😬 Common Mistakes in Vertical Gardening (And How to Avoid Them)

Don’t Let These Simple Errors Ruin Your Garden

Vertical gardening is a brilliant way to grow more in less space—but it’s not completely foolproof.

Whether you’re new to growing or switching from traditional beds, a few beginner mistakes can lead to dried-out herbs, sad-looking lettuce, or a system that just doesn’t thrive.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common vertical gardening mistakes—and how to easily avoid them.

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❌ Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong System for Your Space

Not all vertical planters are created equal.

Some are better for patios, others for balconies. Some systems (like the Garden Tower 2) take more floor space but offer composting, while others (like wall planters) are compact but shallow.

Avoid it:

• Check how much sun and space you really have
• Think about weight, drainage, and mobility
• Start small, then scale up when you know what works

👉 Not sure which system to choose? I compare Garden Tower 2 vs GreenStalk here

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❌ Mistake 2: Overcrowding Your Planters

It’s tempting to fill every pocket and pot with plants—but overcrowding leads to:

• Poor airflow
• Increased pests or mildew
• Competing roots

Avoid it:

• Follow spacing guidelines (yes, even in vertical gardens!)
• Thin seedlings when needed
• Use fewer, healthier plants and let them thrive

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❌ Mistake 3: Poor Watering Technique

One of the biggest vertical garden killers is water—either too much or too little.

Top layers often dry out faster, while bottom pockets may stay soggy.

Avoid it:

• Water slowly so it can absorb evenly
• Check soil moisture at all levels
• Consider a drip irrigation system or use self-watering systems

💧 Full watering guide here: How to Water a Vertical Garden the Right Way

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❌ Mistake 4: Growing the Wrong Plants

Not all plants are happy growing vertically—some need more root space, weight support, or depth.

Avoid it:

• Choose crops that thrive in containers (herbs, lettuce, strawberries, spinach, etc.)
• Avoid root-heavy or top-heavy crops (like carrots or corn) unless using deep systems

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❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting About Sunlight

Vertical gardens are tall, and taller structures can cast shadows on themselves or nearby walls.

Avoid it:

• Place taller plants at the top if possible
• Rotate your system if it’s movable
• Use reflective surfaces or light-coloured walls to bounce light

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❌ Mistake 6: No Drainage or Runoff Management

Without good drainage, water pools at the bottom—leading to root rot or mosquito breeding.

Avoid it:

• Check for drainage holes before buying any system
• Use trays or saucers under wall-mounted planters
• Keep your growing medium light and fast-draining

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❌ Mistake 7: Ignoring Maintenance

Vertical gardens are low-maintenance—but not no-maintenance.

Avoid it:

• Prune herbs regularly
• Add compost or liquid feed every 2–3 weeks
• Watch for pests (especially in humid or crowded setups)
• Rotate or reposition if some plants aren’t thriving

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✅ My Best Tip?

Start with just a few herbs or greens, and observe how they do. Vertical gardening is easy to love—but every system and location is slightly different.

A little learning upfront can save you months of frustration later on.

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🧑‍🌾 Final Thoughts

The good news? Every mistake on this list is easy to fix or prevent.

With just a little planning and the right system, you’ll be growing healthy, productive plants in even the smallest space.

🌿 Want to try a new system. I recommend starting with a simple system like the Garden Tower 2

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📚 What’s Next?

• 🧱 DIY Vertical Gardening Ideas on a Budget
• ♻️ How to Compost in a Vertical Garden
• 🌞 Vertical Gardening in Hot Climates: What Works Best?