4 Commonly Asked Questions About Vertical Gardens
With the growing cost of groceries in Australia, many people are growing their own produce at home to reduce their weekly shopping bill. You may have a strong desire to do this but feel that you don't have enough space for a garden. If you live in a small unit, townhouse or apartment, you may only have a small courtyard, deck or balcony available as outdoor space. However, it's still possible to grow your own produce in a small space with a vertical garden. Here are four commonly asked questions about vertical produce gardens.
1. What is a vertical garden?
A vertical garden is a garden that utilises a timber or metal frame to allow you to grow produce in tiered garden pots. These pots are hung on or attached to the structure providing you with a large surface area to grow your vegetables. The frames can be freestanding or attached to an external wall.
2. What can I grow in a vertical garden?
You can grow virtually any produce in a vertical garden that doesn't require very deep soil. It's suitable for most vegetables with the exception of potatoes which require at least a metre of soil to grow properly. You can also grow herbs, strawberries and climbing plants like peas and beans in your vertical garden.
3. Can I build my own vertical garden?
It's certainly possible to build your own vertical garden if you have the right skills, knowledge and equipment to do so. However, the fastest and most effective way to create a vertical garden is to buy one that is in a kit form that you can assemble. These are available at most hardware or garden stores and can be even be bought from online stores and delivered to your home.
4. Are vertical gardens easy to care for?
Like any garden, vertical gardens will require regular attention and upkeep to be thriving and productive. Installing an irrigation system is a low maintenance way of ensuring that your plants receive adequate moisture and are not over watered. You'll also need to ensure that each plant variety is given the right fertiliser at the right intervals to maintain nutrient levels in the soil.
Vertical gardens are a smart and simple way to grow your own fresh produce in a space that you may have previously considered too small. They also provide a beautiful, green and natural feature that will enhance your outside space.