When you don’t have much outdoor space, figuring out how to grow food can feel tricky.
Should you go with traditional container gardening—a few pots on the patio or balcony?
Or try vertical gardening, where plants grow upward in towers or hanging systems?
I’ve spent a lot of time exploring both options, and the good news is: you can’t really go wrong. But depending on your space, budget, and goals, one might suit you better than the other.
Here’s a beginner-friendly look at the pros and cons of each, and how they might work together to help you grow more—even in the tiniest spot.
🪴 What Is Vertical Gardening?
Vertical gardening is all about growing up instead of out.
Instead of placing your plants in separate pots or beds, you stack or hang them—saving floor space. This might be a wall of herbs, a stackable container, or something like the Garden Tower 2, which fits up to 50 plants in just four square feet.
It’s great for small patios, courtyards, balconies, or anywhere with limited ground space.
👉 Not sure what vertical gardening involves? Start here with my beginner’s guide.
🪟 What Is Container Gardening?
Container gardening is the classic method of growing plants in pots, tubs, or planters. You can move them around, group them together, or spread them out as needed.
It’s flexible, easy to start, and great if you like experimenting with different plants.
🔼 Vertical Gardening – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Saves tons of space (ideal for small areas)
- Often less bending and kneeling
- Keeps your garden looking neat and organised
- Can include composting (like in the Garden Tower 2)
- Looks great on patios or balconies
❌ Cons:
- Initial setup can cost more
- Less room for deep-rooted crops
- Needs good sunlight and balance to avoid shadowing
🪴 Container Gardening – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Very flexible—move pots around as needed
- Works for almost any plant, including root vegetables
- Easy to get started with just one pot and a bag of soil
- Great for beginners on a budget
❌ Cons:
- Takes up more horizontal space
- Lots of containers = lots of watering
- Can look cluttered or messy without a system
🔍 Key Differences – Which Works Best For You?
Let’s break it down:
| Scenario | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Tiny patio or balcony | Vertical Gardening |
| Budget under $30 | Container Gardening |
| Want to grow a variety of herbs and greens | Vertical |
| Growing carrots, potatoes, or large tomatoes | Container |
| You like flexibility & moving plants | Container |
| You want neat, organised growing | Vertical |
👉 Best of both worlds? Use a vertical system as your main grower, and a few containers for extras like root crops or large pots of basil.
🧠 Can You Combine Both?
Absolutely. In fact, this is what I plan to do myself.
A vertical system like the Garden Tower 2 gives you 50 pockets for herbs, greens, strawberries, and compact veggies—all in a small footprint.
Add a couple of containers nearby for things like carrots, potatoes, or a big tomato plant—and you’ve got yourself a productive little garden.
✅ Smart use of space, resources, and sunlight—no digging required.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re just starting out, either method will help you grow your own food—even in a small area.
But if you’re short on space and want a tidy, low-maintenance system with a big yield, vertical gardening is hard to beat.
I highly recommend checking out the Garden Tower 2—it’s one of the most space-efficient systems out there, and it includes built-in composting too.
👉 Read my honest review here if you want to see how it works and whether it’s a good fit for your space.
📚 What’s Next?
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful next articles:
- 🌿 What Is Vertical Gardening? A Beginner’s Guide
- 🥬 What Can You Grow in a Vertical Garden?
- 💧 How to Water a Vertical Garden the Right Way
- 🪴 Garden Tower 2 Review – Is It Worth It?
❓FAQ – Vertical vs Container Gardening
Can I use both vertical and container gardening in a small space?
Yes! In fact, combining them gives you the most flexibility. Vertical for herbs and greens, containers for larger or deeper-rooted crops.
Which method is better for beginners?
Container gardening is easier to start with—but vertical gardening gives bigger results once you get the hang of it.
Is vertical gardening worth the cost?
If you’re serious about growing food in a small area, yes. A system like the Garden Tower 2 saves space and time and can last for years.