Are you interested in creating a vertical garden but unsure which growing medium to use? The right choice of growing medium can make all the difference in the success of your plant growth.
In this article, we will explore six different growing mediums that can be used in a vertical garden, so you can make an informed decision.
Potting Soil
Soil is the most common growing medium for plants and is readily available. It is used in traditional gardening and can also be used in a vertical garden. It is made up of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and other organic materials that provide a nutrient-rich environment for plants to grow.
Potting soil has good water retention properties and will require less watering than other growing mediums. It also provides good aeration for plant roots, as long as it doesn’t get too compacted.
While potting soil can be used in vertical gardening, it can get fairly heavy so hanging structures need to be properly secured. Containers must have adequate drainage systems.
Advantages
- Provides good support for plants
- Easy to work with
- Nutrient-rich
Disadvantages
- Heavy, may not be suitable for certain structures
- Can become compacted, reducing drainage and airflow
- May contain pests or diseases
Average cost
Soil can be purchased for as little as $2 per cubic foot or up to $20 per cubic foot for premium blends.
Coco Coir
Coco coir is a natural fiber made from coconut husks and is a popular growing medium for vertical gardens. It is an eco-friendly alternative to peat moss and is often used as a substitute for soil.
Coco coir is lightweight, easy to work with, and has good water retention properties. It also provides good aeration for plant roots and can help prevent soil compaction.
Although is an affordable and sustainable option for vertical gardening, the plants may require additional nutrients since this option it is not naturally rich in them.
Advantages
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Environmentally friendly
- Good water retention properties
Disadvantages
- May require additional nutrients
- May contain salt, which can be harmful to plants
- More expensive than soil
Average cost
Coco coir can cost between $10 and $30 for a 5kg bag.
Rockwool
Rockwool, also known as stone wool, is a growing medium made from molten rock spun into fibers. It is commonly used in hydroponic gardening and is also a popular option for vertical gardens.
Rockwool has excellent water retention properties and provides good insulation, so it can help regulate the temperature of the growing environment. It also provides good aeration for plant roots and can help prevent soil-borne diseases.
However, rockwool can be expensive and is not biodegradable, so it may not be the most environmentally friendly option. It is also important to handle rockwool with care, as it can irritate the skin and lungs.
Advantages
- Lightweight and sterile
- Excellent water retention properties
- Provides good support for plants
Disadvantages
- Non-renewable resource
- May require additional nutrients
- Can be difficult to dispose of properly
Average cost
Rockwool can cost between $20 and $40 for a pack of 10 slabs.
Peat Moss
Peat moss is a natural growing medium made from decomposed sphagnum moss harvested from bogs. It is known to have excellent water retention properties. However, it can also become hydrophobic if it dries out making it difficult to rehydrate.
This growing medium may not be the best choice for environmentally conscious gardeners since peat moss is not a sustainable resource and its extraction can damage delicate ecosystems.
Advantages
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Good water retention properties
- Can help acidify alkaline soils
Disadvantages
- Not a sustainable option
- May contain pests or diseases
- Can be expensive
Average cost
Peat moss can cost between $10 and $25 for a 3.8-cubic-foot bag.
Perlite
Perlite is a lightweight, sterile growing medium made from volcanic glass. It is created by heating raw perlite until it pops like popcorn, creating tiny air pockets in the material.
Perlite has excellent water retention properties and provides good drainage, which means it can hold onto moisture while still allowing excess water to drain away. It also provides good aeration for plant roots and can help prevent soil compaction.
This is an affordable and sustainable option for vertical gardening, but it does not provide enough nutrients for some plants, so it is often used in combination with other growing mediums.
Advantages
- Lightweight with good aeration for roots
- Good drainage properties
- Does not compact over time
Disadvantages
- May require additional nutrients
- Can be dusty and irritating to handle
- Not suitable as a stand-alone growing medium
Average cost
Perlite can cost between $10 and $30 for a 4-cubic-foot bag.
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is a mineral-based growing medium which is extracted from vermiculite mines. It provides good water retention as well as aeration for plant roots. It does not provide enough nutrients for plant growth so it is typically combined with other growing mediums.
Some vermiculite products may contain asbestos, so it is important to purchase from a reputable supplier.
Advantages
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Good water retention properties
- Provides good aeration for plant roots
Disadvantages
- May require additional nutrients
- Not suitable as a stand-alone growing medium
- Can be expensive
Average cost
Vermiculite can cost between $10 and $20 for a 4-cubic-foot bag.
Choosing the Right Growing Medium for Your Vertical Garden
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of each growing medium, you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
If you are unsure which growing medium to use, considering a blend of different mediums is a good option. For example, you could use a mixture of soil, coco coir, and perlite to create a lightweight, nutrient-rich growing medium.
The best choice will ultimately depend on the needs of your specific plants and the vertical garden structure. With the right growing medium and some creativity, you can create a beautiful and functional vertical garden in any space.