Complete Gardening
Discover the joys of vertical gardening with our selection of the 24 best climbing vegetables.
Perfect for maximizing space, these versatile plants not only provide a bountiful harvest but also add a unique aesthetic to your gardening space.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these climbing vegetables will enhance your garden experience.
1. Pole Beans (Green Beans)
Pole beans, or green beans, are a popular choice for vertical gardening due to their quick growth and high yield. These beans thrive on a trellis, producing slender, crisp pods ideal for fresh salads or stir-fries.
Plant them in a sunny spot, and they’ll reward you with continuous harvests throughout the season. To get started, sow seeds directly into well-drained soil after the last frost. Water regularly and provide sturdy support for climbing.
Pole beans can reach impressive heights, so ensure your trellis is robust enough to handle the weight. Enjoy the process and the plentiful rewards.
2. Snap Peas
Snap peas offer a sweet, crunchy addition to your vertical garden. Ideal for limited spaces, they climb effortlessly, making them perfect for trellising. Their pods are edible whole, providing a delightful snack or addition to meals.
Plant snap peas in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Ensure they have access to full sun and fertile soil for optimal growth. Regular watering is essential for keeping the plants healthy and productive.
With their ease of growth and delicious output, snap peas are a fantastic choice for vertical gardening enthusiasts.
3. Yardlong Beans (Asparagus Beans)
Yardlong beans, also known as asparagus beans, are an exotic addition to any vertical garden. These beans can grow up to 18 inches long, providing a unique visual appeal and tasty harvest.
Plant them in a sunny area with a sturdy trellis to support their extensive growth. Yardlong beans thrive in warm climates, so it’s best to plant them after the danger of frost has passed.
Regular watering and fertilization will ensure a bountiful harvest. Their impressive height and prolific yield make them a standout feature in any garden.
4. Indeterminate Tomatoes
Indeterminate tomatoes are a favorite for vertical gardening due to their sprawling growth and continuous fruit production. With proper support, these plants can reach over 6 feet, maximizing your garden space.
Start by planting seedlings near a trellis or cage. Ensure they have full sun and rich soil. Pruning and training the vines will promote better air circulation and fruit development.
As they climb, you’ll enjoy a season-long supply of juicy tomatoes, perfect for salads, sauces, or fresh off the vine.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are an excellent choice for vertical gardens, offering a crisp, refreshing taste and high yield. These climbing plants thrive in warm weather and require a sturdy support system. Plant cucumber seeds in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
As the vines grow, guide them onto a trellis to keep the fruit off the ground and prevent disease. Regular watering and fertilizing will help maintain healthy growth.
Enjoy the convenience of harvesting fresh cucumbers within arm’s reach, perfect for salads, pickles, or snacking.
6. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is a unique climbing vegetable known for its distinctive texture and health benefits. This tropical plant thrives in warm climates and adds an exotic touch to your vertical garden. Sow seeds in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
As the vines grow, provide a strong trellis to support their weight. Bitter melon requires regular watering and occasional feeding to produce a bountiful harvest.
Harvest the fruits while they are still young and green for the best flavor. Its unusual appearance and nutritional value make it a conversation starter in any garden.
7. Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach, a heat-loving vine, is perfect for vertical gardening with its lush, glossy leaves and striking red stems. Unlike true spinach, it thrives in hot weather and adds both color and nutrition to your garden.
Plant in a sunny spot with a sturdy trellis to support its vigorous growth. Regular watering will keep the leaves tender and ready for harvest.
Use the leaves fresh in salads or cooked like traditional spinach. Malabar spinach’s ornamental beauty and prolific nature make it a standout choice for any garden.
8. Hyacinth Beans
Hyacinth beans are a visually stunning addition to any vertical garden, featuring vibrant purple flowers and pods. While primarily grown for ornamental purposes, the young pods and seeds can be consumed when cooked properly.
Provide a sunny location and a strong trellis to support their climbing habit. Hyacinth beans prefer warm weather and regular watering to thrive.
