First things first. Before you buy anything, the smart thing to do is to plan out where you’re going to put your garden, what kind of plants you’re going to put in it (decorative, succulent, food, etc.) and how much space it’s going to take up. All these things can significantly impact how well your garden grows, from the location determining how much sun your garden gets, size impacting where you can install it, and some plants needing special care depending on those factors. Planning will give you a good overall idea of your garden and save you time and effort down the line.

Your base is what your plants will be installed onto. There are so many options available, from kits with plastic or metal frames to more DIY options like wooden pallets, vertical box planters and more. Decide what your budget allows for time, effort and money, and choose a base that will give you the results you’re looking for. Other things to keep in mind include:
- How are you going to water your plants?
- How are your plants going to be installed onto/into the base?
- How are you going to attach it to the wall, or keep it upright?-
-Will my chosen frame withstand the elements, or does it need further treatment?

Now it’s time to get things growing! If you’ve chosen a frame kit there are often pots that attach easily and quickly to the frame. If not, you’re going to have to figure out how to install your own. There are a few options for DIY pots, but the most popular ones are fabric plant pockets that attach directly to your frame, or specialised plastic pots that you can screw in. Most people opt for pots or pockets with good drainage, as water will drain from one pot to the next when place properly on your frame. Remember to use potting mix and not dirt from your garden! Potting mix will drain better and provide more nutrients, giving your plants a head start for growing.

It’s time to get your plant up on the wall. Now depending on the setup you’ve chosen, you might find it easier to set up your frame before you install plants. However, if you’re going for a more permanent set-up, we’ve found it easier to hang everything at the same time. Our DIY systems mount simply with screws and hooks, easily attaching to any wall. Others, like wooden pallets, may need to be screwed and attached directly to the wall. If this is the case, it’s important to install waterproofing, as water running directly down your wall can cause rot, mould and more over time.

The last thing to think about is irrigation. If you have the space and budget, automatic irrigation can make a huge difference for the health of your plants. Installed correctly, it can prevent overwatering, underwatering and ensure water isn’t wasted. You can get the parts you need to build an irrigation system from most gardening or specialty stores. Alternatively, many of our vertical gardens are all compatible with our VIRID automatic irrigation systems, and can be installed easily and quickly.