Grow these 7 vertical vegetable options for optimal space utilization in a compact garden plot:
Revamped Ideas for Vertical Veggie Gardens in Tight Spaces
Get ready to level up your small garden game with these vertical garden tips that'll pump up your plant production and add some unique flavor to your spread! Here are seven vertically-friendly vegetables you should consider growing this year, along with some unexpected varieties you may not even know about.
1. Runner Beans that Climb the Wall
Runners beans are Classic choices for vertical gardening, as they excel in tight spaces and are swift growers. They're an excellent option for sowing with kids since their seeds are big for little hands. The key to beans is to go for a robust structure to handle the weight of the harvest, as runner beans are notorious for bearing a hefty crop.
Sarah Raven, a renowned gardening expert, advises that runner beans thrive in full sun, moisture-retentive soil, and sturdy wigwams of canes. To learn more about Sarah's gardening journey and find her recommended choice of runner bean seeds, check out her products at SarahRaven.com.
2. Dragon's Egg Cucumbers: A Unique Crawler
Cucumbers are easy climbers for vertical growing, and they are unstoppable once they get going. Lucy Hutchings at She Grows Veg recommends the delightful Dragon's Egg cucumber variety for vertical structures. Train these cucumbers up a trellis for improved airflow and easier harvesting. Maintain consistent soil moisture and regular feeding for the best results!
3. Go Vertical with Squash and Pumpkins
The squash family is usually associated with expansive vines, but growing pumpkins vertically can have a major impact on your garden layout. Pumpkin cages or specially designed London Eye Plant Frames from Agriframes can create a stunning centerpiece while allowing the fruit to ripen with plenty of sunlight and airflow.
4. Try Malabar Spinach for a Tropical Twist
Malabar spinach is an exotic, hardy vine popular in Asia, making it a fantastic addition to any vertical garden. Unlike traditional spinach, Malabar's vigorous climbing habit gives a lush backdrop to walls or fences. When grown vertically, this peppery, lemony spinach adds a fresh take on your usual vegetable patch.
Shopping List for Vertical Vegetable Frames
Invest in a plant support with a rustic finish, perfect for runner beans, cucumbers, and sweet peas. The Gripple plant system is another versatile option for hosting a variety of crops on walls or fences. Don't forget to snag a tomato support frame, suitable for both greenhouse and outdoor garden settings, designed to house a growbag.
5. Peas: Nature's Tiny Climbers
Peas are a great match for vertical gardens, as they can be easily managed with nets or trellises. Just remember to keep them well-watered as they grow, and provide some gentle guidance to the stems to maintain structure and productivity.
6. Grow Vertical Tomatoes with Indeterminate Varieties
Tomatoes are a must-grow, and their indeterminate varieties are the perfect choice for vertical gardening. Staking is essential for supporting these bountiful plants. Learn about the staking technique in our article on how to grow tomatoes vertically.
7. Courgettes: Tamed Giants
Grow courgettes vertically to get a bird's eye view of each fruit as it ripens, allowing you to harvest before they grow too large. Use a strong stake to provide support, and don't forget to pick regularly to promote smaller, more manageable fruits.
Vertical gardening not only offers a stylish touch to your garden but provides a space-saving, efficient way to maximize your harvest. With these seven vegetables under your belt, you'll be well on your way to an incredible edible vertical garden!
- Sarah Raven's recommendations for runner bean seeds are perfect for adding a unique touch to your vertical garden, growing them in full sun and moisture-retentive soil for a bountiful harvest.
- To add a tropical twist to your garden, consider growing Malabar spinach, a vigorous vine that thrives on walls or fences and offers a lemony, peppery spinach in a lush vertical display.