Their rapid growth and striking appearance make them an eye-catching feature in any garden. Enjoy their visual appeal and, with proper preparation, their edible offerings.
9. Scarlet Runner Beans
Scarlet runner beans are known for their vibrant red flowers and robust growth. Perfect for vertical gardening, they not only provide a tasty harvest but also attract pollinators with their striking blooms.
Plant in a sunny spot with a sturdy trellis to support their climbing habit. These beans thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early spring or late summer planting.
Regular watering and occasional fertilizing will ensure a healthy crop. Enjoy the beauty and bounty that scarlet runner beans bring to your garden.
10. Luffa (Sponge Gourd)
Luffa, also known as sponge gourd, is a dual-purpose plant perfect for vertical gardening. Once mature, the fibrous interior can be used as a natural sponge, while young fruits are edible. Plant luffa seeds in a warm, sunny location with a sturdy trellis.
This vigorous climber requires regular watering and rich soil for optimal growth. Harvest young fruits for culinary use or allow them to mature for sponge production. Luffa’s versatility and unique characteristics make it a fascinating addition to any garden.
11. Climbing Melons (Cantaloupe/Muskmelon)
Climbing melons, such as cantaloupe or muskmelon, are wonderful additions to vertical gardens. By training them to climb, you save space and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Plant seedlings in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.
Use nets or slings to support the fruit as it develops on the trellis. Regular watering and fertilizing will promote healthy growth and sweet melons. Enjoy the convenience and enhanced air circulation that vertical gardening offers for these delicious fruits.
12. Tromboncino Squash
Tromboncino squash is known for its long, curved fruits and vigorous climbing habit. Ideal for vertical gardens, it offers a high yield and unique visual appeal. Plant seeds in a sunny, well-drained location with a strong support structure.
As the vines grow, guide them onto the trellis to keep the fruits off the ground. Regular watering and feeding will ensure a bountiful harvest.
Tromboncino squash can be eaten when young or mature, providing versatility in the kitchen. Its distinctive shape adds intrigue to any garden.
13. Winged Bean
Winged beans are a unique addition to any vertical garden, known for their unusual four-angled pods and high nutritional value. These tropical plants thrive in warm climates and can climb impressively high.
Sow seeds in rich, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Provide a sturdy trellis to support their vigorous growth. Regular watering and occasional feeding will promote healthy development.
Harvest the young pods for their tender texture and nutty flavor. Winged beans offer both visual interest and edible benefits, making them an excellent choice for adventurous gardeners.
14. Cucamelon (Mexican Sour Gherkin)
Cucamelons, or Mexican sour gherkins, are delightful miniature fruits resembling tiny watermelons. Perfect for vertical gardening, these plants are both charming and productive. Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and a supportive trellis.
Cucamelons are drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering for optimal growth. Harvest the fruits when they’re the size of grapes for a crunchy, tangy snack.
Their unique appearance and refreshing taste make cucamelons a fun and tasty addition to any garden.
15. Chayote
Chayote is a prolific climber known for its pear-shaped fruits and vigorous growth. This versatile vegetable is ideal for vertical gardens, providing both food and shade. Plant chayote in a sunny location with a sturdy trellis to support its expansive vines.
Chayote prefers warm climates and regular watering for best results. Harvest the fruits when they’re tender for a mild, cucumber-like flavor.
With its lush growth and abundant yield, chayote is a valuable addition to any garden, offering both culinary delight and visual interest.
16. Pole Lima Beans
Pole lima beans are a staple in many gardens, known for their buttery flavor and high nutritional content. These beans thrive in vertical gardens, offering a steady supply of tasty pods. Plant seeds in a sunny area with well-drained soil and a robust trellis.
Regular watering and occasional fertilizing will support healthy growth. Harvest the pods when they’re plump for the best flavor.
Pole lima beans not only provide a delicious addition to meals but also enhance the beauty and productivity of your garden.
