Vertical Gardening

When you don't have much space in your yard for a garden, consider vertical gardening. Grow things going up and create room to plant.

Hey there, fellow gardeners! Do you dream of fresh veggies and vibrant blooms but feel limited by a small yard? Don't worry, you're not alone. Lots of people have tiny yards these days, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on your gardening dreams.

The secret? Vertical gardening! It's a game-changer for those of us short on space. Imagine transforming your fences, walls, and even balconies into thriving gardens. Sounds amazing, right? Well, it's totally doable, and I'm here to show you how.

We're going to explore the exciting world of vertical gardening together. You'll learn how to grow up the fence and maximize your space, even if it's limited. Get ready to discover how you can have a garden, no matter how small your yard.

Put in a trellis or 2 and go up for vertical gardening in a small backyard.

Vertical Gardening - 6/2-6/8/2025

Why Choose Vertical Gardening?

First things first, why should you consider vertical gardening? Well, it's a fantastic solution for small yards. It allows you to use vertical space, like fences and walls, to grow your plants. This means you can grow more in less space.

Plus, vertical gardening can be really visually appealing. Imagine a wall covered in lush greenery and colorful flowers! It's a great way to add beauty to your outdoor space.

Planning Your Vertical Garden

Vertical gardening up a trellis is the perfect way to grow pole beans, scarlet runner beans, squash, melons, cucumbers, okra, gourds, any vining plant...

Before you jump in, it's a good idea to plan your vertical garden. Think about what you want to grow. Do you crave fresh tomatoes and peppers? Or are you more interested in fragrant herbs and beautiful flowers?

Next, consider the sunlight in your yard. Different plants have different sunlight needs. Make sure you choose plants that will thrive in the amount of sunlight your vertical garden will receive.

Vertical Gardening - Choosing the Right Structures

This gardener has put some plant boxes on his trellis for vertical gardening variety.

Now for the fun part – choosing your vertical gardening structures! There are tons of options out there. Trellises are great for climbing plants like cucumbers and beans. Wall-mounted planters are perfect for herbs and flowers.

You can even get creative and repurpose items like pallets or old ladders into vertical garden structures. The possibilities are endless!

Vertical Gardening - Selecting Your Plants

This vertical garden is part of a gorgeous relaxation area with a couch to enjoy it all.

With your structures in place, it's time to choose your plants. For vertical gardening, it's often best to choose compact varieties that won't get too big and heavy.

Think about the growing season too. Choose plants that will thrive in your climate and the time of year you're planting.

Planting and Caring for Your Vertical Garden

Adding planting boxes going up a fence is a great way to add vertical gardening to your yard along with some seating for friends to enjoy the beauty.

Now, let's get planting! Make sure you use a good quality potting mix that will provide your plants with the nutrients they need.

Watering is key, especially in vertical gardens. Since the soil tends to dry out faster, you'll need to water more frequently than you would with a traditional garden.

Don't forget to fertilize regularly to keep your plants healthy and productive.

Maintaining Your Vertical Garden

Vertical gardening is a great way to cover an ugly fence and make it beautiful with plants on your patio.

Once your vertical garden is established, it's important to keep it looking its best. Regular pruning will help control the size of your plants and encourage new growth.

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Early detection is key to preventing serious problems.

Vertical Gardening - Enjoying Your Vertical Bounty

The best part of vertical gardening? Harvesting your delicious veggies, fragrant herbs, or beautiful flowers! It's so rewarding to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor.

So, there you have it! A complete guide to vertical gardening. With a little planning and effort, you can transform your small yard into a thriving garden oasis.

Vertical Gardening - A Deeper Dive

A trellis mixed with terra cotta plants and a potting bench make the backyard garden look so put together.

Now, let's dive a little deeper into each of these sections, providing you with more detailed information and tips for success.

Vertical gardening is a fantastic way to address the "how can we grow a garden with a tiny yard?" question. It allows you to maximize your limited space by growing up rather than out.

Think about it: you can grow a significant amount of food or flowers in a relatively small footprint. This makes it ideal for urban dwellers, apartment residents, or anyone with a small yard.

When planning your vertical garden, consider the weight of your chosen plants and structures. Make sure your fence or wall can support the added weight.

Also, think about accessibility. Will you be able to easily reach all of your plants for watering, pruning, and harvesting?

Choosing the right structures is crucial for vertical gardening success. For "gardening up," trellises, hanging baskets, and stacked planters are excellent choices.

For growing vegetables off the ground, consider raised beds with vertical supports, or even repurposed gutters attached to a fence.

When selecting your plants, think about their growth habits. Vining plants like tomatoes and cucumbers are perfect for trellises. Leafy greens and herbs do well in wall-mounted planters.

Vertical gardening allows you to experiment with different plant combinations and create a visually stunning display.

When planting, ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix and consider adding drainage holes to your containers.

Regular watering is essential, especially during hot weather. Consider using a drip irrigation system to make watering easier and more efficient.

Maintaining your vertical garden involves regular pruning, fertilizing, and pest control. Keep an eye out for any signs of disease or stress in your plants.

Rotating your crops annually can help prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

Harvesting your own fresh produce or admiring your beautiful flowers is one of the greatest joys of vertical gardening.

Share your bounty with friends and neighbors, or preserve it for later enjoyment.

Vertical gardening is a truly innovative approach to gardening, especially when you're dealing with limited space. It allows you to "garden up" and make the most of every inch of your yard.

By growing vegetables off the ground, you can create a thriving garden even in the smallest of spaces.

Vertical gardening is not just about maximizing space; it's also a fantastic way to express your creativity. You can experiment with different structures, plant combinations, and design layouts.

