If space is an issue in your garden, consider growing vertical. Vertical gardening offers many benefits in addition to maximizing your garden space, leaving room for more crops in a small garden. Elevating plants off the ground increases the air flow which can help prevent disease. Bringing the height of the produce up also makes harvesting easier.
Many crops can be grown vertically including the more traditional tomatoes, pole beans, and peas as well as vining crops such as cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds. Edible-pod and snow peas have longer vines and are therefore more appropriate for growing vertically than English (shelling) peas. “Bush-type” vining crops produce short vines and are consequently less suitable for vertical growth. Be mindful of crops that grow large fruit as they could damage the vine if grown vertically.
Support your vertical garden with a sturdy structure. Bamboo poles work well to support pole beans. Create a “pup tent” or “A-frame” structure by leaning two cattle panels or pallets together and securing them at the top. Alternatively, a single panel can be tied upright to T-posts for support. Plant vining crops at the base and train them to grow upward.
Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent
