9 Easy-to-Grow Crops for Your First Vertical Garden

Introduction:

Are you planning to start a vertical garden and looking for beginner-friendly crops to grow? You’re in luck! These herbs and salad greens are not only simple to cultivate but also yield satisfying results. Even if you’re new to a green wall vertical garden, these resilient crops will ensure your efforts are rewarding and enjoyable.

1. Chives: Chives are perennial plants best suited for early spring planting. With their mild onion flavor and lovely lilac blossoms, they serve as a versatile ingredient in dips and salads. While chives thrive in full sun outdoors, they can also be grown indoors near a sunny window. Keeping the plants adequately moist and adding fertilizer during flowering will maximize your yield. Harvest chives every few months in the first year and monthly thereafter, freezing any surplus for later use.
2. Cilantro: Cilantro, also known as coriander or dhania, is an annual herb ideal for fall planting. While its leaves are referred to as cilantro, coriander signifies the seeds used as a spice. Cilantro prefers full sun, and pinching back the seedlings promotes fuller growth and a bountiful harvest. Interestingly, personal taste preferences for coriander may be influenced by genetic factors. Regardless, cilantro adds an exotic flavor to various dishes.
3. Lettuce: Lettuce, a cool-season crop, flourishes during spring and fall. Most lettuce varieties are annual, but a few perennials exist as well. Home-grown, organic lettuce offers superior taste and higher vitamin A content compared to store-bought alternatives. While lettuce thrives in full sun, providing some afternoon shade in hot regions is beneficial. Regular watering and mulching will help maintain crisp, tender leaves for salads and sandwiches.
4. Mint: Mint, a highly resilient perennial herb, comes in various aromatic varieties like pineapple mint and chocolate mint. It adds a refreshing touch to dishes, teas, and beverages. Mint prefers full sun and regular watering but is otherwise low-maintenance. It can be propagated easily by planting cuttings in new containers.
5. Parsley: Parsley, a biennial herb from the dill family, is a versatile ingredient used in sauces, soups, salads, and garnishes. With its richness in iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, it offers both flavor and nutritional benefits. Parsley thrives in full sun, making it suitable for outdoor growth. If grown indoors, it requires at least five hours of sunlight per day. Harvesting, drying, and storing parsley allow for future use.
6. Rocket (Arugula): Rocket, also known as arugula, is a peppery perennial herb that enhances the taste of salads, cheeses, and various dishes. It grows quickly and prefers moderate sunlight. In hot regions, providing some afternoon shade is recommended. Harvesting the outer leaves while leaving the inner ones intact promotes plant growth and higher yields throughout the season.
7. Spinach: Spinach, an annual crop related to beets and Swiss chard, is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. While spinach prefers full sun, it thrives in cooler climates, making fall the ideal planting season. Regular watering is essential, especially if the leaves appear limp. Monitoring the moisture levels and finding the appropriate watering schedule is crucial.
8. Swiss Chard: Swiss chard, belonging to the same family as spinach, can easily substitute for it in recipes. Although it is an annual plant, Swiss chard can exhibit perennial characteristics if well cared for. It prefers full sun and is best planted in early spring or fall. The plant’s colorful varieties make it an attractive addition to your vertical garden.
9. Thyme: Thyme, a staple herb in the kitchen, is a full-sun perennial plant best planted in spring. When choosing seedlings, opt for the culinary variety. Thyme is heat-tolerant, requires minimal care, and possesses robust qualities. Harvesting before flowering ensures the best flavor. Drying and preserving thyme allows for extended storage while retaining its flavor.

Conclusion: Embarking on your first vertical garden shouldn’t be intimidating. By selecting these low-maintenance and resilient crops, you’ll soon witness a flourishing and productive green wall. Embrace the journey, and enjoy the rewards of cultivating your own herbs and salad greens.