Are you interested in growing your own fresh vegetables but don’t have space for a traditional garden? If so, a vertical garden is a great way to grow plants in small, indoor and outdoor spaces. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of vegetables that are perfect for growing in a vertical garden.
What Types of Plants are Best for a Vertical Garden?
Many herbs, vegetables, and even some fruits can be grown in a vertical garden. In general, plants that are compact, lightweight, and don’t require a lot of soil or space are ideal for vertical gardens. Additionally, plants that grow vertically, such as vining or climbing plants, are perfect for this type of garden.
If growing vegetables in a vertical garden, the best are those that have shallow roots due to the limitations of the planter size. Vegetables with short maturity intervals will allow for faster and more frequent harvests. Although lightweight vegetables are ideal, heavier vegetables can be grown by adding supporting structures such as a trellis or cage.
Here are 20 vegetables that are ideal to grow in a vertical garden.
Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in a vertical garden. It’s shallow-rooted and doesn’t require a lot of space to grow. There are many different types of lettuce to choose from, including loose-leaf, romaine, and butterhead. It is a relatively fast-growing vegetable, with some varieties ready to harvest in as little as 30 days.
Lettuce typically prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade, so it’s important to keep your garden in a location that receives some shade during the hottest part of the day. Additionally, be sure to water your lettuce regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.
Spinach
Spinach is another popular vegetable that can be grown in a vertical garden. Like lettuce, spinach is a fast-growing vegetable, with some varieties ready to harvest in as little as 25 days.
Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for an indoor vertical garden. It is also sensitive to drought so it’s important to keep the soil moist.
Kale
Kale is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a fast-growing vegetable that can be harvested in as little as 25-30 days if going for baby kale leaves. Larger kale typically takes about 50-60 days.
It is also a cold-hardy vegetable that prefers cooler temperatures but it does like a lot of sunlight. When growing kale in a vertical garden, be sure to provide it with plenty of water and fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Arugula
Arugula is a peppery, flavorful green that is a popular choice for salads and sandwiches. It can be grown from seed and will typically be ready to harvest in as little as 20-30 days.
Arugula grows well in cooler temperatures with partial to full sunlight. In hotter climates, it can be prone to bolting (premature flowering resulting seed production), so it’s important to provide shade. Providing adequate water to maintain moist soil will also help prevent bolting.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a colorful and nutrient-rich vegetable that is an excellent choice for growing in a vertical garden. It is a relatively low-maintenance vegetable that is easy to grow from seed. Most varieties can be harvested in about 50-60 days.
Swiss chard needs plenty of water and sunlight to grow properly. It can usually tolerate a fairly large range of temperatures.
Bok Choy
Bok Choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a popular vegetable in many Asian cuisines and is an ideal choice for growing in a vertical garden. It can be harvested in as little as 45 days after planting, making it a relatively fast-growing vegetable. When harvesting, cut the leaves at the base of the plant and leave the roots intact.
Bok Choy is a cool-weather crop that can be grown indoors in an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. This vegetable requires consistent moisture, so be sure to water it regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.
Microgreens
Microgreens are basically young, tender plants that are harvested at an early stage of growth. They are typically used as a garnish or to add flavor to salads and other dishes. Time to harvest can be in as little as 7-14 days.
When growing microgreens in a vertical garden, be sure to use a high-quality potting mix and provide them with plenty of water, as they have a shallow root system and can dry out quickly. They can be grown in a variety of light conditions, from low light to direct sunlight.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that’s perfect for adding to soups or stews. It can be grown from seed and typically takes around 70-80 days to reach maturity. When the heads are firm and fully formed, it can be harvest and stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks.
Cabbage is a cold-hardy vegetable that is an excellent choice for growing in an indoor vertical garden. It will need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day and consistent moisture, so be sure to water it regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a type of cabbage that are perfect for roasting or adding to salads. These vegetables typically take around 90-100 days to reach maturity, but they are well worth the wait. Once harvested they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Brussel sprouts require about 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow properly. Like most plants, they require consistent moisture so be sure not to let the soil dry out.
