How to Build Vertical Gardens or Living Walls
Vertical gardens are sometimes referred to as living walls. They can be a great way to grow fruits, vegetables and plants in an urban setting where gardening space is limited. A vertical garden can also be a wonderful way to add an organic element to your indoor space.
Things You Will Need:
- Frame materials made of metal or treated wood
- Screws
- Nails
- Thick sheet of felt
- Sheet of Hessian
- Bucket or bin to act as a well
- Automatic feeder pump with filter
- Plant seeds or plants
- Determine how much space you have available. You can choose to build your living wall indoors or outdoors. Either environment is acceptable. Decide where you want to place your garden and determine its size.
- Construct your frame. You can choose to use metal building materials when constructing your garden frame. Wood is acceptable, as well. Be sure to use treated wood to avoid water damage. The frame needs to be a simple, reinforced rectangle that is as tall and wide as you need for your space. Use nails or screws to secure your frame in place.
- Attach a backboard. The backboard will support your plants. You can use PVC sheeting or stainless steel mesh to create your backboard. Screw or nail the backboard into place.
- Attach a holding sheet. The holding sheet will act as your growing medium for your plants. You can use Hessian or a thick sheet of felt. Attach the holding sheet to the top of your backboard.
- Attach your plants. Attach your plants to the growing medium. Seeds will adhere to the sheet and begin to take root. For developed plants, you can create a hole in the holding sheet and thread the roots through to the back of the sheet.
- Install your pump and well. If you are creating an outdoor vertical garden, you can skip this step and water your plants in a traditional fashion, using a watering can. If your living wall will be inside, however, you will need a pump and well in order to ensure that it is watered properly. The well can be created from a large bucket or bin that is wide enough to hold the base of your wall frame. You should use an automatic feeder pump that has a built-in filter. Place the pump in the well and run a hose from the well to the top of your living wall. This will circulate clean water throughout your living wall and help your plants to thrive.