As someone who has always loved plants and gardening, I was naturally drawn to the concept of vertical gardens. Not only do they offer a visually stunning alternative to traditional gardening methods, but they also provide a practical solution for those with limited space. I want to share my experiences with you all, so here’s the story of how I embarked on my journey of creating a vertical garden, including the challenges and triumphs that came along the way.
- Research and Planning
The first step in my journey was research. I spent hours online, reading articles, watching videos, and browsing through images of inspiring vertical gardens. I quickly realized there were various types of vertical gardens, such as living walls, pocket gardens, and trellis gardens, to name a few.
After careful consideration, I chose to create a pocket garden using felt pockets, which are known for their durability and water retention. This type of garden would work best for my small balcony, where I wanted to grow a mix of herbs, vegetables, and flowering plants.
- Gathering Materials and Tools
The next step was to gather all the necessary materials and tools for the project. I ordered felt pockets online, and while waiting for them to arrive, I visited local nurseries to source soil, compost, and the plants I wanted to grow. I also picked up a few gardening tools, such as a trowel, pruner, and watering can.
- Assembling the Vertical Garden
Once my felt pockets arrived, I started assembling the vertical garden. First, I mounted a wooden frame to the balcony wall using brackets and screws, ensuring it was sturdy enough to support the weight of the pockets and plants. I then attached the felt pockets to the frame, leaving enough space between them for plant growth.
- Planting and Nurturing
Planting the vertical garden was one of the most rewarding parts of the process. I carefully selected the plants for each pocket, considering factors such as sunlight requirements, compatibility, and aesthetics. I placed sun-loving plants like tomatoes and basil towards the top, while shade-tolerant plants like ferns and ivy were positioned lower down.
Over the next few weeks, I closely monitored the growth of my plants, ensuring they received the right amount of water and nutrients. I also pruned the plants as needed, removing dead leaves and encouraging healthy growth.
- The Joy of Harvesting
As the weeks went by, my vertical garden flourished. The herbs and vegetables grew lush and strong, while the flowering plants added a touch of color to my balcony. The moment I harvested my first batch of basil and cherry tomatoes was truly magical – the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to plate is unparalleled.
Creating a vertical garden has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. It has not only transformed my small balcony into a green oasis, but it has also allowed me to indulge in my passion for gardening without the need for a large outdoor space. If you’re considering starting your own vertical garden, I encourage you to take the plunge – you won’t regret it!
