Get ready to take your outdoor space to the next level, my green-thumbed friends! If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and eco-friendly way to spruce up your garden, then building a living wall or outdoor vertical garden is just what the plant doctor ordered.
But where to begin, you ask? Fear not, because we’re about to share how to build an outdoor vertical garden that will make your neighbors green with envy (and your garden lush with foliage).
In this guide, you’ll discover what you need to know about building a vertical garden, from selecting the right plants to choosing the perfect spot for your green masterpiece. And don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb – I promise that building an outdoor vertical garden is easier than you might think.
So buckle up, grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to become the envy of your block. Let’s dive into how to build an outdoor vertical garden in an eco-friendly way and create a living wall that will make your garden sing with life!
What is a Vertical Garden?
So what the heck is a vertical garden, you ask? Well, it’s a living wall made up of plants that grow vertically on a structure, like a wall or a fence. Think of it as a green tapestry that you can hang on your outdoor walls instead of a boring painting (because who needs a boring painting when you can have a living wall, right?).
But vertical gardens aren’t just pretty to look at – they’re also good for the environment and your health. They help purify the air, reduce pollution, and even provide a fresh source of herbs and veggies for your cooking needs. Plus, they’re perfect for dudes who want to show off their green thumb without sacrificing valuable floor space.
So, if you’re ready to show Mother Nature who’s boss, let’s dive into the “how-to” of building an outdoor vertical garden. I promise it’s easier than building that man-cave you’ve been dreaming about (okay, maybe not that easy, but close). With some elbow grease and basic gardening know-how, you’ll complete your vertical garden project in no time.
Materials That You’ll Need
- Marker
- Cutter
- Clay pebbles
- Rocks (if you don’t have clay pebbles)
- Mulch
- Acrylic paint (any color)
- Drill
- Flat wood bit 25 mm
- Tape measure
- Staple gun
- Staples
- 10 pieces of 2 Liter plastic bottles
Steps of Building an Outdoor Vertical Garden in a Simple and Eco-Friendly Way
Step 1. Choose a Location
Alright, let’s talk location, location, location – because where you build your outdoor vertical garden can make all the difference (just like in real estate, amirite?).
First things first, you’ll want to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunshine. Plants need light to grow, so pick a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Bonus points if you can find a south-facing wall or garden fence because that’s where the sun shines brightest.
But Sun isn’t everything, my friends. You’ll also want to consider other factors, like wind, temperature, and access to water. Vertical gardens can be more exposed to the elements than traditional gardens, so choose a location protected from strong winds and extreme weather conditions. And make sure you’ve got a water source nearby because your living wall will need regular watering to keep it looking fresh and fabulous.
Now, let’s get creative. Think about how you want to use your outdoor space – do you want to create a secret garden oasis, a backdrop with a variety of colors for outdoor entertaining, or a living wall of delicious herbs and veggies? Your location should complement your vision and enhance the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.
And here’s a pro tip: think outside the box. You don’t have to limit yourself to walls or fences – you can create a living wall on a trellis, a pallet, or even a hanging planter. The possibilities are endless, my green-thumbed friends!
Once you’ve selected the location, you can follow the steps in the video below. We’ve scoured the internet for the best DIY vertical garden guides out there, and we’ve come across a real gem from Spicy Moustache on YouTube.
This garden idea is perfect for beginners who want to create an affordable and sustainable vertical garden using plastic bottles as the garden plot. Whether you want to spruce up your indoor space or create a stunning outdoor living wall, this guide has got you covered. So, let’s dive into this guide and see how you can create a cheap and easy vertical garden using plastic bottles.
Step 2. Drill Holes at the Bottom of Every Bottle
Using a flat wood bit 25 mm, drill a hole at the bottom of the plastic bottle. The hole will serve as the drainage of your vertical garden and will be used to connect the bottles to each other. Don’t put holes in every bottle. Just put holes in 5 of them.
Step 3: Connect The Bottles Together To Create The Frame Of The Vertical Garden
Tuck the plastic bottles together. Each pair should have 1 with a hole and 1 without a hole. The formation of the bottle pairs will be inverted, so the 1 bottle without a hole will serve as the top layer.
Step 4: Drill Holes In The Plastic Caps For Water Flow
Drill 4 holes in each plastic cap. Aside from using the power drill to make the holes, you can use different methods, such as:
- Hammer and nail: Place the bottle cap on a solid surface and gently tap a nail through the center of the cap with a hammer. This method is best for making one or two small holes.
- Hot needle: Heat a needle or pin with a lighter or flame, then melt a small hole in the bottle cap. This method requires a steady hand and should be done in a well-ventilated area.
- Push pin: Use a push pin or thumbtack to create small holes in the bottle cap. Simply push the pin through the center of the cap to create a hole. This method is best for making one or two small holes quickly.
Step 5: Mark The Side Of The Plastic Bottles
Using your marker, mark a rectangular shape across the bottom half of the bottle. The mark will guide you when you’re about to cut the bottle and turn it into a plant pot.
Step 6: Cut the Bottles
Once all 10 bottles have been marked, use your cutter (pointed away from you) and cut through the plastic to form the space needed for your plants.
