HOW TO: Grow an Edible, Vertical Garden in 5 Steps

[SoCalDem]

http://www.good.is/post/how-to-grow-an-edible-vertical-garden-in-5-steps/



It’s hard to believe but, yes, spring is on its way. And with it all kinds of wonderful green things like arugula, celery and cherry tomatoes. If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably already started your seedlings (or at least have an order in for black seeded Simpson lettuce, Astro Arugula or sugar snap peas). If you’re a first time gardener, now is the time to decide if you really want to dig in.

Don’t know what to grow? Don’t know where to grow it? Gardens can grow anywhere (alleys! windows! walls!) and can grow all kinds of things (loofah!). Vertical gardens are a good option for people who don’t have horizontal space, rich soil or just have an ugly wall they want to cover up…

“It can work in almost any space, anywhere,” says Meg Glasser, Regional Director for Urban Farming, a group that grows edible gardens on walls, fences and other vertical surfaces. We talked to Ms. Glasser about how to make our (vertical) gardens grow.

1. Find a south-facing wall or fence.

Most vegetables need at least four hours of sunlight a day and a south-facing wall will provide the most light. It can be southwest, southeast, but it should never be north facing. Try using Google maps to locate the most southern wall.

2. Find a nearby water source.

A local, dependable, water source is one of the most critical components– without it you will need to consider another site.

3. Choose your growing containers.

Things to think about when selecting a container: what types of plants you want to grow, local climate, temporary vs. permanent installation and what kind of surface you’re working with (concrete, chain link fence, wood, brick etc). Urban Farming uses a gridded, stainless steel container from Green Living Technologies that affixes to walls and fences. Another good option is Woolly Pockets,which are made of recycled plastic sewn into large pockets with grommets for mounting. And you can always make you own. Glasser’s suggestions? Old 2 liter bottles, milk jugs, or yogurt containers will work well for chain link fences.

4. Select and plant your vegetables.

You can start with seeds or seedlings but if you’re starting in later spring, use seedlings. If this is your first garden, try starting with mint, basil and chilies- lettuces too. If you’re more experienced try broccoli, tomatoes, brussel sprouts and smaller varieties of melons. Be sure to consider how much light you’ll be getting and root depth. Carrots and beats will need at least a foot and a half of soil. Lettuces have a much shallower root depth. Keep in mind what’s regionally appropriate. Don’t try to grow garlic in Southern California in the summer. And make sure to choose foods you love and want to experiment with. “Last year someone gave me mustard green seeds, which I had never grown,” says Glasser. ”Now they’re one of my favorites.”



snip

[madmax]

pleased delete - dupe

[madmax]

1. Harrumph!

Well there goes any excuses by us townhome owners with patios. Thanks a bunch, SoCalDem ;)

[the other one]

2. K r nt

[Jamastiene]

3. There is nothing as satisfying as the feeling you get from gardening.

Well, there is one thing, but gardening is hard to beat outside of that one other thing.

[madmax]

4. lol n/t

[malaise]

7. +1

:D

[uncle ray]

great idea, but one problem,

south facing walls can get REAL hot! be sure to pick items that are hardy in hotter climates than you are growing in. keep in mind the roots are going to be much warmer above ground than under. some shade might be a good thing to consider.

[Jamastiene]

8. Or use a sunny southeast side with southwestern shade.

That way it can get good morning Sun, but in the evening, it can get some shade from the southwest. That will keep it from cooking the plants.

[uncle ray]

5. great idea, but one problem,

south facing walls can get REAL hot! be sure to pick items that are hardy in hotter climates than you are growing in. keep in mind the roots are going to be much warmer above ground than under. some shade might be a good thing to consider.

[uncle ray]

6. du farted

it wasn't me! i even reloaded the thread before hitting post the third time.

[Jamastiene]

9. zOMG

:spray:

:rofl:

[elocs]

10. I've known about vertical and square foot gardening for many years,

and I have the perfect place for two 16 square foot raised beds with a fence in the back for vertical growing, but I don't like gardening--I just don't. I find no joy in it at all, just work. I live less than a mile from a farmer's market and 2 miles from another and I can get my produce there.

For those of you who love gardening--good for you. I just don't.

[bluesmail]

11. This may be the second year in a row that I would not have a garden.

Ever since my first, '73. I am looking for a place to buy, to plant a garden! Oh joy!