Short of space? Don’t let it stop you from growing greens! Here are the Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically for a fresh supply!
Do not let the limited space of apartments and condos stop you from enjoying the delicious taste of homegrown veggies. Instead, go for some of the Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically in a limited area!
Follow some awesome tips for growing more veggies in a small space here
Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically
1. Climbing Tomatoes
Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
You can grow fresh tomatoes in the shortest space by training them upward on a trellis or stake. The Indeterminate tomato cultivars are perfect for growing vertically.
Check out the best tomato varieties here
2. Pumpkin
Botanical Name: Cucurbita
You can grow pumpkins vertically in large containers—they just need a sunny spot, moist soil, and shelter from the cold, harsh wind. Sturdy poles, tepee trellis, and bamboo stakes make for useful pumpkin trellis.
Learn how to grow Pumpkins here
3. Peas
Botanical Name: Pisum sativum
Peas grow best in vertical planters—they grow fast and don’t require constant attention. Use a farm fence or chicken wire to support the upward trailing vegetable.
Have a look at all the information on growing peas in pots here
4. Lettuce
Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
Lettuce can easily be grown in vertical planters in a small space—you can grow it in ladder planters, floating shelves, or make a lettuce tower for a beautiful display.
You can also grow lettuce in globe planters! Check out the ideas here
5. Malabar Spinach
Botanical Name: Basella alba
To grow Malabar spinach vertically, you need to make a wire trellis or a structure that will support the vines to twine around and spread happily.
Here’s all you need to know about growing Malabar spinach
6. Ivy Gourd
Botanical Name: Coccinia grandis
Ivy gourds can easily be grown vertically using wire trellis, chicken wires, bamboo stakes, or wooden poles. Make sure to provide sturdy support to hold the veggie weight.
Learn everything about growing ivy gourd here
7. Runner Beans
Botanical Name: Phaseolus coccineus
This productive vegetable for limited space is also grown for showy flowers. However, it also produces edible green pods, leaves, and dried beans. Grow this vegetable in full sun and fertile soil.
Here are the best types of beans you can grow
8. Winter Squash
Botanical Name: Cucurbita maxima
Winter squash has many cultivars, including Hubbard, Acorn, and Butternut squash. Growing them vertically keeps them free from pest and disease problems.
9. Zucchini
Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo
Growing the zucchini vines vertically will keep the foliage from touching the ground, eliminating any fungal or pest infestation, resulting in a bumper harvest!
Learn everything about growing zucchini vertically here
10. Nasturtiums
Botanical Name: Tropaeolum
Nasturtiums are popular for colorful blooms that are also edible with a mustard-like, peppery flavor. You can easily grow them vertically in pots.
Check out our article on growing Nasturtiums here
11. Hops
Botanical Name: Humulus lupulus
Hops are not just limited to making beer—you can eat them raw in salads or saute them in butter or bacon grease. While growing vertically, it can reach up to 10-15 feet long and take over a fence or trellis.
12. Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
The compact, long vines are suitable for containers—this warm-season vegetable grows well when the temperature rises. Select varieties like Hybrid, Salad, and Picklebush.
Have a look at all the information on growing cucumbers vertically here
13. Bitter Melon
Botanical Name: Momordica charantia
Native to South-East Asia, this gourd family member has several health benefits. The unique crunchy and bitter flavor makes it stand out from other veggies.
Learn about growing bitter melon here
14. Potatoes
Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum
You can have a bumper harvest of potatoes by growing them vertically. Plant them in a tower to grow them smartly in a limited space.
Find some great ways to grow potatoes here
15. Loofah Sponge
Botanical Name: Luffa
Loofah vines can reach as tall as 23 feet (7m) and will provide you with an abundant harvest if grown vertically. It grows best in 5-6 hours of direct sunlight.
17. Peppers & Chilies
Botanical Name: Capsicum
Peppers and chilies grow pretty well vertically, providing ample harvest if grown in bright direct sunlight. You just need to tie the stems with small sticks or twigs for support.
You can also grow chilies in hanging baskets vertically. This way, they can be harvested in a limited space.
Look at some ornamental pepper varieties here
Growing Herbs Vertically
Growing herbs vertically will help you enjoy maximum harvest even in small spaces like windowsills, hanging baskets, kitchen shelves, or any corner that receives 3-4 hours of bright sunlight.
It also allows easy maintenance through increased sun exposure, better airflow, and limited foliage contact with the soil, thus aiding in an abundant and healthier harvest. You can vertically grow varieties like Basil, Mint, and Parsley in herb towers or wall gardens.
