Gardeners with limited space can grow more plants by using trellises and other supports, planting in upright or stacking containers, or by hanging containers from a wall. Creative gardeners plant in everything from upright pallets to over-the-door pocket shoe holders to deep picture frames.

To get started with a vertical garden, examine the planting area (or lack of) and determine the options for that particular space. Is there room for a planter that could house a trellis or more planters stacked on top? Or will the planter(s) need to be extra narrow or attached to something? Another consideration is what types of plants are to be grown. Shallow rooted plants generally do well in a narrow upright planter, but larger vegetables and perennial flowers may require more root space.

Trellising

An in-ground trellis or planter with a trellis are good options for vining plants such as cucumbers, squash, clematis, climbing hydrangea, etc. Use a traditional metal or wood trellis, or any type of upright support that is strong enough to hold the vines. Be sure to seat the bottom of the trellis into the ground or planter to avoid having it fall over from the weight of the vines once the plant grows. Or, attach or lean the trellis against a wall for support.

Fencing panels (available at farm stores) are popular inexpensive options for trellises. Another idea for vegetables and annual flowers is to use suspended twine as a trellis. The twine just needs to be attached to a support above and below where the plant will grow on it.

Stacking planters

Another option with a little ground space is to use stacking planters. There are commercially available options or they can be built out of wood. Think of a pyramid with planting space on the edge of each new level, or a narrow staircase with the top of each step being open for planting.

Hanging or leaning containers

To utilize a wall, make sure it and the planting support(s) are strong enough to handle the weight of the mature plant, soil and water. Also consider if the wall will be exposed to water and if it needs some sort of protective barrier.

Hanging containers can be just about anything. Some gardeners use upright pallets, add support between the slats to hold soil, then plant so that the crop or flowers grow out of the spaces between the slats. Gutters are a popular option for shallow-rooted spring veggies, strawberries and annual flowers. Hang the gutters one above another with just enough room for the plants to grow between them.

Planted picture frames are another idea that are especially fun with succulents. Attach wire mesh (with large enough holes for the plants to grow through) to the front and a sturdier support to the back. Fill with potting mix and insert plants from the front. There are also commercially available planters that mimic the picture frame and pallet ideas or which look like a large piece of felt with pockets for planting.

The options for vertical gardening are only limited by the creativity of the gardener and the crops to be grown, although an extra creative gardener could probably grow anything in a little space.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show.”