If you’re dreaming of turning your small backyard into a vibrant oasis, a vertical garden might be just what you need. By going vertical, you can maximize your outdoor space, add lush greenery, and even grow fresh herbs and veggies—without sacrificing precious room. Let’s explore some of the best DIY vertical garden ideas for small backyards and how you can bring them to life.
Why Vertical Gardens?
If you’re working with a limited backyard, vertical gardens are a great way to expand your planting space without compromising on functionality. Picture a wall of cascading greenery, thriving herbs, or colorful flowers rising up against a fence or wall. Not only does it look amazing, but it’s also a creative way to make the most out of every square inch of your garden. Plus, vertical gardens are ideal for improving privacy, keeping pests at bay, and making your outdoor space feel cozy and intimate.
So, where should you begin? Here are some easy-to-follow DIY vertical garden ideas that will transform your small backyard into a lush retreat.
1. Pallet Vertical Garden
If you have an old wooden pallet lying around, you’re in luck—a pallet garden is an easy and charming way to create a vertical planter. Pallets are perfect for herbs or small flowers, and the design provides neat rows that are easy to maintain.
Start by sanding down the pallet to remove any rough spots. Next, staple landscaping fabric to the back of the pallet to keep the soil in place. Fill each of the gaps with a potting mix and add your favorite herbs, like basil, thyme, or parsley. If you don’t have a pallet, you can easily purchase one online or even ask for a discarded one at a local store.
You might want to grab a few gardening tools to help, like the Scuddles Garden Tools Set (available on Amazon) that includes gloves, a trowel, and a weeder. It’s highly rated and will come in handy for all your gardening needs.
2. Hanging Gutter Garden
A hanging gutter garden is perfect if you’re hoping to grow leafy greens or herbs. You can buy inexpensive rain gutters at a hardware store or even repurpose old ones. Cut them into smaller sections, drill a few drainage holes at the bottom, and secure them with strong chains or wires to a wall or fence.
Once the gutters are secured, fill them with potting soil and plant herbs, lettuce, or even strawberries. This type of garden not only saves space but also adds a unique touch to your backyard. You’ll want to ensure you have proper hooks or a Heavy Duty Wall Mount Bracket to securely hang your garden, which you can find easily on Amazon with plenty of high ratings for their sturdiness.
3. Repurposed Shoe Organizer Garden
This idea is as budget-friendly as it gets—all you need is an old canvas shoe organizer. It’s perfect for growing herbs or smaller flowers. Simply hang the organizer on a fence or wall, fill each pocket with soil, and plant your herbs. Make sure the shoe organizer is made of breathable fabric to prevent root rot.
For this project, consider using Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, which is one of the best-rated products on Amazon for growing herbs and small plants. It will ensure that your herbs have the nutrients they need to thrive, even in tight spaces.
4. PVC Pipe Vertical Planter
PVC pipes are versatile, inexpensive, and perfect for creating a unique vertical garden. You can cut the PVC pipes into different lengths and stack them to create a tiered effect, or drill holes along a larger pipe and mount it vertically.
Start by securing the PVC pipe to a wall or post using mounting brackets, then fill the drilled holes with soil and add plants. Strawberries, succulents, and herbs all work great for this setup. PVC pipe planters are excellent for those who love a clean, modern aesthetic.
You’ll need a reliable drill to create the planting holes, and the BLACK+DECKER Cordless Drill is a highly rated option on Amazon—plus, it’s perfect for a range of DIY projects around the house.
5. Wooden Ladder Planter
A repurposed wooden ladder can be a charming way to create a vertical garden in a small backyard. Simply lean the ladder against a wall or fence and place potted plants on each step. This works wonderfully for flowers, succulents, or herbs.
Consider painting the ladder to match the color scheme of your garden or leave it rustic for a shabby-chic look. You can use Mkono Ceramic Hanging Planters on the rungs for a mix of hanging and potted plants—these planters have great reviews and look elegant in any garden.
