Vertical Garden: Growing Indoors

A vertical garden, or a living wall, might be your solution if you have limited or no garden space. It allows you to grow a garden upwards instead of along the ground. This eco-friendly form of gardening makes a bold statement and is ideal for households and offices alike.

Follow these steps to make your own vertical garden.  

Step 1 - Select a Structure

You will need a sturdy wall to support your heavy vertical garden. You may even need to reinforce your wall so it can withstand the extra weight.  

Most vertical wall kits include forms that you can assemble according to the instructions. You can find artificial walls specifically designed for growing vertical gardens. You could also purchase self-supporting panels that you can set independently or attached to a wall indoors.  

Step 2 - Fill the Frame with Soil

Fill your framework with good-quality, well-drained potting soil that allows good aeration. Or you may find living wall kits in garden supply stores and nurseries, and these kits may include an inorganic growing medium.

Remember to set up a tray to collect excess water that drains to the bottom of the vertical garden; otherwise brown water can spoil your flooring.  

Step 3 - Provide Access to Sunlight

Make sure your indoor vertical garden receives sufficient sunlight. You may want to place it near a window in a well-ventilated room. However, on very hot afternoons, try putting the blinds down for a few hours to prevent the garden from receiving too much sunlight.   

Step 4 - Choose Plants for Your Vertical Garden

Choose plants that are easy to grow indoors. They should thrive in the temperature indoors and the sunlight exposure your wall will receive. Lightweight, leaved plants and those that grow close to the root area are better options than large, heavier plants.  

You can match the plants to keep flowering on one side and non-flowering on the other, or mix them for an even spread. There is no one way of growing plants on a vertical garden, so do what pleases you and looks good on your wall.  

Succulents are preferred choices for indoor vertical gardens, since these plants are drought resistant. They also offer foliage in different shapes, sizes and colors. Long vines are another good choice since they root their way up the living wall as they grow.  

Step 5 - Water the Vertical Garden

Vertical garden kits usually include a watering system with a built-in pump, but if you plan to build your own, make sure you place a waterproof liner on the wall you are growing against. A constant run of liquid can cause severe damage and usually mold. Make sure you address issues such as water retention and drainage when creating your own watering system.

Also, painting your wall with a mold-resistant coat will help protect it for a few years.