Vertical Vegetable Garden

Vertical vegetable garden
Vertical space is often underused, but  it has great potential in small gardens,  increasing the space for growing a range  of crops. Attaching pots of herbs and  bush varieties of vegetables to a sturdy  wire mesh can turn a bare sunny wall into a riot of color, and they are simple  to care for and convenient to harvest.  Vigorous climbing beans, squashes,  and nasturtiums can be planted in large  containers at the base of the wall and  are easy to train up the mesh for a  fabulous, lush display.
Garden basics Size6 x 7 ft (1.8 x 2.2 m) SuitsAny sunny location with a wall or  fence as a backdrop SoilLight, multipurpose potting mix SiteWall in full sun
Shopping list • 2 x eggplant ‘Mohican’ • 3 x basil ‘Sweet Genovese’ • 3 x basil ‘Red Rubin’ • 3 x tomato ‘Tumbling Tom Red’ • 1 x cucumber ‘Masterpiece’ • 1 x zucchini ‘Tromboncino’ • 3 x runner bean ‘Wisley Magic’
Planting and aftercare Attach wood battens to the wall and secure a sturdy wire mesh to them. Drill holes in the sides of plastic pots and window boxes and thread galvanized wire through them before planting. After the risk of frost has passed, fill the pots with a lightweight potting mix, plant with hardened-off plants, secure pots to the mesh, and arrange larger ones at the base of the wall. Leave space for plants to develop, and train climbing crops up the mesh. Water the plants frequently because they will dry out rapidly in their exposed position. Tie in climbing plants as they grow, and harvest frequently to encourage further crops.