6. Hanging Mason Jar Garden
Mason jars are a popular choice for small plants and herbs, and they’re ideal for vertical gardens, too. Use a wooden board as a base, attach metal clamps to hold the jars, and mount the board vertically to a wall or fence. Fill the mason jars with soil and plant herbs like mint, rosemary, or cilantro.
This setup works best for herbs that don’t require too much root space. You’ll want to make sure you’re using the right clamps, such as IRWIN Metal Spring Clamps available on Amazon—they’re highly rated for durability and ease of use.
7. Trellis Vertical Garden
A trellis is a classic way to go vertical with your garden, and it’s perfect for climbing plants like peas, cucumbers, or flowering vines. You can either purchase a pre-made trellis or make your own using wood strips or bamboo stakes.
Secure the trellis along a fence or wall and plant your climbing greenery at the base. As they grow, the plants will naturally weave their way up the trellis, creating a lush, green wall. For additional support, consider using VELCRO Brand Garden Ties to gently train your plants up the trellis—these are flexible, easy to use, and available on Amazon.
8. Stacked Wooden Crates
Wooden crates make an excellent structure for a vertical garden, and they’re easy to stack into a staggered arrangement. Start by stacking a few wooden crates at varying angles to create pockets of planting space. You can secure the crates with screws if you want more stability.
Fill each crate with soil and plant a mix of flowers, succulents, or herbs. This setup adds a rustic vibe to your backyard and makes for a great weekend project. Wooden crates can be found at local stores or online, and you can seal them with Rust-Oleum Wood Stain to protect them from the elements.
9. Vertical Herb Spiral Garden
A herb spiral is a fantastic way to grow different herbs in a compact space. You can create a spiral structure using bricks, rocks, or even repurposed concrete blocks. The idea is to build the spiral upward, allowing you to plant different herbs at different levels.
This type of garden not only saves space but also helps cater to different sunlight and moisture needs—you can plant herbs like rosemary at the top where it’s drier and basil at the bottom where it’s more moist. For a great set of garden stones, check out Suncast Borderstone Edging on Amazon to keep everything in place and add a decorative touch.
10. Hanging Basket Wall
If you want to create a striking vertical display, consider using hanging baskets mounted to a wall. You can hang baskets at different heights and fill them with trailing plants like petunias, ivy, or even strawberries. This type of vertical garden is perfect for adding bursts of color to a dull fence.
To hang your baskets securely, consider using Command Outdoor Hooks that are weather-resistant and available on Amazon. They’re easy to install and won’t damage your walls or fencing.
Tips for Maintaining Your Vertical Garden
Once you’ve built your vertical garden, keeping it thriving will take a little care and attention. Here are a few maintenance tips:
- Watering: Vertical gardens can dry out faster than traditional gardens, especially those mounted to a wall. Consider using a Raindrip Automatic Watering Kit, which is available on Amazon and highly rated for its ease of installation and effectiveness. This will help you keep your plants watered consistently.
- Fertilizing: Since the soil volume is smaller, nutrients can get depleted quickly. Use a liquid fertilizer like Miracle-Gro Liquid Plant Food to give your plants the nutrients they need.
- Sunlight: Make sure your vertical garden is placed in a spot that gets the right amount of sunlight for the plants you’re growing. Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sun a day, while some leafy greens can do well in partial shade.
- Pruning: Keep your garden looking neat by regularly pruning dead or overgrown parts of your plants. This will help encourage new growth and keep your garden healthy.
Enjoy Your Small Backyard Oasis
With a little creativity, your small backyard can become a vibrant, green paradise. Whether you opt for a simple pallet garden, a trellis wall, or a collection of hanging mason jars, vertical gardening is a fun and practical way to maximize your space. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to see your backyard transform into a living wall of flowers, herbs, and greenery.
So go ahead, pick a vertical garden idea that inspires you, gather your supplies, and start creating! Your small backyard will soon be bursting with life, color, and a personal touch that only you can bring.
If you have questions or need more product suggestions, feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear about your vertical gardening journey!