How to make a hanging or vertical garden: recreate the Gardens of Babylon at home
It is said that in ancient times no one set foot in Babylon without being amazed at its hanging Gardens, considered one of the wonders of their time. Although only ruins of that city remain, it is possible to create your own hanging garden or vertical garden both inside and outside your home, taking advantage of this modern and versatile system to transform terraces, balconies, and empty walls.
What is a hanging or vertical garden?
Un hanging garden It is a set of plants grown on a vertical structure: they can be in hanging pots, grow bags, special panels, or modular drawers. This allows you to take advantage of vertical surfaces (walls, fences, railings), even in small spaces, to create aesthetic and healthy green areas. In addition, they provide environmental benefits, such as improve air quality, reduce noise and provide thermal and visual insulation.
Essential steps to set up your hanging garden
- Choose the right location: Find a bright, well-ventilated, and easily accessible location. For the outdoors, prioritize walls protected from the intense sun; indoors, areas with natural light are ideal (avoid bedrooms if regulations prohibit it).
- Select the structure: You can use hanging pots, panels, geotextile bags, or create your own support using recycled pallets or wooden crates. Make sure the structure is sturdy, with good drainage and water retention capacity. Modular systems allow for easy expansion and renovation of plants.
- Container preparation: Before planting, cover the inside of the pot or bag with sphagnum moss and a perforated black plastic. This keeps humidity under control and protects the roots.
- Choose the substrate: Use light, well-drained mixes, such as peat with perlite or coconut fiber. If you prefer a natural addition, add compost or worm castings, thus facilitating the development of healthy roots and optimal nutrient retention.
Basic care and maintenance
- regular watering: Hanging plants require frequent but moderate watering, avoiding overwatering. In summer, increase the frequency and ensure the substrate doesn't remain dry.
- Pruning: Trim dead leaves and stems to encourage growth and prevent pests.
- Light: Rotate the pots occasionally to ensure uniform growth. Protect from direct sunlight during the middle of the day.
- Fertilization: You can fertilize monthly with organic products or compost.
With this care, your hanging garden will look lush and healthy, maintaining its decorative effect all year round.
Advantages of hanging and vertical gardens
- They take advantage of vertical space and create green areas without taking up useful land.
- They protect walls and facades, improve thermal and acoustic insulation.
- They purify the air and help control urban humidity.
- They promote urban biodiversity attracting pollinators and birds.
- Customizable: They adapt to any style, size or need.
Extra inspiration and tips
- Hanging gardens can be installed in living rooms, terraces, balconies, patios, and even small offices or commercial premises.
- For an original touch, combine plants of different heights, colors, and textures. Also integrate aromatic and edible species if you wish.
- Consider using drip irrigation systems in larger facilities for efficient maintenance.
Create a hanging garden o vertical garden It's simple and allows you to transform any space into a natural oasis full of life and color, where you can enjoy contact with nature, even in urban environments. Consult your local nursery for more ideas and remember that each project can be customized to your tastes and needs, creating unique spaces with multiple benefits for your health and well-being.
More information - Grow hanging plants