Step 7: Attach the Wooden Trellis To The Wall
After you cut all 10 plastic bottles, it’s time to attach the wooden trellis to an exterior wall. But take note; this could also be used indoors as it only takes up limited space. The wood will be the base of your vertical garden wall. This is where you will attach your vertical planters, which in this guide are made up of plastic bottles. If a wooden trellis is not your thing, there are other materials, like a ladder, wooden pallet, planks, scrap wood, or even a large old picture frame, that you can use to create that vertical structure.
Step 8: Mark The Placement For Each Pot
Using your marker, mark the wooden trellis for every pair of bottles. Make sure that each mark is aligned and that they form a straight line. Since you have 5 pairs of bottles, you will have 2 layers for your lush greenery. However, if you prefer a different vertical garden arrangement, it’s up to you where you would place each planter.
Step 9: Attach The Each Pair To The Trellis
Attach each pair of water bottles to the trellis using a staple gun. If you chose a different base for your vertical garden, for example, a ladder garden, you could use other methods to attach your plastic containers. You can use wires, fabrics, or whatever you think is best to hold your vertical garden planters.
Step 10: Put Rocks or Clay Pebbles To Manage The Drip
Once you have every bottle attached to your plant wall, it’s time to start adding clay pebbles or rocks to manage the water drainage.
Step 11: Add Potting Soil to Each Vertical Planter
Add potting soil to each container, but make sure not to add too much. You need a bit of space later since you will add the top soil after laying the seed or cloned plants.
Step 12: Paint the Plastic Bottles
Use acrylic paint to cover the soil and protect the roots from the Sun. You use any color you like! This is where you can add a bit of creativity to make your potted plants stand out even more.
Step 13: Plant the Seeds or Cloned Plants
Once everything is set, you can lay the seeds or cloned plants and add more soil. Make sure to check if your favorite herbs are suited for vertical life. Not every plant can thrive in a vertical space.
Step 14: Add Mulch on Top of the Soil
This step is totally optional! But adding mulch to your potted plants can keep plants healthy, improve soil health, and regulate temperature.
Step 15: Adjust the caps for drainage
Now that you have everything in place for this vertical garden design, it’s time to adjust the drip or your water flow by either tightening or loosening the cap from the bottle. With this vertical gardening system, you just have to water the top layer, and the water will just flow from one bottle to another.
The Finished Product
Take the time to care for your plants so they can grow and make your exterior space look better than ever. Whether you go for mature plants, herbs, ornamental plants, flowers, climbing plants, or vining plants, it’s still up to you how they will turn out.
7 Tips To Take Your Outdoor Vertical Gardening to New Heights
Now that you’ve learned how to build an outdoor vertical garden, here are some tips that you can follow to make sure your project will last for years to come (even if you don’t have a green thumb).
- Lay a solid foundation: Your vertical garden needs a sturdy structure to hold all those plants. Whether you’re using a trellis or a pallet, make sure it’s strong and secure before you start planting.
- Keep it drained: Drainage is crucial for keeping your plants healthy, so make sure your vertical garden has plenty of holes or a layer of gravel at the bottom to let excess water out.
- Keep it watered: Vertical gardens dry out faster than traditional gardens, so make sure you’re watering yours regularly. Use a watering can or drip irrigation system to keep those plants hydrated.
- Fertilize smart: You don’t want to burn your plants with too much fertilizer, so go easy and use a slow-release or organic compost option.
- Location, location, location: Find a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and protects your garden from strong winds and extreme weather conditions.
- Get creative with your design: Don’t be afraid to mix things up and experiment with different plants and colors. Try combining herbs with flowers or growing some edible plants for a functional and fun twist.
- Pick the right type of plant: Not all plants are cut out for the vertical life. Stick to plants that are naturally compact or can be trained to grow vertically. Here are some types of plants that work well in a vertical setting.
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- Succulents: These low-maintenance plants are perfect for vertical gardens. They come in all sorts of colors and textures and can be grown in small containers, making them the ideal choice for your vertical masterpiece.
- Herbs: Nothing beats fresh herbs in your cooking, and they also look great in a vertical garden. Basil, thyme, and parsley are all great options that are easy to grow and maintain.
- Strawberries: Who said you can’t grow your own fruit in a vertical garden? Strawberries are perfect for small spaces and look super cute dangling from a hanging basket.
- Peppers: Peppers are another great option for your vertical garden. They produce a bountiful harvest and come in a range of colors and flavors so that you can spice up your garden and your meals.
- Ferns: For a touch of greenery, consider adding ferns to your vertical garden. They love moist environments and will give your space a lush and tropical vibe.
It’s a Wrap!
Alright, fellas, that’s a wrap on our epic guide on how to build an outdoor vertical garden! We covered the process, tips, and everything in between. Now it’s time for you to roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and start building your own vertical garden.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of building a vertical garden. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a stunning and sustainable living wall.
Remember, when it comes to building a vertical garden, location is key. Choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and protect your garden from strong winds and extreme weather conditions. And don’t forget to choose the right plants for your vertical garden and add mulch to keep them healthy and happy.
So go ahead, get out there, and create something truly amazing! With this guide on how to build an outdoor vertical garden, you’ve got the tools and tips you need to succeed. Happy gardening!