Let your imagination run wild and create a vertical garden that reflects your personal style.

Vertical gardening can also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. By growing your own food, you reduce your reliance on commercially produced produce, which often travels long distances to reach your plate.

Plus, vertical gardens can help improve air quality and reduce urban heat island effect.

Vertical gardening can even bring people together. Share your tips and tricks with other gardeners, or exchange seeds and plants.

Create a community garden with your neighbors and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your collective labor.

Vertical gardening is a continuous learning experience. Experiment with different techniques, try new plants, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Each season brings new opportunities to learn and grow as a gardener.

So, are you ready to embark on your vertical gardening adventure? With a little planning, creativity, and these helpful tips, you can transform your small yard into a vibrant and productive garden.

Remember, vertical gardening is all about gardening up and growing vegetables off the ground. It's a perfect solution for those who think they can't have a garden due to limited space.

Embrace the challenge, get creative, and enjoy the rewards of fresh produce and beautiful blooms, right in your own backyard. You've got this!

Now that you've got a good grasp of vertical gardening, go out there and create the garden of your dreams, no matter how small your space. Happy gardening!

Remember, vertical gardening opens up a world of possibilities, even in the tiniest of yards. So, embrace the concept of "gardening up" and transform your space into a green oasis.

And don't forget, if you're wondering how you can grow a garden with a tiny yard, vertical gardening is your answer. So, get started today and enjoy the beauty and bounty of your very own vertical garden! Of course, you will find the best heirloom seeds at David's Garden Seeds.

Monday, June 2, 2025

Some striped melons that I planted are growing nicely in the side garden.

Good morning. It is hard to believe that June is here already. I have lots of orders to ship out today. Thank you to everyone who ordered over the past week during our big sales.

Skies were clear at 6:15am but an hour later, the fog moved in!

The orchard trees are fairly clear but back by the big oak, it is foggy!

You can see the fog in our field next door. Doesn't it look nice all mowed by our new neighbor? She and her tractor did a great job.

Left to right, Pamela, Sue Ellen, and Trump play in the yard this morning during the fog. Aren't they adorable?

Around 7:15am, the clear skies got foggy! I went out and took a few photos. So cool.

Then after Matt got here, we went out and picked a bunch of grapes and blackberries! The air was cool and it was very pleasant. The blackberry bushes are loaded.

Today, we have a brand new section on our website called Seeds On Sale. David has picked some seeds that we have an abundance of and right now they are on sale for 50% off. They are some of your favorites like the Blue Lake 274 Bush Bean and the Golden Bantam Sweet Corn!

This afternoon, I have another doctor appointment that I am not looking forward to.

One of David's friends came over to pick up some boxes. He also bought some Mother-In-Law's Tongue plants.

At 2:15pm, we left for the podiatry office in Pleasanton. The doctor gave me steroid injections in each ankle using ultrasound so she got the needle placement between the artery and the nerve. This was to stop the awful neuropathy I keep having. She did a fine job. The whole thing was very quick. My appointment was at 3pm but she injected me before then as we were early. Immediately, my feet were numb, the right one more so than the left.

The doctor walked out and I tried to get up and off of the exam table. I thought I might collapse from not being able to feel my feet but I made it to the chair, put my socks and shoes on and sort of shuffled out to the waiting room. David waited for me.

Somehow, I made it out to the truck and got in. Next, we went to the property tax office so David could protest an appraisal. I stayed in the truck. Then we hit a print shop. I stayed in the truck.

We finally made it home around 4pm. My feet numbly made it up the steps to the house and then back over to work.

It is now 5:10pm and my feet are still so numb. It is unreal how very numb they are. I am glad I loaded the dishwasher before we left for the doctor because I don't know if I could stand there and do it right now.

I looked it up online and I learned that my feet could stay numb for as much as 12 to 36 hours!

I just asked Matt to feed the fish and close up shop because I don't know if I can make it all the way over there with my feet this numb. Needless to say, Matt will be collecting eggs and taking care of the goats this evening.

Oh, good news. Right after we left the farm this afternoon, my phone rang. It was the neurology office in San Antonio so I have an appointment about my hand testing on Thursday for a consultation only. That way, they can get two copays instead of just one. They are sly...

It is currently 95° but the wind has really picked up which is nice.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Some ripe and unripe blackberries on one of our bushes.

This is yesterday's blackberry harvest.

Good morning. My total bilateral foot numbness finally went away by 11pm last night. I woke up on the couch at that time and they felt normal. No neuropathy pain in the night but after those injections, I sure did not anticipate any problems that soon.

I woke up to an email from the neurology office wanting me to fill out paperwork on computer. Signing with a mouse was ridiculous, especially with my carpal tunnel.

So far this morning, I have done two loads of laundry, taken the trash out, made the bed, fed the dogs, gotten myself ready for the day, and packed eggs for sale. I feel accomplished. David ordered breakfast tacos again from Farm to Familia. They are good.

David sold some of our furniture and now our Production building is up for sale. If you are looking for a large building that you can turn into a classroom or even a small cabin or home, check it out. This building is a Derksen built at the factory in Uvalde with lights, electric outlets, and three exit doors. It is top of the line. We don't buy anything cheap. It has a drop ceiling and a mini split air conditioner that has two indoor units. We've used it as a business building for five years. It is in great shape. We added linoleum flooring which is torn up so that will need to be replaced.

This morning, David and I will be in San Antonio for a doctor's appointment but Matt will be here minding the store.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Friday, June 6, 2025

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Return from Vertical Gardening to Our Sixth Year

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