Top Picks for Patios, Balconies, and Tiny Yards
Not everyone has a big backyard—and honestly, you don’t need one.
If you’re short on space but still want to grow your own food, a vertical gardening system could be the perfect solution. These setups let you grow upwards instead of outwards—so you can fit herbs, greens, berries, and more on a balcony, patio, or even an apartment corner.
But with so many products out there, which ones are actually worth it?
I’ve done the digging (so you don’t have to) and put together a list of the best vertical gardening systems—whether you want something small and simple or a full-scale food-growing machine.
🌿 What Makes a Good Vertical Gardening System?
Before we dive into the list, here’s what I looked for:
- 🧱 Space efficiency – How much can you grow in a small footprint?
- 🌱 Plant capacity – How many planting spots?
- 💧 Watering system – Easy to water? Drains properly?
- 🛠️ Build quality – Will it last more than one season?
- 💸 Price-to-value ratio – Is it worth the money?
🏆 1. Garden Tower 2 – Best All-in-One Food Garden
🪴 Plants: Up to 50
📏 Size: 24″ x 24″ footprint
💰 Price: $$$400
The Garden Tower 2 is a rotating vertical garden that can grow up to 50 plants in just 4 square feet. It also includes a built-in composting tube, so your kitchen scraps feed your plants directly.
It’s perfect for people who want to grow real food—lettuce, herbs, peppers, strawberries, and more—in a tiny space.
Pros:
- Huge planting capacity
- Composting + rotation = great productivity
- USA-made, BPA-free, super durable
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Heavy when full (best to keep in one place)
👉 Check current price of the Garden Tower 2
👉 Read my in-depth review here
🪴 2. GreenStalk Vertical Planter – Best for Leafy Greens & Strawberries
🪴 Plants: Up to 42 (7 tiers)
📏 Size: ~19″ diameter
💰 Price: $$
The GreenStalk is a stackable vertical garden made up of round tiers with deep pockets. It’s great for leafy greens, strawberries, herbs, and flowers. Watering is easy—you just pour water into the top and it trickles down through each level.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and water
- Strong, UV-resistant plastic
- Optional rotating base
Cons:
- No built-in composting
- May need extra support if very windy
🪜 3. Wall Planters or Pocket Gardens – Best for Herbs & Small Flowers
🪴 Plants: 10–30+ depending on size
📏 Size: Varies (usually flat against a wall)
💰 Price: $–$$
These are fabric or plastic hanging systems you mount on a wall or fence. They’re best for shallow-rooted herbs and flowers. Not ideal for vegetables, but they’re a cheap and cheerful way to grow something green in a small space.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to install
- Great for vertical decor or herb walls
Cons:
- Can dry out quickly
- Not ideal for food-growing beyond herbs
🛠️ 4. DIY Vertical Towers (Buckets, PVC, or Pallets) – Best Budget Option
🪴 Plants: 10–30 depending on design
📏 Size: Custom
**💰 Price: $
If you enjoy a project, building your own vertical garden from pallets, stacked buckets, or PVC pipe can save money and give you full control over the layout.
Pros:
- Super budget-friendly
- Customisable
- Fun DIY project
Cons:
- Requires tools and time
- May not last as long or drain well
- Not ideal for beginners
👉 Coming soon: My guide to DIY vertical gardening on a budget
🪴 5. Stackable Planters (3–5 Tier Towers) – Best for Beginners
🪴 Plants: 12–30 depending on size
📏 Size: ~15–20″ base
💰 Price: $–$$
You’ve probably seen these on patios or balconies. They’re stackable planters where each layer has pockets for 3–6 plants. They’re simple, affordable, and great for herbs and flowers—or even small veggies like lettuce or radishes.
Pros:
- Easy to use and move
- Great for beginners
- Affordable entry-level option
Cons:
- Limited space per plant
- No composting or advanced features
🧑🌾 Which One Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| System | Plant Capacity | Composting | Rotation | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Tower 2 | Up to 50 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $$$ | Serious food gardeners |
| GreenStalk | Up to 42 | ❌ No | ✅ Optional | $$ | Leafy greens & berries |
| Wall Planters | 10–30 | ❌ No | ❌ No | $–$$ | Herbs & flowers |
| DIY Tower | 10–30 | ❌ No (unless added) | ❌ No | $ | Budget-conscious DIYers |
| Stackable Pots | 12–30 | ❌ No | ❌ No | $–$$ | Beginners & patio gardeners |
📌 Final Thoughts
You don’t need a backyard to grow food—just the right system for your space and goals.
Whether you want something full-featured like the Garden Tower 2, or just want to try herbs in a hanging wall garden, vertical gardening makes it possible to grow more in less space.
Start small, learn what works for you, and upgrade when you’re ready.
👉 My pick for most complete vertical system: Garden Tower 2
👉 Best value for beginners: GreenStalk
📚 What’s Next?
Looking for more tips and comparisons?
- 🆚 Garden Tower 2 vs GreenStalk – Which Should You Choose?
- 🪴 DIY Vertical Gardening Ideas (on a Budget)
- 🌱 Vertical Gardening for Seniors: Easy and Back-Friendly Ideas