Vertical gardens are really nice and modern additions to any home. The add a touch of greenery, serenity and style to any space. On top of that, they have many health benefits like decreased blood pressure and lower anxiety. All of these reasons have made them very popular, however, you might be wondering how to care for it, which is what we are explaining today.
The activities you have to do to maintain a vertical garden aren’t much different to those for normal, horizontal gardens. You will still need to water, fertilize, mist and prune, so today we will give you a few tips on how to do each in a way that is simple, fast and effective.
Watering
Whether you are gardening vertically or horizontally, you must water your plants and, believe it or not, there is a correct way to watering. Here are some tips to keep your plants looking plush:
- Water at the base: watering plants at the base as opposed to over the top is a lot more efficient and better for your plant, This technique helps avoid mildew, fungus and rotting, because the water goes directly into the roots where it gets absorbed quickly and more efficiently.
- Infrequent, deep watering: it is best to do deep watering infrequently, than doing a more shallow mist every day. To do a deep watering soak your garden with water at the roots and allow it to drain. This will allow your roots to grow bigger and stronger.
- Adequate drainage: it is important that your garden has holes where the water can escape after bathing the roots of your plants. This will prevent drowning and rotting.
- Mulch your garden: mulch retains water better than just soil, keeping your garden hydrated for longer and decreasing your water consumption, hence, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Use irrigation systems: this is a lifesaver because it waters your garden automatically using a digital hose timer, ultimately saving you time and resources.
Fertilizing
This is a very important part of keeping up with any garden, whether it is vertical or horizontal. They give plants a boost when they are in growing season. This is particularly important with vertical gardens- and potted plants, for that matter- because they rely on us to give them the nutrients they need to survive. Here are some tips for fertilizing appropriately:
- Avoid chemical fertilizers: they tend to be very harsh and can burn the soil of your garden, which will ultimately result in you having to dismantle your garden and having to start again. Instead, use an organic and gentle fertilizer that will do the job slowly but surely.
- Fertilize according to plants’ needs: it is important to tend to your plants’ specific needs. We recommend identifying each plant and doing research on what kind of fertilizer they prefer and the frequency that they need.
Disease control
This is one area where vertical gardens have a big advantage over more traditional ones. Because pests and diseases usually generate at the soil level, vertical gardens tend to have less issues with this. Some tips on how to take care of pests and diseases in case they arise:
- Keep an eye out: make sure to look for signs of fungus and pests every now and then. Look for discoloration on the leaves, softening of the trunks, infections or spots. Once you have identified the issue, you can proceed in a more assertive way.
- Regular pruning: regular pruning allows for adequate airflow, and keeps the leaves off the soil, making it one of the most efficient ways to avoid fungus.
- Fresh potting soil: never reuse the soil of another plant. The reason for this is that it may carry pests and diseases, which will likely spread to your garden if you reuse it.
- Proper watering: make sure you are watering the base of the plant as opposed to the leaves. It is also best to do it in the morning, this way the sun will evaporate the water that may be sitting in the little crevices of the plant, avoiding fungus.
Plant The Future is determined to bring nature to your home, so you can amplify the benefits of biophilic design by surrounding yourself with nature. Bringing plants into your environment helps lower cholesterol, blood pressure and it has a calming effect in your mind and body.
