How To Get Started With Indoor Vertical Gardening: What You Need To Know

A Beginners Guide to Indoor Vertical Gardening

Want to get started with indoor vertical gardening, but not sure where to begin? In this article, I examine the basics of indoor vertical gardening, such as the design and maintenance skills you have to know to get your DIY ideas flowing. This even works for those living in small spaces! 

For all of us urban dwellers in our flats or small houses with limited outdoor areas, the option to nurture crops indoors can become a necessity.

And, what makes vertical gardening truly enticing is its dual role as a space-saving marvel and an aesthetically pleasing indoor gardening method.

How to Get Started with Vertical Gardening

I’ll examine the basics of indoor vertical gardening, such as how to choose the best plants and what soil to use. I’ll also look at types of hydroponic systems, as well as lighting solutions and irrigation techniques, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to craft your own flourishing indoor vertical garden.

So, if you’re a beginner with indoor vertical gardening, read on to learn all you need to know about building your own!

Indoor Vertical Gardening: Table of Contents

The Basics of Indoor Vertical Gardening

Whether you envision a kitchen garden or another inside area of your home for your container garden, vertical gardening proves to be a practical approach for those dealing with limited room.

Getting started with indoor vertical gardening means selecting the best plants that will grow well indoors, such as herbs, succulents and ferns. Place your plants near a reliable source of light and be sure to water regularly. You’ll need to use a well-draining soil specifically for indoor plants.

Let’s delve into the fundamental principles of indoor vertical gardening to provide you with a solid foundation:

1. Choose the Best Plants

When it comes to indoor vertical gardening, selecting the best plants for your particular situation is crucial.

As mentioned above, you can consider plants like herbs, succulents, ferns and small flowering varieties that thrive indoors. You can also choose vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers to grow in your vertical garden.

2. The Right Lighting

Most indoor plants need at least six hours of sunlight daily, but if natural light is lacking, use LED grow lights as a supplement.

3. The Importance of Watering

Proper watering is essential to prevent issues like root rot or wilting. Check soil moisture regularly, using a moisture metre or a self-watering system.

4. What Soil Should I Use?

Choose well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, or a specific potting mix for indoor plants. I recommend Miracle-Gro’s potting soil because it’s light and drains well.

Regular fertilisation, either with commercial products or organic options like compost or liquid seaweed, promotes healthy growth.

Now, let’s take a look at how to get started designing your vertical garden!

Designing Your Vertical Garden

When designing your indoor vertical garden, there are two main considerations to keep in mind: structural and aesthetic design principles.

1. Structural Considerations

Before deciding on the plants you want to grow, it’s important to consider the structural elements of your vertical garden.

This includes the type of wall or structure you will be attaching your garden to, the weight capacity of the wall, and the type of support system you will be using.

Whether you choose a trellis, or a vertical planter or a living wall, make sure to choose a sturdy wall or structure that can support the weight of your garden, soil, and plants. You may need to consult with a professional to ensure all goes well.

2. Aesthetic Design Principles

Once you have determined the structural elements of your vertical garden, it’s time to consider key aesthetic design principles.

This includes:

• The layout of your garden. The colours and textures of the plants, and the overall style of your vertical garden.
• The amount of sunlight each plant will receive. You should place plants that require more sunlight at the top of your garden, and plants that require less sunlight at the bottom.
• The colours and textures of the plants you choose. You must choose plants that complement each other and create a cohesive look. You can also use different textures to create visual interest and depth in your garden.
• Finally, consider the overall style of your indoor vertical garden. There are many ideas you can incorporate into your indoor vertical garden. Do you want a modern, minimalist look, or a more rustic, natural look? Choose plants and accessories that fit with your desired style.

Hydroponic Systems for Indoor Vertical Gardening

Hydroponic systems are ideal for vertical gardening because they allow plants to grow without soil, which, let’s face it: can be messy and heavy.

Who among us hasn’t wished for a more efficient system when it comes to repotting plants or filling up pots with soil? After all, it seems to get everywhere!

Hydroponic systems offer an alternative option and also provide plants with the necessary nutrients, water, and oxygen they need to thrive.

