Vertical Gardening

Recycle cast off items into fun and attractive supports in the garden.

This old fence gate was transformed into a trellis for cucumbers. Growing these vines onto a support not only saves space, but helps reduce disease by increasing light penetration and air circulation around the plants.

Two colorful plant supports were used to support these cucumbers. One placed in the ground. The other inverted and attached to the first. The legs tied together with plants inside.

An old bike rim mounted on a post provides support for peas or beans. Run string from the bike rim and anchor in the ground with a metal wicket.

Or purchase one of the many options. Tomato ladders add color to the garden and support for staked tomatoes.

Colorful spirals can be used to train flowers or colorful pole beans. Pole beans produce an extra picking and growing vertically makes harvesting much easier.

A bit more information: Green walls are another way to go vertical. Build your own or invest in one of the many new systems on the market. Greens, strawberries, and most herbs can be grown in green walls, making an edible and decorative addition to the landscape.