As spring gets closer in Baton Rouge, it’s time to start thinking about what we will be planting this year. We have talked about many kinds of alternative gardening methods in the past, but vertical gardening is catching on across the nation. Vertical gardening is great if you are tight on space or want to experiment with different gardening techniques. In a traditional garden, you have your plants planted in rows which can take up a lot of yard space. Vertical gardening makes the most of your area by growing upwards. This technique can work indoors or out and is perfect for your flower and bed maintenance.
There are many types of houseplants, vegetables, annuals, perennials, and even shrubs that grow well in a vertical space. When creating a vertical garden, you can let your imagination run wild and bring out the inner DIY in you. Practically anything lying around your yard can be repurposed into a vertical garden. Here are some really cool DIY projects that can help you get started on your vertical gardens.
It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Wall planters can be as simple as a bucket on a nail. As long as it gets enough sun and has proper drainage, it will grow. The best part about planting vertically is that it makes weeding easier. These planters are great for herbs or greens that don’t need too much soil or space to grow. What’s better than being able to snip off fresh lettuce for your salads whenever you want. With a few of your own creative touches, wall planters can brighten up any Baton Rouge backyard space, and they don’t take away from your outdoor area.
Gutters aren’t great for just draining water away from your home; they can also be repurposed into the perfect vertical garden. Think of gutters as a long window box that you can cut to any length. You can attach them to the sides of your fence, shed, or even your house. Just make sure there is enough space between the gutters for sunlight to reach the plants. Drill drainage holes in the gutters, so the plants don’t get overwatered. The holes also allow for water to drip down onto the lower levels.
Utilizing a bottle garden is a great DIY project for the family and a fantastic way to keep plastic bottles out of the landfill. All you have to do is cut a hole in the side of any soda or water bottle and attach it to any vertical structure. Fill with dirt, and you can plant small plants such as herbs and salad greens.
When you think vertically, vines naturally come to mind. These plants love to climb, so you don’t need to provide much for them as long as they have something to climb. Vines such as morning glories or climbing hydrangea are great climbers and can climb over brick walls, trellises, wire fences, wooden fences, basically anything that it can get a grip on. Vines are a great way to add lots of greenery to your backyard without compromising on space. Before planting, always make sure you check your USDA Hardiness Zone.
Trellis is a loose definition for DIY gardeners. Virtually anything can be turned into a trellis for your vines and vegetables. We all love to grow watermelons and pumpkins, but the only problem is that they take over any space you plant them in. Wouldn’t it be great if they climbed up instead of over your entire garden? Great materials for trellises include metal poles, fences, bamboo, old scraps of lumber, metal scraps, and poles. Just be sure that whatever trellis you use can support the weight of the plant.
Here is a really clever DIY garden. All it takes is a thick PVC pipe. Cut out holes along the side for planting, then stand it up vertical. Fill with dirt and plant in the holes you made. This is an ideal garden for strawberries because they don’t need much soil to grow well. You could also turn it into a high-functioning salad farm.
At TruGreen, we treat your lawn like our own. Our job is to create amazing yards and landscapes throughout the Baton Rouge area. Decorative beds can be easy to maintain and require attention and time. Our flower and bed maintenance can help. We offer a highly effective 6-application weed control program designed specifically for your flowerbeds and gardens.
We also offer a variety of exceptional lawn care service. We provide services in both Louisiana and Mississippi. Call us at 225-465-0665 if you are a Louisiana client, and if you’re from Mississippi, call us at 662-330-1330. Or get a free and easy quote here. Get access to all our tips on pest control, lawn care, tree care, and more by following our monthly blog.