This week I noticed one of my landscape clients had a small vertical planter hung on the side of her shed. I decided to investigate.

I have not attempted to grow anything vertically yet. So, I quizzed her on the ins and outs of this growing method. Her system is a simple grid of 10 angular planting holes (two across and five high) with a water catchment tray at the base. All of this is covered by an attractive wood frame. It becomes a living piece of art.

How to Start a Vertical Garden

When I questioned my client about her experience growing vertically, she seemed to have mixed feelings. She loved the look of the framed planter, but had some trouble with soil washing out of the planting holes.

To prevent this problem, vertical planters must first be planted horizontally. Then after that, left flat or at no more than a 45 degree angle for at least 4 days. Even better, leave it flat for several days. Then angle it to 45 degrees for several more days before hanging it vertically. This helps plant roots establish and hold the potting soil in place. Every cell must be filled with soil (be careful not to overfill), but not necessarily planted.

Best Plant Choices

The plants you choose depend on where you’re hanging the planter (sun or shade) and how you would like to use it.

One idea for a sunny area is to use small succulents like Hens and Chicks and Sedums to fill the planting cells. Or, if you have a sunny wall in your kitchen, plant the cells with different herbs for easy access when cooking dinner. Other good plant options include small annual flowers, groundcover plants, tropical plants. You can even grow houseplants, ferns, and perennials. Or you can plant short grass plugs with different textures and colors.

If a plant tag says it grows larger than around 10 inches at maturity, it may not be the best choice for a vertical planter. Alternatively, be prepared to trim it back regularly. You don’t want it to take over the container!

General rule of thumb: when purchasing plants for a vertical planter, be sure to pick plants in a 4-inch pot or smaller. This way they will fit easily in the planting holes. Also, plants that remain small at maturity are the best option for vertical planters.

Maintaining a Vertical Garden

If you place your vertical garden outdoors and live in an area with cold winters, the planter must be brought inside over the winter. Alternatively, you can replant it in spring with new plants.

Even if replanting in spring, the vertical planter should be stored for winter to protect the plastic from freeze and thaw cycles. These planters may also be hung on an inside wall year-round for a living piece of indoor art.

Some vertical planters, like my client’s, are designed to be watered from the top with a series of channels. These deliver water to each cell. They may also have a wicking material at the back of the cell to keep the roots evenly moist. Others, with more pocket-like planting holes, are meant to be hand-watered individually and fertilized.

Regardless of planter style, regular attention to moisture level is crucial to the well-being of these planters. Check every row of cells with a finger to ensure each one is receiving enough moisture. It may be necessary to remove the planter and lay it flat to water if you have issues with soil washing out, or if cells have dried out and need to be rehydrated. Small pins inserted into the soil may also be used to stabilize plants and soil.