One of the frustrations we backyard farmers face is lack of space. My yard is 28 feet long by 47 feet wide and some of that is taken up by a covered patio. I need acres…but that’s not going to happen, yet.
So I’ve been researching alternative ways to add some “square feet” to my garden space. The answer (drum roll please) VERTICAL GARDENING!
Take a look at some of these awesome ideas. They are easy to implement and many are using recycled materials!
The Spice Rack
A garage sale find turned into vertical garden space by adding some burlap lining to each shelf.
Then fill with potting soil and plants that don’t need a deep space for roots like leafy greens.
How awesome is that?
Source: A Suburban Farmer
The Shoe Organizer
A dollar store shoe organizer turned planter. Brilliant! Just fill each pocket with soil and add herbs, or veggies. You probably want to make sure it will have good drainage.
Source: Dollar Store Crafts
The Recycled Rain Gutters
Installing new gutters? Don’t throw out the old ones – re-purpose them! Hang them on the side of a side or fencing and you’ve got a salad garden!
Source: Aqua Duck
The Hanging Basket
Another project that would be easily started with a garage sale or craigslist find. Take an old fruit basket and bring it to new life as a garden. Baby or micro green and herbs would be great in this. Maybe line with peat moss to keep the soil in the basket?
Source: The Telegraph
The Stacked Garden
Not everything vertical is hanging. How about a stacked garden? Start with a large sturdy base and move up with smaller containers. Put your deeper root veggies at the bottom, like carrots or radishes, then move up with smaller root greens and herbs. Really adds interest to a garden spot too.
Source: Encinitas Garden Festival & Tour
The Traditional Hanging Planters
If you want something a little more traditional, try hanging planters. You can hang these from hooks on a patio or porch. Go simple and cost effective or a little fancier to match your indoor decor.
Source: University of Florida Extension Office
