Creating Vertical Gardens in Compact Spaces

“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” ~Alfred Austin

Living in a government bungalow, I have always been blessed with a sprawling garden and kitchen garden. My interest in gardening arose from a desire to create a clean and green space for my kids to play. Over the years, I have experimented with different genres, from ornamental gardens to functional ones, striving to strike a balance between having a beautiful garden and a food-producing one. Lately, I have been working on an intriguing aspect—using the vertical space of walls to maintain a cooler environment inside the house.

This journey began when I set out to fulfill my daughter’s desire for her own green space after she moved to another city for work. Living in what she refers to as “concrete jungles,” she often longed for some greenery in her
small apartment. Motivated by her longing, I decided to embark on this project to help her bring her vision to life.
Since she was living in a small one-bedroom rented apartment, the balcony space was limited. She had an abundance of plants, but accommodating them all was a challenge. Moreover, she wanted to retain some walking and sitting space on her balcony. To address these constraints, we decided to use the vertical space on her balcony walls. This allowed her to keep as many plants as she desired while saving space and creating a visually stunning
“mini jungle” effect.

Planning the Perfect Vertical Garden

Vertical gardens, as the name suggests, involve mounting plants on vertical surfaces like walls instead of planting them on the ground. Once the decision to create a vertical garden was made, the first task was to choose the wall where it would be set up. Clearing out the entire balcony provided an empty canvas and helped in deciding the best wall for the garden. Observing the sun’s movement on this wall became crucial, as understanding the duration, intensity, and direction of sunlight determined the type of plants suitable for the space.

For our project, we opted for a small vertical garden with a 3×4 panel, which meant three rows and four pots in each row. This setup was ideal for a small wall and perfectly suited a compact apartment. The next step was to
plan the layout, which turned out to be an overwhelming task. The internet is flooded with ideas, so we researched extensively to find something manageable and appropriate for a beginner. Starting small was key to avoiding the feeling of being overwhelmed, and it also allowed us to learn and adapt as we went along.

Budgeting played an essential role in the process. It was important to keep track of expenses and avoid overspending. For beginners, the cost of essential gardening tools had to be factored in as well. The items required
included a backdrop grill with precise measurements, planters, base soil, plants, drills, and hooks. All these supplies were readily available online, making the sourcing process convenient.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Next came the exciting task of selecting plants. A visit to the local nursery provided expert advice. By sharing details about the sunlight exposure on the chosen wall, we received recommendations tailored to our needs. For
our vertical garden, we decided on upright plants for the top row, bushy plants for the middle row, and drooping plants for the bottom row. The layered arrangement added depth and beauty to the wall. For beginners, it is
advisable to select low-maintenance plants. If you have pets, you can even ask for pet-friendly options to ensure safety.

With all the necessary elements ready, it was time to implement the plan. Fixing the grill to the wall required a drilling machine, and for this, we sought professional help. Once the grill was secured, the plants were repotted. For beginners, using coco peat—a material made from coconut husk—along with soil works well. The pot-in-pot method, where a plant is repotted into a recyclable container that fits into a decorative planter, proved to be the best approach for us. This method allowed flexibility, as plants could easily be replaced if they outgrew their containers or needed to be changed. Ensuring proper drainage by drilling holes in both pots was critical to the plants’ health. After repotting, the planters were arranged on the grill. Achieving the desired layout required some trial and error. Once the arrangement was finalized, the vertical garden was complete. Maintaining it involved careful watering, for which a long-neck water dispenser was particularly helpful.

Regular care, including attention to drainage and sunlight needs, ensured the plants thrived. Consulting a local gardener provided additional tips for keeping the garden healthy. Vertical gardens have become increasingly popular in urban areas due to space constraints, but they can also serve as a beautiful addition to existing
gardens. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, vertical gardens offer a deeper connection to nature. I believe that vertical gardening is where nature meets ingenuity. In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to nurture plants brings a
sense of calm and balance. Vertical gardening is proof that there’s always room to grow—no matter how small the space. It reminds us to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the simple joys of life, reconnecting us with nature
and our roots.

–Nidhi Raj is an independent writing professional, storyteller, and mother with a keen interest in women’s issues and International Relations.