17. Climbing Cowpeas (Black-Eyed Peas)
Climbing cowpeas, commonly known as black-eyed peas, are excellent for vertical gardens. Known for their adaptability and drought resistance, they offer both visual appeal and edible rewards.
Plant in a sunny spot with a sturdy trellis to accommodate their climbing nature. Cowpeas thrive in warm climates and require minimal maintenance. Harvest the pods when young for fresh use or allow them to mature for dried beans.
Their versatility and resilience make them a favorite among gardeners seeking both beauty and sustenance.
18. Sweet Potato Vines (grown for their edible greens)
Sweet potato vines are primarily grown for their nutritious greens, making them a great choice for vertical gardening. These vines add beauty and utility, providing edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Plant in a sunny location with a supportive trellis or arbor. Sweet potato vines thrive in warm weather and well-drained soil.
Regular watering will keep the leaves tender and flavorful. Harvest the greens for use in salads, stir-fries, or smoothies. Their rapid growth and edible foliage make them a versatile and attractive garden addition.
19. Dwarf Vertical Pumpkins
Dwarf vertical pumpkins are an innovative choice for gardeners with limited space. These compact varieties can be trained to grow upwards, saving ground space while producing charming mini pumpkins.
Plant in rich, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Use nets or slings to support the developing fruits on a trellis. Regular watering and feeding will promote healthy growth.
Enjoy the ornamental and edible benefits of these petite pumpkins, perfect for decoration or culinary use. Their space-saving nature makes them ideal for urban gardens.
20. Dwarf Vertical Watermelons
Dwarf vertical watermelons are perfect for maximizing space in small gardens. These petite melons can be trained to grow upwards, producing sweet, manageable-sized fruits. Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and provide a sturdy trellis.
Support the fruits with netting to prevent damage as they mature. Regular watering and fertilizing will encourage strong growth and delicious melons.
These compact watermelons offer both visual appeal and a sweet treat, making them a favorite for vertical gardening enthusiasts.
21. Trellised Okra (experimentally trained)
Trellised okra is an experimental approach to growing this popular vegetable vertically. Known for its unique pods, okra can be trained to climb, providing both beauty and harvest. Plant in a sunny location with a supportive trellis to guide upward growth.
Okra thrives in warm climates and requires regular watering for optimal production. Harvest the pods when young and tender for the best taste. This innovative method of growing okra not only saves space but also adds vertical interest to your garden.
22. Trellised Summer Squash (bush types can be supported vertically)
Trellised summer squash involves training bush-type varieties to grow vertically, optimizing space and increasing air circulation. This method reduces disease risk and enhances productivity.
Plant in a sunny, well-drained location with a strong support system. Guide the plants onto a trellis as they grow to keep the fruits off the ground. Regular watering and feeding will promote healthy crops.
Enjoy the ease of harvesting fresh, vibrant squash, perfect for a variety of dishes. This technique is ideal for gardeners looking to maximize their growing area.
23. Vertical Gourds (a variety of gourds that can climb)
Vertical gourds encompass a variety of climbing types, offering visual intrigue and practical uses. From ornamental to edible, gourds are versatile additions to any vertical garden. Plant in a sunny location with a robust trellis to support their growth.
Regular watering and nutrient-rich soil will encourage healthy vines. Harvest the gourds when mature for decorative purposes or culinary use, depending on the variety. Their diverse shapes and uses make them an exciting project for gardeners of all skill levels.
24. Trellised Peppers (with support, some varieties can benefit from vertical training)
Trellised peppers offer a unique approach to growing this versatile vegetable. Certain pepper varieties benefit from vertical training, leading to improved air circulation and more robust fruit production.
Plant in a sunny, well-drained location and provide a strong trellis for support. Regular pruning and watering will encourage healthy growth and abundant harvests.
Trellised peppers not only save space but also enhance the visual appeal of your garden with their vibrant colors and shapes. This method is a must-try for pepper enthusiasts seeking to optimize their growing conditions.