Complete Gardening
Urban living often requires innovative solutions for greenery, and vertical gardens transform limited spaces into lush environments. Here, we explore ten creative DIY vertical gardens perfect for city dwellers, each offering a unique approach to bringing nature into urban settings.
1. Pallet Planter Wall
Transform an ordinary wooden pallet into a lush garden wall. Begin by lining the spaces between the pallet slats with durable landscape fabric. This creates pockets to hold soil securely. Once filled, plant your choice of herbs, succulents, or strawberries. The aesthetic appeal and versatility make this perfect for outdoor balconies or patios. Lean it against a wall for support or mount it vertically for an impressive green display. Pallets offer a rustic charm while maximizing your vertical space, perfect for those looking to add a garden oasis to their urban environment.
2. Hanging Shoe Organizer Garden
Revitalize a simple fabric shoe organizer into a flourishing vertical garden. Fill each pocket with nutrient-rich potting mix and carefully plant herbs, lettuces, or blooming flowers. Hang this innovative garden solution on a fence or balcony railing, where it can catch the sun’s rays. For the best results, place a drip tray beneath to catch any excess water, maintaining a tidy space. This method is not only practical but visually pleasing, transforming a mundane item into an uplifting piece of living art.
3. PVC Pipe Tower
Use large PVC pipes by turning them into a vertical garden tower. Drill staggered holes along the pipe’s surface to create planting pockets. Secure the pipe upright within a pot or bucket, then fill it with rich soil. Plant strawberries or trailing greens, letting them cascade from the holes for a lush appearance. For an added bonus, include a reservoir at the base to create a self-watering system, ensuring your plants remain hydrated effortlessly.
4. Gutter Garden
Create a seamless blend of functionality and design with a vinyl gutter garden. Begin by cutting the gutters to your desired length and sealing the ends with caps. Secure them horizontally against a wall or fence using brackets. Shallow-rooted greens like spinach or arugula flourish in this setup. This garden type is especially suited for renters because it’s easy to install and remove, keeping your landlord happy while enhancing your outdoor space.
5. Ladder Shelf Garden
Repurpose an old wooden ladder into a chic vertical garden. Position pots on each rung, filled with your choice of herbs, flowers, or cascading tomato plants. A fresh coat of paint can add a personalized touch and elevate the design’s overall charm. This setup not only creates height and visual interest but also provides an accessible way to tend to your plants. The ladder shelf garden serves both decorative and practical purposes, making it an ideal choice for patios and small outdoor spaces.
6. Mason Jar Herb Wall
Craft a unique indoor garden with a mason jar herb wall. Secure mason jars to a wooden board using metal clamps, creating a rustic yet modern aesthetic. Fill the jars with water for hydroponic growth or soil for traditional planting. Popular herbs like basil and mint thrive in this environment. Enhance growth with under-cabinet LED grow lights, adding both style and functionality. This setup is perfect for kitchens or living rooms, offering fresh herbs at your fingertips.
7. Trellis + Hanging Pots
Enhance vertical space with a trellis adorned with hanging pots. Using S-hooks, arrange pots at different heights, planting trailing species like pothos, petunias, or cherry tomatoes. This setup maximizes space on narrow balconies, creating a dynamic and visually appealing garden. The contrast between the structured trellis and cascading plant life adds elegance and intrigue, perfect for urban dwellers seeking a touch of nature in their compact living spaces.
8. Repurposed Bookshelf Garden
Transform an old bookshelf into a thriving vertical garden by lining the shelves with plastic to protect the wood. Arrange an assortment of potted plants, catering to their sunlight needs. For example, place sunlight-loving herbs on the top shelves and shade-preferring ferns below. This setup not only conserves space but also creates an urban jungle vibe, blending edibles and ornamentals seamlessly. The bookshelf garden is a perfect solution for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
9. Felt Pocket Wall Planter
Construct a felt pocket wall planter to bring greenery indoors without the mess of soil. Sew or glue felt into deep pockets, then mount the structure on a dowel rod against a sunny window. Fill each pocket with resilient succulents or air plants, which thrive with minimal care. This low-maintenance option is perfect for those new to indoor gardening, providing a clean and artistic way to incorporate nature into your home decor.
10. Cork Board Succulent Garden
A Cork Board Succulent Garden captivates with its vibrant tapestry of greens and reds. Arrange succulents in whimsical patterns, each plant telling its own story.
This garden is a fusion of art and nature, perfect for brightening up your living space. It’s not just visually appealing; it’s a low-maintenance solution, ideal for busy urbanites.
Simply mist the succulents occasionally, and watch your living art piece thrive. Did you know? Cork is a sustainable material, making this garden eco-friendly and unique.