DIY Guide: Building a Vertical Garden on Your Balcony
Introduction to Vertical Gardening
Urban living often means limited space, but that shouldn't stop you from embracing your green thumb. A vertical garden is an innovative way to maximize your balcony space while adding a touch of nature to your home. This DIY guide will walk you through the steps to create a lush, vertical garden that fits perfectly on your balcony.
Vertical gardens not only help in optimizing small areas but also contribute to a healthier environment by improving air quality and providing insulation. With a bit of creativity and effort, you can transform your balcony into a green oasis.
What Makes a Garden "Vertical"?
A vertical garden is defined by how it uses vertical surfaces for planting. It is not just a garden placed on a balcony. The key feature is stacking or hanging your plants so that they grow upward, using things like:
- Wall-mounted planters
- Hanging pots or grow bags
- Tiered plant stands
- Wooden pallets turned into vertical planters
- Trellises that support climbing vines or vegetables
These setups help maximize space, improve airflow, and often make watering and harvesting easier than traditional ground-level gardening.
Planning Your Vertical Garden
Assessing Your Space
Before you start building, it's important to assess the available space on your balcony. Consider the amount of sunlight it receives, as this will influence the types of plants you can grow. Balconies facing south or west tend to receive more sunlight, making them ideal for sun-loving plants.
Measure the dimensions of your balcony to determine how much room you have for your vertical garden. Make sure you leave some space for moving around and enjoying your new green area.
Selecting the Right Plants
Choose plants that are suitable for vertical growth and that thrive in your specific environmental conditions. Some popular choices include:
- Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint
- Succulents for low-maintenance beauty
- Vines such as ivy or morning glories
- Flowers like petunias or geraniums for a splash of color
Consider using a mix of plants to create a diverse and visually appealing garden.
Building Your Vertical Garden
If you're short on outdoor space but dreaming of lush greenery, this DIY vertical garden for balconies is the perfect project. Whether you live in an apartment or have just a small patio, this setup is super efficient.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to build a simple, stylish vertical planter system just like the one above. It’s ideal for herbs, leafy greens, or flowering plants and makes use of basic materials you can grab at any local hardware store.
Materials Needed
Ensure that all materials are weather-resistant, especially if your balcony is exposed to the elements.
- 4 wooden supports (2x2 or 2x4 boards, around 5-6 feet tall)
- 4 to 5 wooden or metal shelves (or wooden planks)
- Screws or shelf brackets
- Wall anchors (if mounting to brick or concrete)
- Outdoor-safe stain or sealer (optional, but recommended)
- Terracotta or plastic pots and/or trough planters
- S-hooks or zip ties (for hanging plants if desired)
- Drill, level, measuring tape, and screwdriver
Pro Tip: If you're renting, use a freestanding A-frame or tension rod-style system instead of drilling into walls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Wall
Pick a sunny wall on your balcony; ideally one that gets at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day. South or west-facing walls work best. Avoid walls exposed to strong winds.
Step 2: Prep the Frame
Lay your two vertical wood beams on the ground. Space them about 2–3 feet apart. Attach your shelves horizontally between the two supports using screws or brackets, starting about 1–1.5 feet up from the bottom and spacing them 12–16 inches apart.
You can stain or seal the wood here for durability, especially if it’ll be exposed to the elements.
Step 3: Mount to the Wall
If you're installing directly onto a brick or concrete surface, use wall anchors and masonry screws. Be sure to use a level so your garden doesn’t grow crooked. If freestanding, secure the base for stability with planters or bricks.
Step 4: Set Up Your Planters
Use terracotta pots or rectangular trough planters that rest snugly on each shelf. If you're using pots, secure them with S-hooks or zip ties so they don’t blow over.
For extra visual interest, alternate planter types or add some hanging greenery between shelves.
Step 5: Pick Your Plants
Choose plants suited for small-space, vertical environments. Here are some balcony-friendly winners:
- Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, thyme, oregano
- Greens: Lettuce, arugula, kale
- Flowers: Marigolds, petunias, begonias
- Vines: Strawberries, peas, or nasturtiums for trailing beauty
Mix textures and growth patterns to create a lush, layered effect.
Step 6: Water Smart
Install a drip irrigation system or hand-water using a long-necked watering can. Always water from the top so excess moisture trickles down.
Pro Tip: Group plants by watering needs to avoid over- or under-watering.
Caring for a Vertical Garden on Your Balcony
- Water regularly, especially the topmost plants which tend to dry out faster.
- A drip irrigation system can save time and water evenly.
- Fertilize as directed (usually every two to three weeks) using a balanced organic fertilizer, unless your plants have specific needs.
- Rotate plants occasionally if sunlight is uneven, to promote balanced growth.
- Prune, deadhead, and check for pests to keep everything healthy and thriving.
Make the Most of Your Space
Once your vertical garden is up and growing, take time to enjoy it. Sit with your morning coffee next to your herb wall, or admire your flowers while reading a book in the evening light. This small green space can be a peaceful retreat and a productive part of your home.
By choosing to grow vertically, you are not just saving space. You are transforming it.
Ready to build your own balcony oasis?
Get started this weekend and let us know how it goes! We’d love to see your creations. Tag us on Instagram @vertical.harvests and use #GrowUpNotOut