17 Best Vegetables to Grow Vertically | Vegetables that Grow in Vertical Planters

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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

Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically
Janette Papacova

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

Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically | Vegetables to Grow in Vertical Planters 2
Berczik Andrea

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

Linette Murphy

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

Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically | Vegetables to Grow in Vertical Planters 3
pinterest

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

atlas_gardens

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

Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically | Vegetables to Grow in Vertical Planters 4

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

recipepes.com

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

Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically | Vegetables to Grow in Vertical Planters 5

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

Best Vegetables You Can Grow Vertically | Vegetables to Grow in Vertical Planters 7

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

plangarden

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

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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.

Have a look at the best DIY vertical vegetable garden ideas here


Watch this video for more information

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