Going green: How to create a vertical herb garden for your home
April 13, 2023
Growing your own herbs is not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also save you money on groceries. If you’re short on space, a vertical herb garden is an excellent solution for you. Not only does it add a touch of greenery to your home, but it also provides easy access to fresh herbs for cooking. Creating a vertical herb garden might seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple and can be done with just a few supplies.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through the steps to create your very own vertical herb garden. From choosing the right location to selecting the right herbs, I’ll cover everything you need to know to get started on your green thumb journey. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner in the world of plants, read on to learn how to create a beautiful and functional vertical herb garden for your home.
1. Benefits of having a vertical herb garden
There are numerous benefits to having a vertical herb garden in your home. One of the most obvious benefits is the ability to grow your own fresh herbs for cooking and seasoning. With a vertical herb garden, you can have easy access to fresh herbs all year round, regardless of the season or weather conditions.
Another benefit is the ability to save space. Vertical herb gardens take up very little space and can be installed on walls, balconies, or even in small apartments. This is ideal for people who live in small spaces, but still want to have fresh herbs readily available.
Vertical herb gardens also add beauty and visual interest to your home. They can be designed to fit in with the decor of your home, and can be a striking addition to any room or outdoor space. They also provide a natural and organic feel to your living space, which can be very calming and peaceful.
Finally, having a vertical herb garden can also be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. By growing your own herbs, you are reducing the need for store bought herbs that may have been transported long distances and packaged in plastic. This is an eco-friendly way to enjoy fresh herbs while also doing your part to reduce waste and protect the environment.
2. Choose the right location for your vertical herb garden
When it comes to creating a vertical herb garden, choosing the right location is essential. Herbs require a good amount of sunlight to thrive, so you’ll want to find a spot in your home that gets plenty of natural light. South-facing windows are usually a great option, as they provide the most direct sunlight.
However, if your home doesn’t have any south-facing windows or if you’re looking to create a larger herb garden, then you might want to consider setting up your garden outdoors. If you have a balcony, deck, or patio, then these are all great places to set up a vertical herb garden.
The location you choose should also be accessible for watering and pruning your herbs. You don’t want to have to climb a ladder or move furniture every time you need to tend to your garden. So, make sure that you choose a location that’s easy to reach and maintain.
Lastly, consider the climate in your area. Some herbs are more sensitive to temperature and humidity than others. If you live in a hot and dry climate, then you might want to choose herbs that are more drought-resistant. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler and more humid climate, then you might want to choose herbs that thrive in those conditions. Overall, choosing the right location can make all the difference in the success of your vertical herb garden.
3. Decide on the type of vertical garden you want
When it comes to creating a vertical herb garden for your home, there are various types of garden structures you can choose from. It’s important to decide which type of vertical garden will suit your space and meet your gardening needs.
One option is a wall-mounted garden where you can attach pots or planters to a wall using brackets or hooks. This is ideal if you have limited floor or ground space. Another option is a freestanding garden, which can be created using pallets, ladders, or other structures to hold the plants.
A living wall is another popular option where plants are grown directly in a structure that is attached to the wall. These structures can be made from anything from felt pockets to PVC pipes to wooden frames.
Whichever type of vertical garden you choose, make sure it fits the aesthetic of your space and has enough room for your herbs to grow. It’s also important to consider how the garden will be watered and maintained. With the right setup, a vertical herb garden can not only add a touch of green to your home but also provide fresh herbs for cooking and a sense of satisfaction in growing your own plants.
4. Choose the right plants for your vertical herb garden
When it comes to choosing the right plants for your vertical herb garden, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, think about the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Some herbs, such as basil and parsley, require at least six hours of sunlight per day, while others, such as mint and chives, can thrive with less.
Secondly, consider the size of your garden and the space you have available. Some herbs, such as oregano and thyme, can be planted in small pots and will happily grow vertically. Others, such as rosemary and sage, can grow quite large and may require larger pots or even their own section of the garden.
Finally, think about the types of herbs you use most in your cooking and choose those. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, for example, you might want to grow basil, oregano, and thyme. Alternatively, if you’re a tea drinker, you might want to grow peppermint, chamomile, and lemon balm.
By choosing the right plants for your vertical herb garden, you can ensure that your garden not only looks beautiful but also provides you with a plentiful supply of fresh herbs for your cooking and other uses.
5. Prepare your vertical garden for planting
Once you have built or purchased your vertical herb garden, it’s time to prepare it for planting. The first step is to install any necessary irrigation or watering systems. Depending on the design of your garden, you may need to install tubing or piping to ensure that water can reach all of the plants. Alternatively, you may opt for a self-watering system that utilizes a water reservoir and wicking material to deliver moisture to the plants.
After you have your watering system in place, it’s time to fill your garden with soil. Be sure to choose a high-quality planting mix that is rich in nutrients and has good drainage. You may also want to mix in some compost or fertilizer for an added boost.
Once your soil is in place, it’s time to decide on your plant selection. When choosing herbs for your vertical garden, it’s important to consider their growing habits and requirements. Some herbs, such as basil and parsley, prefer full sun and well-draining soil, while others, such as mint and chives, can tolerate shadier conditions.
When planting, be sure to space your herbs appropriately to allow for proper growth and airflow. You may also want to consider using trailing or cascading herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to create a visually interesting display.