Peppers
Peppers are a versatile vegetable that come in many different varieties, from sweet to spicy. Most types typically take between 60-90 days to reach maturity. Once they are fully grown and have changed to their final color, they can be harvested. To encourage continued fruit production, harvest peppers regularly before they start to soften.
Most peppers require at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer regular watering but the soil needs to be moist and well-draining to avoid waterlogging.
Eggplant
Eggplant is a nutritious vegetable that’s perfect for grilling or roasting. These purple, teardrop-shaped vegetables usually take between 70-85 days to reach maturity. They can be harvested when the skin is firm and shiny, usually around 4-6 inches in length.
To ensure optimal growth, eggplants need regular watering, but not too much to avoid waterlogging. Aim to keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy. As for sunlight, eggplants require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a popular choice for vertical gardens due to their versatility and compact size. Cherry or small varieties are best for vertical gardens, as they require less space to grow. Most varieties take between 60-90 days to reach maturity and can be harvested when the fruit is fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
Tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce healthy fruit. Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight and water to grow properly. To ensure a successful harvest, it’s important to provide your tomato plants with consistent moisture and support, as they can become quite heavy when bearing fruit. Using trellises or cages are ideal structures to support their weight.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a refreshing vegetable that’s perfect for adding to salads or sandwiches. They typically take around 50-70 days to reach maturity and are best harvested when they’re around 6-8 inches long.
Cucumbers require about 6-8 hours of sunlight and prefer soil that is consistently moist. Trellises or cages are recommended for support as they grow.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that’s perfect for grilling or roasting. The plant produces long, cylindrical fruits that can be harvested within 45-55 days after planting.
Zucchini thrives with at least six hours of sunlight daily with watering similar to cucumbers. This vegetable will also benefit from adding supportive structure as it grows.
Green Beans
Green beans are a nutritious vegetable that’s perfect for adding to soups or stews. They are a popular choice for vertical gardens due to their compact growth habit. The plant produces long, thin, cylindrical fruits that can be harvested within 45-55 days.
Green beans prefer well-draining soil and need regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. They require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Snow Peas
Snow peas are a type of pea that’s perfect for stir-fries or adding to salads. They are ready to harvest in about 60 days and can be harvested continuously for several weeks.
Snow peas prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate some shade, making them an ideal choice for indoor vertical gardens. Watering is similar to green beans.
Radishes
Radishes are a spicy root vegetable that’s perfect for adding to salads or sandwiches. They can be grown from seed and require minimal care, making them an ideal choice for novice gardeners. This vegetable is fast-growing vegetable and is ready to harvest in as little as 20-30 days.
Radishes can tolerate some shade but will need about 6 hours of sunlight daily. They will need plenty of water to prevent bolting as well as preserve good taste.
Beets
Beets are a colorful and nutritious root vegetable that’s perfect for roasting or adding to salads. They can be grown from seed with relatively low maintenance and can be harvested in about 60-90 days.
Similar to radishes, Beets can also tolerate shade as long as they are getting about six hours of sunlight on most days. They need plenty of water but ensure there is adequate drainage to prevent this root vegetable from rotting.
Carrots
Carrots are a nutritious root vegetable that’s perfect for snacking on raw or adding to stews. They come in a variety of colors, including orange, purple, and white. Time to harvest can take up to three months to mature and are ready when the carrot tops are about 1 inch in diameter.
Carrots also require at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow properly. When it comes to watering carrots, it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the carrots can become tough and bitter.
Onions
Onions are a versatile and flavorful vegetable that’s perfect for adding to soups or stir-fries. They typically take about 100-120 days to reach maturity, and can be harvested once the tops start to dry and fall over.
Onions require regular watering to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to rot. They prefer full sun, so be sure to place them in a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. They will also benefit from the addition of nitrogen-rich fertilizer throughout their growth cycle.
Vertical gardening is a practical way to cultivate fresh vegetables, especially if you are short on space. The 20 vegetables listed in this article can thrive in a vertical garden, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce right at home. Whether you prefer leafy greens or root vegetables, there is an option for everyone. With some research and effort, your vertical garden can yield bountiful crops. Happy gardening!