If you’re looking to add a touch of beauty and nature to your home or balcony, then consider creating a vertical herb garden. It is one of the most creative ways to enjoy herbs all year round and can be an eye-catching addition to any space. In this blog post, we will discuss why build a vertical herb garden, how to choose containers for it, best types of plants for it, tips for maintaining it, creative planting ideas and more. Read on to get inspired and start building your own vertical herb garden!
Why Build a Vertical Herb Garden?
A vertical herb garden has numerous benefits – not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps conserve space in smaller outdoor areas while allowing you to grow fresh herbs. With a vertical garden, you have easy access to delicious culinary ingredients as well as aromatic medicinal plants right outside your door. Plus, since they are conveniently located at waist level, there’s no need to bend down or strain yourself when tending to them.
Choosing Containers for Your Vertical Herb Garden
When choosing containers for your vertical herb garden, it is important to consider size, shape, material, and drainage capacity. Make sure that whatever container you choose is capable of supporting the weight of soil and plants; for example, wooden crates or pallets make great options. You may also opt for traditional pots made from ceramic, clay, or plastic. Additionally, if you want to create something unique, think about repurposing materials like mason jars or old tin cans into containers.
Best Types of Plants for Your Vertical Herb Garden
There are a number of herbs that are perfect for growing in vertical gardens. Some of the best choices include rosemary, oregano, thyme, chives, mint, basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, sage, and lavender. All these herbs have different needs so be sure to research each one before deciding which ones to plant.
Tips for Maintaining Your Vertical Herb Garden
Once your vertical herb garden is up and running, proper maintenance is key to keeping it thriving. Regular watering is essential; keep the soil moist but not soggy by checking the moisture levels regularly. Additionally, fertilizing every few weeks with organic compost or manure will help ensure optimal growth. Lastly, trim off any dead or damaged leaves to promote new growth and prevent disease.
Creative Planting Tips for Your Vertical Herb Garden
One way to take your vertical herb garden up a notch is to get creative with your planting design. For example, try arranging your herbs in a pattern such as stripes or geometric shapes. You can also mix in decorative elements like small rocks or shells for an added touch of flair. Another option is to use hanging baskets for some of your plants instead of ground-level planters; this adds another layer of visual interest and dimension to your garden.
Getting Started with Building Your Vertical Herb Garden
The first step towards creating a vertical herb garden is finding a spot with plenty of sunlight. Ideally, you should pick a location that receives 6-8 hours of direct light per day; if that isn’t possible, look for an area where indirect sunlight shines through throughout the day. Once you’ve selected a suitable spot, mark out the dimensions of your garden using string or stakes and begin setting up your containers.
Finding Inspiration from Other Gardens and Designs
Whether you’re starting from scratch or revamping an existing garden, don’t forget to check out other vertical herb gardens for inspiration. Take note of interesting color combinations and creative planting designs you come across; these will give you lots of ideas on how to make your own garden stand out. Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of inspiration; simply type in ‘vertical herb garden’ into either platform’s search bar to find tons of stunning examples.
Incorporating Decorations into Your Vertical Herb Garden
Adding decorations is another fun way to personalize your vertical herb garden. This could range from potted succulents and fairy lights to wind chimes and bird feeders – let your imagination run wild! Just remember to pick items that complement the style of your space while providing ample room for your herbs to thrive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the variety of decoration options available, focus on picking one or two statement pieces that draw attention without distracting from the natural beauty of the greenery around them.
Fertilizing and Watering Tips for Your Vertical Herb Garden
Fertilizing and watering your vertical herb garden correctly is essential for healthy growth and yields. During dry spells, water deeply once a week (depending on weather conditions) until the top 2-3 inches of soil become damp; during humid periods, reduce watering frequency as needed. Additionally, adding organic fertilizer twice a month will help replenish nutrients in the soil and boost productivity. Be sure to read the instructions on whichever fertilizer product you purchase as directions vary depending on its composition.
Ideas for Using Herbs From Your Vertical Herb Garden
Once your vertical herb garden is established and producing herbs, you can start incorporating them into dishes and drinks. Freshly cut sprigs make great garnishes while dried herbs are ideal for making herbal teas and oils. They also add flavor to stews and soups – just throw in a handful of fragrant leaves towards the end of cooking time and voila! Homegrown herbs make everything taste better too so experiment with different recipes and see what works best for you.
Conclusion
Creating a vertical herb garden is a great way to bring life and color to any outdoor area. Not only does it save space and provide easy access to homegrown herbs, but it also gives you endless possibilities for experimentation when it comes to designing and decorating. So go ahead – get creative and start planning your very own beautiful vertical herb garden today!

I am an inspired, life-long homesteader with a heart for simple, sustainable living. Growing up surrounded by farmland in the rural Midwest, I developed a deep respect for nature and the rewards of cultivating your own land. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others become homesteaders, too. Through my website therootedhomestead.com, I share my DIY tips, share inspiring stories of other homesteaders, and provide resources for anyone who dreams of growing their own food or living off the land. I hope to open a door to a more joyful, meaningful and purposeful life for all.