Types of Hydroponic Systems

There are several types of hydroponic systems that are suitable for vertical gardening, as listed below:

1. Drip system: In this system, a nutrient solution is dripped onto the plants from above. The excess solution is collected and reused. This system is easy to set up and maintain and is suitable for growing a wide range of plants.
2. Ebb and flow system: In this system, the plants are placed in a tray filled with a nutrient solution. The solution is periodically pumped into the tray and then drained away. This system is suitable for growing larger plants and can be automated.
3. Aeroponic system: In this system, the plants are suspended in the air and the roots are misted with a nutrient solution. This system is very efficient and can produce high yields, but one downside is it requires more maintenance than other systems.

Nutrient Solutions and Management

The nutrient solution is a crucial component of hydroponic systems because it provides your plants with the necessary nutrients to grow.

The nutrient solution should be checked regularly to ensure that the pH and nutrient levels are correct. pH levels should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for most plants.

Remember to use a high-quality nutrient solution that contains all the necessary nutrients for plant growth.

Nutrient solutions can be purchased pre-mixed or can be mixed at home using a recipe. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully when mixing nutrient solutions to ensure that the correct ratios are used.

Soil-Based Indoor Vertical Gardening

If you prefer using soil for your indoor vertical garden, there are several options to consider.

When choosing a soil-based vertical gardening option, it’s important to consider the type of plants you want to grow, as well as your available space and resources.

Some plants require more soil and nutrients than others, so be sure to do your research before getting started.

One way is to use a traditional potting soil mix, which can be used in containers or wall-mounted planters.

Potting soil mix typically contains peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and compost. It’s important to choose a high-quality potting soil mix that’s free of pests and diseases.

Another option is to use a soilless mix, such as coconut coir, which is made from the fibrous husks of coconuts.

Coconut coir is lightweight, has excellent water retention, and is pH-neutral. It’s also environmentally friendly, as it’s a renewable resource.

Lighting Solutions for Indoor Vertical Gardening

When it comes to indoor vertical gardening, lighting is one of the most important factors to consider.

Whether you are growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers, your plants need adequate light to thrive. In this section, I’ll discuss the different lighting solutions available for indoor vertical gardens.

Natural vs. Artificial Lighting

Natural light is the best option for plants, but it’s not always possible to provide enough natural light for indoor vertical gardens.

If you have a big, sunny window, you can place your plants near it to benefit from the natural light.

But, if you don’t have access to natural light, you can use artificial lighting to provide your plants with the light they need.

Fluorescent lights are the most common and affordable option for indoor vertical gardens. They are energy-efficient and provide a good spectrum of light for plants.

LED lights are more expensive but are also energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan (and are my favourite option for indoor plants).

High-intensity discharge lamps (HID) are the most expensive and powerful option, but they also consume a lot of energy and produce a lot of heat.

Optimising Light Exposure

To optimise light exposure for your indoor vertical garden, you need to consider the intensity, duration, and spectrum of light.

The intensity of light refers to the brightness of the light source. Different plants have different light requirements, and you need to adjust the intensity of light accordingly.

The duration of light refers to how long you expose your plants to light.

Most plants need at least 6-8 hours of light per day, but some may require more or less. The spectrum of light refers to the different colours of light because plants need different colours of light at different stages of growth. For example, blue light promotes vegetative growth, while red light promotes flowering and fruiting.

Irrigation and Watering Techniques for Indoor Vertical Gardening

When it comes to indoor vertical gardening, irrigation and watering are crucial for the health of your plants.

In this section, I’ll explore the best techniques for keeping your plants hydrated and healthy.

Automated Watering Systems

Automated watering systems are a convenient way to keep your plants hydrated without having to constantly monitor them.

There are various types of automated watering systems available, including drip irrigation, wick irrigation, and self-watering containers.

The option you go for will depend on the amount of space you have and the type of plants you choose.

Drip irrigation is a popular option for vertical gardens. It involves installing a network of tubes and drip emitters that deliver water directly to the plant’s roots. This method is efficient and reduces water waste.

Wick irrigation is another option that involves placing a wick in a water reservoir, allowing it to draw water up to the plant’s roots. This method is low-cost and easy to set up, but it may not be suitable for all plant types.

Self-watering containers are a convenient option for those who want to avoid the hassle of manual watering. These containers have a built-in water reservoir that slowly releases water to the plant’s roots over time.

Indoor Vertical Gardening: Maintenance

Once you have set up your indoor vertical garden, it is important to maintain it properly to ensure healthy plant growth and prevent any pest infestations.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your indoor vertical garden.

