Living in an apartment or a house with limited yard space doesn’t mean you have to give up on growing your own fresh food. With a little creativity, vertical gardening lets you make the most of every inch, even if it’s just a balcony, wall, or sunny window.
Whether you’re short on space or just love the tidy look of upward-growing greens, this method is perfect for a lush, productive garden in a small footprint. Vertical gardening isn’t just practical, it’s beautiful too. It boosts airflow, reduces pests, and gives you easier access to your plants.
Not every veggie is suited for this method, so we’ve rounded up the best green vegetables that love to climb or stay compact. Ready to turn your wall into a green paradise? Here are the top picks to get you growing!
#1 Nasturtium
Source: Horticulture
This edible plant brings a pop of color and a peppery bite to your salads. Nasturtium vines naturally trail or climb, which makes them perfect for vertical containers or hanging baskets.
They’re happy in sunny spots and don’t mind a little neglect. Make sure the soil drains well and give them a drink when the top layer dries out. You’ll get bright blooms and tender greens all season long.
#2 Kale
Source: Agrotonomy
Kale doesn’t just thrive in vertical gardens; it actually looks great doing it. You can tuck it into a pocket planter, vertical frame, or even a stacked pot tower.
Choose a sunny location and keep the soil rich and loose for best results. It’s a cool-season crop, so don’t worry if temperatures dip a bit. Harvest the lower leaves first and let the center keep producing.
#3 Microgreens
Source: Inhabitat
If you’re new to gardening, microgreens are an easy win. These tiny plants grow fast and only need a shallow container with a good light source.
You can grow them on a shelf, a wall-mounted tray, or even a recycled plastic bottle system. Mist them with water daily and they’ll be ready in a week or two. Snip and sprinkle them on your dishes for a fresh, homegrown touch.
#4 Lettuce
Source: Inhabitat
A lettuce wall not only saves space but makes harvesting fun and easy. This leafy green grows well in hanging pockets, tiered planters, or ladder setups. It prefers cooler temps and regular watering to stay crisp and sweet.
Rotate your harvest by picking outer leaves so the plant keeps growing. Try mixing varieties for different colors and textures.
#5 Pak Choi
Source: Hydroponic-urban-gardening
This compact veggie is a perfect match for vertical pots and small containers. Baby or dwarf varieties grow especially well in 5–6 inch deep pots or fabric grow bags.
They enjoy partial sun and moist, fertile soil. It’s best to water gently at the base to keep the leaves clean. You’ll be amazed how quickly it grows when it feels at home.
#6 Spinach
Source: Greenstalkgarden
Spinach doesn’t need much room to thrive, and it does beautifully in vertical gutter gardens or wall-mounted trays. It loves cooler weather and a bit of shade in hot climates.
Choose loose, well-draining soil and water consistently to avoid bitterness. You can start picking leaves once they reach 4–5 inches. It’s perfect for smoothies, salads, or sautés.
#7 Herbs
Source: Farmandfoundry
Vertical herb gardens are not only practical but smell amazing too. These plants grow well in towers, pocket planters, or hanging containers near a sunny kitchen window or balcony.
Herbs love consistent sunlight, and trimming often encourages fuller growth. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Whether you’re cooking or making tea, fresh herbs will always be within reach.
#8 Green Onions
Source: Gardeningknowhow
Green onions are compact and reliable, making them a great choice for vertical planters or recycled bottle towers. They grow quickly and don’t need deep soil, just regular watering and plenty of sun.
You can even regrow store-bought ones by placing the roots in water first. Once they’re established, keep snipping what you need, and they’ll keep coming back.