Grow vegetables on fences and railings - the art of vertical gardening

In today's fast-paced world, many of us are looking for ways to reconnect with nature and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. One powerful way to achieve this is by growing your own food, even if you don't have access to a large backyard or garden.

With a little creativity and some basic gardening knowledge, you can transform your balcony, railings, fences, and walls into productive spaces bursting with delicious and fresh produce. In this blog post, we'll explore the wonderful world of container gardening and discover how you can turn any small outdoor space into a thriving edible oasis.

Choosing the Right Containers

The first step in creating your balcony or wall garden is choosing the right containers. The good news is that you can use a variety of options, from traditional flowerpots to repurposed containers like old buckets, crates, or even wooden pallets. Consider the following factors when selecting containers:

Size: Ensure that your containers are large enough to accommodate the specific plant's root system. Some plants, like tomatoes or peppers, require deeper pots, while herbs and lettuce can thrive in shallower containers.

Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged soil. Look for containers with drainage holes at the bottom or be prepared to drill holes if necessary. Self watering pots are also a fantastic option.

Material: Containers come in various materials, such as plastic, terracotta, metal, or wood. Each has pros and cons, so choose one that suits your aesthetic preferences and local climate.

Your particular fence or rail: Analyse the vertical area you wish to grow your food on. There are plenty of options to find a suitable container or pot to grow plants on a fence, but make sure you have the one that will hang or fit appropriately. Some our favourite suggestions to consider are at the bottom of this article.

Choosing the Right Plants

Once you have your containers ready, it's time to select the plants you want to grow. The key is to choose plants that are suitable for your specific growing conditions, such as sunlight and climate. Thankfully, some of the easiest vegetables to grow, thrive in containers and pots.

Take note of how much sun a plant will get in the area you have chosen. Some plants, like tomatoes, love full sun, but don't stress too much though if there is a lot of shade, there are plenty of vegetables that grow in shade. Here are some great options for container gardening:

Herbs: Herbs like basil, rosemary, mint, and parsley thrive in containers and are perfect for adding flavour to your meals.

Tomatoes: Compact tomato varieties, such as cherry or patio tomatoes, are well-suited for containers and provide a bountiful harvest. Everyone loves growing tomatoes don't they?

Peppers: Bell peppers/Capsicum and chilli peppers can be grown successfully in pots and add a pop of colour to your garden. These are one of the best vegetables to grow in containers.

Salad Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and arugula can be grown in shallow containers and provide a constant supply of fresh greens.

Strawberries: Hanging baskets are ideal for growing strawberries, saving space and making harvesting a breeze. These are a personal favourite of ours out of all the plants you can grow on fences.

Climbing Plants: There are even plants that grow on walls! Consider vertical gardening by training plants like cucumbers, beans, or peas to climb trellises or walls, maximizing your growing area.

Caring for Your Container Garden

Maintaining a container garden on your balcony, railings, fences, or walls requires some regular care and attention. Here are some essential tips to help your garden flourish:

Watering: Container gardens tend to dry out more quickly than in-ground gardens, so monitor soil moisture regularly and water when needed. Ensure your containers have proper drainage to prevent overwatering. Make sure you choose the best soil for vegetables in pots to help drainage. The best potting soil for vegetables can make a big difference to your success. Also consider self-watering pots here if you get a bit lazy with the hose.

Fertilising: Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients to your plants. Follow the recommended dosage on the fertiliser label.

Pruning and Harvesting: Trim back overgrown branches and regularly harvest ripe fruits and vegetables to encourage new growth.

Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars. Use organic pest control methods or companion planting to deter them.

Support and Trellising: Provide support for tall or vining plants to prevent them from falling over or breaking under the weight of their produce.

Growing your own food in pots and containers on balconies, railings, fences, and walls is a rewarding and sustainable way to bring nature into your urban living space. With the right containers, suitable plants, and a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits right at your doorstep.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, container gardening is an accessible and fulfilling way to nurture your green thumb and savour the taste of homegrown goodness. A vertical garden can provide an amazing amount of produce and look fantastic at the same time. Transform your fences, balcony rails and walls into a buffet of delectable healthy delights. You will not regret it!

What do we recommend? Take a look at some great options for vertical gardening below. Purchasing these through our website helps to support Small Space Produce and funds the generation of more content. So thank you!