How To Setup a Vertical Garden in a Small Apartment
Learn How To Setup a Vertical Garden in a Small Apartment with this helpful tutorial from Zip Tutorials.
Created By: 
Zip Tutorials
Published on March 27, 2025
10 Steps
Step 1:
Assess Your Space and Light
Start by evaluating your apartment to find the best spot for your vertical garden. Look for a wall or corner that gets at least four to six hours of natural light daily, like near a south-facing window, since most edible or decorative plants thrive in these conditions. If light is limited, consider supplementing with grow lights later. Measure the area to determine how much vertical space you can use, keeping in mind furniture or pathways you don’t want to block.
Step 2:
Choose Your Vertical Structure
Decide on a framework to hold your plants, which will depend on your space and budget. A simple option is a pre-made wall-mounted planter with pockets, available at hardware stores, or you could repurpose a wooden pallet by standing it upright and securing it to the wall. For a custom look, stack shelves or attach PVC pipes vertically to a frame. Ensure whatever you pick is sturdy enough to handle wet soil and can be anchored safely to avoid tipping.
Step 3:
Select Suitable Plants
Pick plants that match your light conditions and apartment lifestyle. Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are great for beginners, needing moderate light and fitting well in small containers. If you’ve got brighter spots, try cherry tomatoes or strawberries. For low-light areas, go with pothos or ferns for greenery. Stick to compact varieties to prevent overcrowding and ensure they won’t outgrow your setup too quickly.
Step 4:
Gather Your Supplies
Collect everything you’ll need before assembling your garden. You’ll want pots or containers with drainage holes (or fabric grow bags for lighter weight), potting soil mixed with perlite for drainage, a watering can with a narrow spout, and small gardening tools like a trowel. If your structure doesn’t come with built-in holders, grab hooks or brackets to secure containers. A drip tray or plastic liner might also help protect your floor from spills.
Step 5:
Prepare the Structure
Set up your chosen framework by following its instructions or customizing it to your space. If using a pallet, sand it down to avoid splinters and attach landscape fabric to the back to hold soil. For shelves or pipes, mount them securely to the wall with screws and anchors, checking they’re level so plants sit evenly. Test the stability by gently pressing on it—wet soil adds weight, so it needs to hold firm.
Step 6:
Fill Containers with Soil
Scoop potting soil into your containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for watering. Mix in perlite or vermiculite to keep the soil light and well-draining, since apartments don’t handle soggy messes well. Press the soil down gently but don’t pack it too tight—roots need room to breathe. If you’re reusing containers, wash them first to avoid pests or mold sneaking in.
Step 7:
Plant Your Selections
Dig small holes in the soil with your trowel or fingers, spacing them according to each plant’s needs—herbs can be snug, but tomatoes need more room. Gently remove plants from their nursery pots, tease the roots apart if they’re tangled, and nestle them into the holes. Cover the roots with soil and press lightly to secure them. Water immediately after planting to help them settle in.
Step 8:
Attach Containers to the Structure
Place your filled containers onto the vertical framework, ensuring they’re secure and won’t tip. If using a pocket planter, slide plants directly into the slots. For shelves, arrange pots evenly to balance the weight, and for pipes, slot them into pre-cut holes. Double-check that everything stays put when you let go—adjust hooks or brackets if anything feels wobbly.
Step 9:
Set Up a Watering Routine
Establish a consistent watering schedule since vertical gardens dry out faster than ground setups. Check soil daily by touching it—water when it feels dry an inch down, using your narrow-spout can to avoid splashing walls or floors. Aim for morning watering to mimic natural cycles, and place a tray underneath to catch drips. Overwatering’s a risk in small spaces, so pour slowly and stop when you see runoff.
Step 10:
Maintain and Enjoy Your Garden
Keep your vertical garden thriving by trimming dead leaves or overgrown stems with scissors to encourage new growth. Rotate pots every couple of weeks if light is uneven, so all plants get their share. Watch for pests like aphids and wipe them off with soapy water if they appear. Fertilize lightly every month with a liquid plant food, and soon you’ll have fresh herbs or decor right in your apartment.
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