Supplement lack of ground space with a vertical garden that adds a wall of color outdoors and enhances privacy. Vertical gardens are formed by training vines of foliage or flowering plants on poles, stakes or trellises. The lower ends or legs of these support structures require firm placement, which you achieve by placing them in large containers filled with soil. Use your imagination when selecting containers that are functional yet decorative and enhance interest and appeal. Does this Spark an idea?
Concrete Planter Box
A concrete planter box is sturdy enough to support a trellis with weighty, climbing vines. Such planters are readily available in gardening or home department stores or made at home by pouring concrete between two plywood forms. These planters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; select rectangular ones at least 2 feet wide and 2 to 3 inches thick.
Fill the concrete planter with soil before planting the desired vining plant seedlings and the trellis in it. The planter dresses up a particular spot and is heavy enough to resist toppling over due to strong winds while accommodating vines with weighty vegetables or fruit.
Pots
Large pots at least 18 to 20 inches wide provide sufficient support to smaller vining plants. Make a bamboo tepee trellis by arranging the tops of three or four same-length poles together and securing them with garden wire. Insert the legs of the bamboo pole trellis into the container, and plant vegetable seedlings around it.
Use larger pots if the space allows it, increasing the measurements of the trellis to fit it appropriately. A large trellis in a small pot topples easily with the weight of growing vegetables or fruit.
Window Box
A window box is a functional container for growing lightweight vines right outside your bedroom or living room. Insert hooks in the contained soil, just behind each plant and extend copper wire from each to reach the desired spot on the wall, just above the window frame. Secure each growing vine to a copper wire with soft cord so it forms a vertical wall or natural curtain.
Half Barrel
Whiskey half barrels are large enough to support a tripod or traditional bean pole trellis. Place this container strategically near your front entrance or on a porch step to add rustic charm to the surrounding area. Half-size barrels are available in large gardening stores and make good containers for planting vegetables such as potatoes too.
Insert four evenly-spaced poles around the rim of the barrel, each angled slightly inwards so the tops meet. Use the additional space in the center to grow shade-loving plants such as lettuce.
