Did you know that you can decorate your home with vertical gardening made especially for small spaces? Nowadays, space in homes is getting smaller and smaller, so if you like plants, the best option is to invest in vertical panels, as they will save you space and still be a beautiful decoration.

Why do vertical gardening?

Many studies show that having plants in your home is a great way to improve air quality, as well as being a great hobby to improve well-being and mental health. Plants bring warmth to any environment, whether it’s your home, apartment or office.

Vertical gardens are spectacular and allow you to get in touch with nature and bring a more harmonious look to your little corner, all in a way that doesn't take up space. So don't waste any more time and start growing your vertical garden!

List of materials needed for the vertical garden planter

To learn how to start a vertical garden, you need the following items:

• Brush and black waterproofing (or marine varnish);
• Half-moon vases or thick felt bags;
• Plants, preferably those with hanging foliage;
• Substrate for seedlings;
• Thinning scissors;
• S-shaped wire hooks or nylon cable ties;
• Structure to hold the pots – waterproofed wooden beams for the frame, approximately 5 cm thick;
• Sprinkler and watering gun, or fine-nozzle watering can.

Image: Pexels

What types of structure should I use as the basis for the panel?

1 x 1 meter modules of iron screens, protected with automotive paint, are the most durable options. These ready-made screens can be found in hardware stores. Another option is to have them custom-made by a metalworker. Bed frames or bamboo trellises can also be used, but these structures are less durable and will rot after a few years of contact with water.

There are also sturdy plastic frames, which can be ideal for smaller gardens, which are less than 50cm high and wide. In addition, it is possible to buy ready-made frames with plants, including irrigation built into the frame itself, which are the best for those who do not want any work.

The step by step to get started

Choosing the location

Choose a location with as much natural light as possible, such as near a window, on a balcony or porch. It is also important that this location can receive water from regular irrigation.

Define plant species by location

Define which plants you will care for and where they will be located according to the amount of sunlight each species needs. The ideal is to place shade plants in the center and at the bottom of the panels. At the top and sides, place plants that need more sunlight, so they will get more light and also shade the others.

Waterproof the walls

It is important to waterproof the wall where the panel will be installed, to prevent water infiltration. Using a product that also paints the wall black will create an optical illusion that your panel will appear larger than it actually is. If you cannot change the wall, use a drainage blanket, which will have a similar effect.

Planting in pots

After planting all the pots, one by one, make a small hole in the straight part using a sharp pair of thinning shears, and pass a nylon clamp through it. This will be used to attach the pot to the screen. An important detail is: do this entire process before attaching the panel to the wall, as it will be much easier. You can lean it against the wall, but leave it to attach it after you've finished.

Correct position of the vessels

Start placing the pots in horizontal rows, from top to bottom. Standard wire mesh fits 9 pots per square meter.

Installing the support grid

After planting and assembling the panel, screw a wooden frame that keeps each grid approximately two fingers away from the wall. This will prevent leaks and make maintenance easier when replacing pots. Then, attach the panel to the wood.

Watering

Once you’ve finished assembling your panel, take the time to water all of your plants. Always start with the top row and work your way down, and reduce the amount of watering you do as you get closer to the ground. Water will drain from the higher areas and be used by the lower areas.

How do you know if your garden is looking good?

Image: Pixabay

THE DIY When creating vertical gardening in small spaces, it is welcome, but you need to know if you have managed to put your vertical garden ideas into practice in a way that works. A well-executed panel project should perfectly hide the pots.

The desired end result is for the plants to completely fill the space on the wall. If you use plants that grow upright, they won't fill the gaps, making your vertical plant panel look a bit dull.

What could go wrong?

The main cause of death in plants in vertical frames is lack of water. Therefore, carefully evaluate whether you will have time to care for your plants. It is necessary to regularly water each pot, two to three times a week, depending on the location chosen.

Read also: The best pruning techniques for houseplants

So, are you ready to get started with vertical gardening?

There are many design ideas for a vertical garden, and also how to make a vertical garden in small spaces. The main reasons to get into vertical gardening are the benefits that contact with plants can bring you.

In addition to being a great decorative feature, plants also filter pollutants in the air and refresh the environment. Anyone can have a vertical garden, even if they live in a small house or rented apartment, since it is possible to disassemble and reassemble the panel when moving.