Pest Control

Pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can cause damage to your indoor vertical garden.

To prevent infestations, regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests. If you notice any pests, remove them manually or use an organic insecticide. You can also use sticky traps to catch flying pests.

Pruning and Plant Care

Pruning is an essential part of maintaining your indoor vertical garden.

Regularly prune your plants to remove dead or damaged leaves and promote healthy growth. You should also fertilise your plants regularly to provide them with the necessary nutrients.

In addition to pruning and fertilising, it is important to water your plants properly. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause your plants to dry out.

Commercial Indoor Vertical Gardening Systems

If you’re looking for a more automated and efficient way to grow plants indoors, then commercial vertical gardening systems might be the right choice for you.

These systems are designed to maximise space, reduce water usage, and increase yields. Here are some of the most popular commercial vertical gardening systems available on the market:

1. Tower Garden

The Tower Garden is a popular commercial vertical gardening system that uses aeroponics to grow plants. It is a compact system that can be used indoors or outdoors, and it is easy to assemble and maintain.

The Tower Garden uses a nutrient-rich water solution to grow plants, and it can produce up to 30% more yield than traditional gardening methods.

It’s a great option for those of you who want to grow a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

2. GreenWall Vertical Garden

The GreenWall Vertical Garden is a modular system that can be customised to fit any space. It is designed to be easy to install and maintain, and it can be used to grow a variety of plants, including herbs, vegetables, and flowers.

The GreenWall Vertical Garden uses a hydroponic system to grow plants, which means that it uses less water than traditional gardening methods, so is the perfect option for those who want to grow plants indoors but don’t have a lot of space.

3. Bright Agrotech ZipGrow Tower

The Bright Agrotech ZipGrow Tower is a commercial vertical gardening system that is designed to be used indoors or outdoors.

It uses hydroponics to grow plants, and it can produce up to 30% more yield than traditional gardening methods.

The ZipGrow Tower is a modular system that can be customised to fit any space, and it is easy to install and maintain. It’s ideal for those who want to grow a variety of plants, including leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables.

Challenges with Indoor Vertical Gardening

Indoor vertical gardening can be a challenging task, especially for beginners.

Here are some common challenges and their solutions discussed in this article to help you get started:

Challenge: Lack of Space

Solution: One of the biggest challenges of indoor vertical gardening is space. But, you can make the most of your limited space by choosing plants that can grow vertically, such as herbs, strawberries, and tomatoes.

You can also use hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, and shelving units to maximise your available space.

Challenge: Lack of Natural Light

Solution: Lack of natural light is another common challenge in indoor vertical gardening. To overcome this, you can use artificial lighting, such as LED grow lights.

These lights provide the necessary light spectrum for plants to grow and thrive. You can also place your plants near a window that receives plenty of natural light.

Challenge: Soil and Water Management

Solution: Soil and water management can be a challenge in indoor vertical gardening. To ensure that your plants have enough nutrients, you can use a high-quality potting mix and add fertilisers as needed.

You can also use self-watering planters or a drip irrigation system to ensure that your plants receive the right amount of water.

Challenge: Pest and Disease Control

Solution: Indoor vertical gardens are not immune to pests and diseases. To prevent them from damaging your plants, you can use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

You can also practice good hygiene by regularly cleaning your plants and containers.

By understanding and addressing these common challenges, you can create a thriving indoor vertical garden that will provide you with fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits all year round.

Indoor Vertical Gardening: Final Thoughts

Indoor vertical gardening is a great way to grow plants in a limited space and it’s no wonder it’s a popular trend that is gaining more and more followers.

Not only is indoor vertical gardening space efficient, but vertical gardens can be created on balconies in apartments, in kitchens and even on walls!

Indoor vertical gardens can also be designed to fit any space. They can be created in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as towers, shelves, or hanging baskets.

This means that you can customise your garden to fit your specific needs and preferences!

And, remember that indoor vertical gardens can also be used to grow organic produce.

This is excellent for all of you looking to become self-sufficient. Not only can you produce your own food, but also control the use of pesticides and fertilisers, which can be harmful to the environment.

All in all, indoor vertical gardening is a great way to grow plants in a limited space while also having a positive environmental impact. By utilising space efficiently and growing your own produce, you can contribute to a more sustainable way of living and build on your self-sufficiency skills.