Vertical or alternative gardening

Having only a small amount of growing space doesn't have to mean you can't
grow much. Now is the time to think outside the box. With a little creativity,
you can grow a lot more by gardening vertically or alternatively.

With just a little adaptation, many flowers and vegetable plants can be
grown vertically. Vining plants are especially suited to vertical gardening
and they will readily climb a trellis or fence.

Cages, poles, arbors, fences and even walls can be used to grow plants
vertically. Hanging baskets are another form of vertical gardening, with the
plants growing downward rather than upward. If you want to grow cherry
tomatoes this summer but don't have room for a garden, you might try
growing them in hanging baskets on your patio or balcony.

Tomato plants will be easier to care for if they are trellised or grown in cages.
The fruit will stay clean if the plants aren't left to sprawl on the ground,
and the improved air circulation will help deter fungal diseases. Fragile
pepper plants also benefit from growing in cages that will protect their
fragile stems from breaking under a heavy load of peppers.

Cucumber plants grown in a cage or on a trellis will produce nice, straight
fruit. I grew some in 5 gallon buckets, I cut holes in the side about 2/3 to
the top for the plants. I then suspended the buckets and had nice straight
cucumbers. Squash and melons can also be trained to grow on a fence or
trellis, although you may have to create slings to support the heavier fruit
as it matures. Mini pumpkins and gourds would be very attractive growing
on a fence, but you might want to keep your larger pumpkins on the ground.
Their heavy weight could pull down a fence or trellis.

Teepees for pole beans, vining peas or morning glory can be made by lashing
the tops together on three or more long bamboo poles. Pole beans will also
happily climb up corn stalks or tall sunflowers, or up strings secured to a low
roof or second floor balcony.

Keep in mind using alternative materials. Such as tires, railroad ties, cinder
blocks stacked to make a pyramid. Consider using a large plastic barrel for a
herb or strawberry garden, by cutting holes in the side for the plants to grow
out.

When you plant vertically, keep in mind that the vertical planting will also
cast a shadow. Give careful thought to what will grow on the shady side of
the vertical planting. This would be a good spot for growing cool-season
plants that would benefit from a little shade, such as lettuce, beets, broccolli.
You can also use your plants to shade the side of your house in the summer.

A vertical garden can be used to block an unattractive view, and a vertical
garden can also be more accessible to gardeners with disabilities.

Happy Gardening!!!!