With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and functional vertical herb garden that will provide you with fresh herbs for cooking and seasoning all year long.
6. How to plant and maintain your herbs
Now that you have your vertical herb garden set up, it’s time to plant your herbs. Begin by filling each pocket with a high-quality potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Next, gently remove your herbs from their containers and loosen the roots. Plant them in the pockets, making sure to press the soil around the roots to secure them in place.
Water your herbs thoroughly, making sure the soil is moist but not soaking wet. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist, so check your garden regularly and water as needed.
In terms of maintenance, make sure to regularly prune your herbs. This will encourage growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy or top-heavy. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off any dead or wilted leaves and stems.
Be sure to also fertilize your herbs regularly, as they will quickly use up the nutrients in the soil. You can use a high-quality organic fertilizer or make your own using compost or worm castings.
Finally, keep an eye out for any pests or diseases that may affect your herbs. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, while common diseases include powdery mildew and root rot. If you notice any issues, take action immediately to prevent them from spreading to your other herbs.
7. How to water your vertical herb garden
Watering your vertical herb garden is a very important aspect of its maintenance. The first thing to consider is the type of water you’ll use. It’s best to use rainwater or tap water that has been left out for at least 24 hours, as this reduces the amount of chlorine and other chemicals that can harm your plants.
The next thing to consider is the frequency of watering. Vertical herb gardens tend to dry out more quickly than traditional gardens, so it’s important to water them regularly. However, be mindful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot and other issues. The general rule is to water when the soil feels dry to the touch, but not bone dry.
The best way to water your vertical herb garden is using a watering can or a hose with a spray nozzle attached. This allows you to control the flow of water and direct it to the base of each plant. Alternatively, you can use a drip irrigation system or a self-watering planter, which will automatically water your plants at regular intervals.
It’s also important to water your plants early in the day, preferably in the morning. This allows the plants to absorb the water they need before the heat of the day sets in. If you water your plants in the evening, the moisture can linger on the leaves and increase the risk of fungal diseases.
By following these simple watering tips, you can ensure that your vertical herb garden thrives and provides you with fresh herbs all year round.
8. Fertilizing your vertical herb garden
Fertilizing your vertical herb garden is crucial for its growth and to ensure that your herbs are healthy and flavorful. When choosing a fertilizer, it’s important to consider the type of herbs you’re growing and their specific nutrient requirements. Many herbs prefer organic fertilizers, as they provide a slow-release of nutrients and don’t contain harsh chemicals that can harm your plants.
One popular organic fertilizer is compost, which is made from decomposed organic matter such as food scraps and yard waste. Compost is a great option as it provides all the necessary nutrients for your herbs, and it’s easy to make at home using a compost bin. Another option is to use a liquid organic fertilizer, which can be mixed with water and applied directly to your plants.
It’s also important to fertilize your vertical herb garden regularly. Most herbs benefit from fertilization every four to six weeks during the growing season, which is typically from spring to early fall. Be careful not to over-fertilize your herbs, as this can lead to excessive growth and a decrease in flavor.
In addition to fertilization, it’s important to keep your vertical herb garden well-watered and to provide adequate sunlight and ventilation. With a little care and attention, your vertical herb garden will thrive and provide you with delicious, fresh herbs all year round.
9. How to prune and harvest your herbs
Pruning and harvesting your herbs is an important part of maintaining a healthy and thriving vertical herb garden. By doing so, you encourage new growth and prevent your plants from getting too big and unruly. Here are some tips on how to prune and harvest your herbs:
1. Start by identifying which herbs need pruning. Some herbs, like basil and mint, tend to grow quickly and require frequent pruning to keep them under control. Other herbs, like thyme and rosemary, don’t require as much pruning.
2. Use a pair of clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off any dead or yellowing leaves. Make sure to cut the stem just above a set of healthy leaves.
3. When harvesting, only take what you need. This will encourage your herbs to continue producing new growth.
4. Harvest your herbs in the morning when the oils that give them their flavor and aroma are at their peak.
5. When pruning, don’t remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. This will ensure that your herbs continue to grow and thrive.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your vertical herb garden stays healthy and productive. Plus, you’ll have fresh and flavorful herbs on hand whenever you need them!
10. Ideas for using your fresh herbs in cooking
After all the hard work of setting up and maintaining your vertical herb garden, it’s time to reap the rewards – cooking with fresh herbs! The taste and aroma of freshly picked herbs are unbeatable, and they add a burst of flavor and nutrition to any dish. Here are some ideas for using your fresh herbs in cooking:
1. Salad dressing: Chop up some basil and mix it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a delicious salad dressing.
2. Pesto: Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil to make a classic pesto sauce that goes well with pasta, sandwiches, and more.
3. Herb butter: Mix chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley with softened butter for a flavorful spread that can be used on bread, grilled meats, and vegetables.
4. Salsa: Combine diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice with chopped herbs like mint and oregano for a zesty salsa that pairs well with chips, tacos, and grilled fish.
5. Tea: Brew a fresh cup of tea by steeping herbs like chamomile, peppermint, or lavender in hot water for a soothing and aromatic drink.
These are just a few ideas for using your fresh herbs in cooking, but the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different combinations and flavors to create your own unique dishes and drinks. With your very own vertical herb garden, you’ll always have a fresh supply of herbs on hand to elevate your culinary creations.