Vertical gardening is a gardening technique that utilizes various resources to allow plants to extend upward rather than grow along the surface of the garden. In some cases, no support frame of any kind is required, as the plant naturally grows upward. However, other plants such as ivy and some vegetables require the presence of stakes, cages, or trellises in order grow vertically.
One of the more common examples of vertical gardening for decorative purposes is the use of ivy in a landscaping design. Ivy is a natural runner and will easily adhere to a number of difference surfaces. It is possible to utilize a vertical garden wall as the medium for the ivy, allowing the vines to run across and up the wall. If a vertical garden wall is not available, it is possible to use fencing, a trellis or even a series of poles to provide a horizontal running track for the vines.
In terms of growing food plants in a vertical garden, cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato plants are excellent examples of vertical gardening. A simple wire cylinder known as a tomato cage works very well for all three. The structure of the cage makes it possible to train the plants as they grow to wrap around the wires, providing the stalks with additional support for the heavier produce. Because the plants are supported by a horizontal structure, it is much easier to harvest the produce.
Beans are another example of vegetables to include in vertical gardens. Along with running pole beans up a stake or trellis, it is also possible to make use of corn stalks. Since the stalks tend to be strong, the vines of the bean plants can be allowed to run up the stalks, effectively utilizing the same garden space to produce two different types of vegetables.
As with any type of garden effort, vertical gardening requires choosing a location with plenty of natural sunlight, rich soil, and a nearby water source. Setting up a nearby vertical garden shed can house all the elements necessary to train creeping plants upward, such as a selection of trellises, stakes, and cages of different sizes. Twine to tie vines in place as they run up and around the vertical support system is also a good idea. Standard gardening equipment, such as hoes, fertilizing equipment, and work gloves are also good additions to the contents of the vertical gardening shed.
To add style to the practical function of the vertical garden, consider the addition of a metal arbor. Vines can be trained to run up and across the graceful angles of the arbor, creating a pleasant entrance to your suncast vertical garden.
