Welcome to my little corner of the internet, plant lovers! As a self-professed, “green thumb” aficionado, I’ve made my fair share of gardening mistakes - especially when it comes to vertical gardening. While it can be an exciting and creative way to cultivate a variety of plants, there are a few common errors that many beginners make that can easily be avoided with a bit of knowledge and preparation.

So, if you’re new to the world of vertical gardening, or just looking to brush up on your skills, sit back and spend a few minutes learning about the top 5 vertical gardening mistakes, and how to avoid them.

🌱 Mistake #1: Overwatering Your Plants

As a newcomer to gardening, overwatering is one of the easiest mistakes to make. It’s understandable to want to give your plants all the hydration they need, but too much water too often can actually do more harm than good. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which essentially means that the roots can’t breathe, and your plants will eventually die.

To avoid overwatering, it’s essential to know what type of plants you have. Some plants require more water than others, and being able to differentiate between them is key. A general rule of thumb is to let the soil dry out between waterings. To check if your plants need watering, stick your finger into the soil up to your second knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to give them a drink.

A watering can in front of a well-watered garden bed.

🌱 Mistake #2: Not Providing Enough Light

Vertical gardening is all about making the most of limited space, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect your plants’ light requirements. Every plant has different light requirements, and it’s important to keep that in mind when deciding where to place them.

If you’re growing plants indoors, try to place them near a window that gets plenty of sunlight. If that’s not an option, invest in a grow light. If you’re growing outdoors, be mindful of the position of the sun throughout the day. You may need to move your plants around or install shade covers, depending on their needs.

A grow light positioned over a row of indoor plants.

🌱 Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Plants for your Space

One of the most common mistakes new gardeners make is selecting plants that aren’t well-suited for their space. This could mean picking plants that require more sun than they can get or plants that need more space to grow than the vertical garden can accommodate.

Before you start planting, it’s crucial to research the types of plants you’re interested in to determine if they’re a good fit for your space and vertical garden structure. Consider things like size, sun and shade needs, and your climate.

A collection of plant labels and seed packets.

🌱 Mistake #4: Neglecting Maintenance

Vertical gardening may require more maintenance than traditional gardening. Neglecting your plants can lead to problems like pests and disease, which can be tough to recover from.

To avoid this, make sure you’re checking your plants regularly and addressing any issues as they arise. Check for pests and disease, prune when necessary, and keep an eye on soil moisture levels to prevent over or under-watering.

A gardening glove and pruning shears laying on a garden bed.

🌱 Mistake #5: Not Starting Small

One of the biggest mistakes new gardeners make is biting off more than they can chew. Starting small will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and will give you a good opportunity to fine-tune your skills before moving on to more complex vertical garden structures and plant arrangements.

Start by selecting a few easy-to-grow plants and a simple garden structure to begin with. As you gain more experience, you can add more plants and get more creative with your garden design.

A small vertical herb garden with just a few plants.

🌿 In Conclusion

Vertical gardening can be exciting, rewarding, and beautiful. With these tips, you can avoid some of the most common mistakes and successfully grow a beautiful and lush vertical garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, remember to be patient, have fun, and let your green thumb guide you.

A lush and vibrant vertical garden with a variety of different plants.