(This article was written by Angela Mason Foster, Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer)

For gardeners, winter can feel like an unending stretch of inactivity. January and February often bring a pause to outdoor gardening, but they don’t have to be barren months for nurturing plants. Vertical gardening is an innovative and creative way to keep your green thumb active during the colder months. By growing plants in vertical systems, such as hanging pots or wall-mounted planters, you can turn even the smallest indoor space into a lush garden filled with herbs, succulents, or ferns. Not only does vertical gardening satisfy your gardening urge, but it also brightens your living space during the dreariest time of the year.

Why Vertical Gardens?

Vertical gardens are an excellent choice for indoor gardening, particularly in winter. They offer numerous benefits:

• Space Efficiency: Perfect for small apartments or homes, vertical gardens utilize unused wall or ceiling space, freeing up valuable floor space.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Vertical gardens double as beautiful, living art pieces, bringing greenery and warmth to your home.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Plants like ferns and succulents naturally improve air quality, creating a healthier and more pleasant environment.
• Ease of Maintenance: Once established, vertical gardens require minimal watering and care.

Choosing the Right Plants

Not all plants thrive in vertical systems. It’s important to select varieties that are well-suited to smaller containers and require minimal soil. Here are some top choices:

1. Herbs: Basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, and mint are compact and grow quickly, making them ideal for vertical gardens. Regular harvesting keeps them productive and adds a practical touch to your indoor space.
2. Succulents: Drought-tolerant succulents, such as echeveria, jade plants, and string of pearls, thrive with minimal maintenance. Their unique textures and colors create a visually striking garden.
3. Ferns: Boston and maidenhair ferns are perfect for adding lush greenery. Thriving in lower light conditions, ferns also help filter indoor air.
4. Small Flowers or Ornamental Plants: Consider small flowering plants like pansies or trailing vines like philodendrons to add color and depth to your vertical garden.

Setting Up a Vertical Garden

Creating a vertical garden indoors is a straightforward and rewarding project. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose Your Vertical System

Vertical gardens come in various forms. Consider these popular options:

• Hanging Pots: Suspend pots from the ceiling or a wall-mounted rod for a simple, flexible setup.
• Wall-Mounted Planters: Choose from pocket systems, wooden panels with slots, or pre-made kits with built-in irrigation.
• Repurposed Items: Get creative with wooden pallets, ladders, or shoe organizers for unique gardening systems.

2. Prepare the Containers

• Ensure proper drainage to prevent overwatering. Use a saucer or tray to catch excess water.
• Add a layer of gravel or lightweight drainage material to keep roots healthy and prevent rot.

3. Select the Right Location

• Place your garden where light conditions suit your plants. Herbs and succulents do well in south-facing windows, while ferns prefer shaded corners.
• Avoid locations near heating vents or drafty windows, as they can stress plants.

4. Use Quality Soil

• Herbs and flowers thrive in nutrient-rich potting soil. Succulents require a mix designed for cacti with excellent drainage.
• Add slow-release fertilizer to nourish plants throughout the season.

5. Arrange Your Plants Thoughtfully

• Group plants with similar light and water needs together for easier care.
• Position trailing plants near edges for a cascading visual effect.

6. Maintain Your Vertical Garden

• Check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, especially with succulents.
• Prune and harvest herbs regularly to encourage growth.
• Dust leaves periodically to allow plants to photosynthesize efficiently.

Benefits of Vertical Gardening in Winter

Vertical gardening offers a host of benefits beyond the joy of tending to plants:

• Mental Health Boost: Engaging with plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, making it an effective remedy for winter blues.
• Creative Outlet: Designing a vertical garden lets you express creativity through plant selection and arrangement.
• Indoor Greening: A vertical garden can transform your living space into a vibrant, inviting haven during the colder months.

Suggested Readings

1. “Vertical Gardening: Grow Up, Not Out, for More Vegetables and Flowers in Much Less Space” by Derek Fell
   Learn how to maximize space with vertical gardening systems for both indoor and outdoor use.
2. “The Unexpected Houseplant” by Tovah Martin
   Explore creative ideas for growing plants indoors in artistic and unexpected ways, ideal for vertical gardeners.
3. “Indoor Kitchen Gardening” by Elizabeth Millard
   Discover techniques for growing food indoors, with tips that work well for vertical gardens, especially for culinary herbs.

Conclusion

Vertical gardening is an innovative way to stay connected to your gardening passion during the coldest months of the year. Whether you grow culinary herbs, low-maintenance succulents, or lush ferns, a vertical garden provides a creative, space-saving solution that enhances both your home and your mental well-being. By turning your walls or windows into living works of art, you can brighten your home and lift your spirits while preparing for the gardening season ahead.

If you’d like to learn hands-on techniques for winter seed sowing, join the Beaufort County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers for a workshop on January 18, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Beaufort County Cooperative Extension Center. This class is free and open to all skill levels. To reserve your spot visit go.ncsu.edu/wintersowing. **UPDATE:  The class is currently full but may have cancellations.

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for The Plant of the Week and Finding Info Friday!