home.

In this part, we’ll now savor more ideas on how to create your vertical garden, effective ways on maintaining them. So if you’re ready, have a read of the following tips to help you through in making a healthy and greener vertical garden.

         Place your arbors and other garden structures in a place where your other plants won’t be shaded. You must orient them accordingly and safe away from any possibility of getting blown by wind.

         Your soil must be keep mulched with organic mulch so you can be sure that your plants get enough organic minerals and nutrients that has an important role of making them healthy.

         Know the nature of your plants so you will also know what their specific needs. Examples of these needs are their particular root system, which among the plants are shade-loving or wants a full exposure of sun’s warmth. So for ideas on which among the random plants goes well with vertical garden, here’s a rundown of them: tomatoes, lettuces, herbs like basil, cilantro, beans, cucumbers, oregano, cuphea, cerastium, strawberries, petunias, Chinese star jasmine, mandevilla, golden diosmas, mondo grass, ferns, bromeliads, daisies, miniature and climbing roses, Korean box, chilies,  and wisteria.

         In terms of maintenance of your vertical garden, there is nothing special about it. Why? It is because vertical garden is still classified as a garden. What else would a garden would need most? Whether your plants are planted in the ground soil, hanged in your patios, mounted in your walls and fences, framed and supported with different structures or in Aeroponic tower garden style they will need the basic requirements in order for a plant to grow. That means, they need to be watered regularly, enough sunlight, compost-fed for an extra nutrition and lots of love and protection. Also, don’t forget to clear off some weeds though with vertical garden, you will have a lesser problem one can experience with the traditional garden.

         Another tip is to check the support of your garden. Make sure that they are secure so they will stay vertically hanged or mounted in your wall. You wouldn’t want to get someone hurt when they pass by your hanging vertical garden would you?

         If you would place your vertical garden inside your homes, make sure to have water collection trays at the base or waterproof structures to have no problems in draining the excess water.

         Plants that are grown in low-light indoors are the houseplants while the succulent plants are preferably to be place in areas hit with direct sun. Choosing the right plant is important so you can ask for assistance of a local greenhouse or landscaper for an advice of the best type of plant in a certain area.

         In case you have question on how far should plants to be projected out or how much you should trim them, just take a note of the average size of 12 inches. It is advisable to trim and cut them back.

With all of this tips you can be assured that you can perform well in working and maintaining your vertical garden. Just keep in mind that a beautiful garden and fresh veggies comes from hard work. Love your garden and go beyond your imagination in taking care of you plants and you will learn the true art of gardening. Start making your own now.