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Vertical Gardening: Grow Up, Not Out, for More Vegetables and Flowers in Much Less Space
The biggest mistake gardeners make each season is starting out too big and then quickly realizing their large plot requires too much weeding, watering, and backbreaking labor. Vertical gardening guarantees a better outcome from the day the trowel hits the soil—by shrinking the amount of "floor" space needed and focusing on climbing plants that are less prone to insects, diseases, and animal pests.
Notable author and gardener Derek Fell has tried and tested thousands of varieties of vegetables, flowers, and fruits and recommends the best plants for space-saving vertical gardening. His grow-up, grow-down system also shows which ground-level plants make good companions underneath and alongside climbing plants. Best of all, many of Fell's greatest climbers and mutually beneficial plants are available in seed packets in every local garden center.
With a mix of DIY and commercially available string supports, trellises, pergolas, raised beds, skyscraper gardens, and topsy-turvy planters, the vertical garden system reduces work, increases yields, makes harvesting easier, and can be practiced in spaces as small as a container or a one-by-four-foot strip. Vertical Gardening features 100 color photos of the author's own vertical methods and showcases beautiful, troublefree perennials, shrubs, vegetables, annuals, and fruit perfect for this new, rewarding way to garden.
Notable author and gardener Derek Fell has tried and tested thousands of varieties of vegetables, flowers, and fruits and recommends the best plants for space-saving vertical gardening. His grow-up, grow-down system also shows which ground-level plants make good companions underneath and alongside climbing plants. Best of all, many of Fell's greatest climbers and mutually beneficial plants are available in seed packets in every local garden center.
With a mix of DIY and commercially available string supports, trellises, pergolas, raised beds, skyscraper gardens, and topsy-turvy planters, the vertical garden system reduces work, increases yields, makes harvesting easier, and can be practiced in spaces as small as a container or a one-by-four-foot strip. Vertical Gardening features 100 color photos of the author's own vertical methods and showcases beautiful, troublefree perennials, shrubs, vegetables, annuals, and fruit perfect for this new, rewarding way to garden.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
270 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 14, 2012
Whenever I hear the word "gardening", I always think "vegetable gardening". I have a really hard time understanding why people like to grow things they can't eat. It's a failing of mine, I know.
I was very disappointed by this book because only half of it was about things you can eat. That is approximately 100% less food gardening than I wanted. There also wasn't anything really new. The pictures were pretty, though.
I was very disappointed by this book because only half of it was about things you can eat. That is approximately 100% less food gardening than I wanted. There also wasn't anything really new. The pictures were pretty, though.
March 19, 2023
A lot of good information. I’m excited to try some of it out !
June 22, 2015
Like so many gardening books, this one has a premise that really could be summed up in a single magazine article or blog post: Growing plants upwards, instead of letting them sprawl on the ground. The idea is certainly a space saving one - and has added benefits such as less tilling or conditioning of the soil. The author even claims that vegetables grown in this manner taste better - perhaps because more of the leaves get good sun exposure. The two best chapters give examples and how-tos for good growing supports, including trellises and stacking pots, and cover specific plants that are suitable for growing vertically. Some of the later may surprise certain readers, for they include hefty veggies like watermelons, muskmelons, and bigger squash. Oddly, while there is a photo of a melon hanging in a sling or hammock so that it doesn't fall off its vertically-grown vine, this method is mentioned briefly only once - in the watermelon paragraphs. It seems an odd omission not to talk about this in more depth. The rest of the chapters are basic gardening information like learning to compost, seed start, etc.
July 3, 2012
A bit repetitions (okay, a lot) but I gleaned some good information. I'm excited to grow climbing spaghetti squash next year!!
I'll be honest...I totally skipped the end chapters about decorative vines. I. Do. Not. Care.
I'll be honest...I totally skipped the end chapters about decorative vines. I. Do. Not. Care.
January 9, 2026
It is a permaculture understanding that growing upwards is a way of making the most of all available space, whether you have a lot or a little. And so, I decided to read about vertical gardening in order to see what I could do in 2026 to start to prepare for the day when I need to reduce the amount of land I grow on. That isn't yet but there is nothing wrong with preparing.
The book is full of information about composting, choosing a site, preparing the soil, sowing seeds, pests etc with only a small proportion about actually growing upwards. I was, however, interested in the different types of trellising that you can make out of bamboo canes, poles and netting. I am not a fan of netting because it is is almost impossible to remove the plants from it at the end of the season but I could use netting made of hemp that would rot down in the compost bin.
It was also good to be reminded about trailing or cascade planters like those you see for strawberries and you can build these out of plant pots of decreasing size. I also liked the inclusion of the tiered plant stands that would look good on our patio and so I will get one or two of these. Charles Dowding has dabbled with vertical growing in wooden barrels but I wasn't that impressed with the harvest for the volume of material needed in the barrels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylFM7...
According to the author, one of the advantages of vertical growing is the narrower beds needed. The roots will need the same amount of space but this could be underneath paths as long as the bed is wide enough for the structure to grow up and the plants.
The audience for this book is beginner growers who need some information on pests, making compost, soil type etc but there is little new in it for more experienced growers.
The book is full of information about composting, choosing a site, preparing the soil, sowing seeds, pests etc with only a small proportion about actually growing upwards. I was, however, interested in the different types of trellising that you can make out of bamboo canes, poles and netting. I am not a fan of netting because it is is almost impossible to remove the plants from it at the end of the season but I could use netting made of hemp that would rot down in the compost bin.
It was also good to be reminded about trailing or cascade planters like those you see for strawberries and you can build these out of plant pots of decreasing size. I also liked the inclusion of the tiered plant stands that would look good on our patio and so I will get one or two of these. Charles Dowding has dabbled with vertical growing in wooden barrels but I wasn't that impressed with the harvest for the volume of material needed in the barrels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylFM7...
According to the author, one of the advantages of vertical growing is the narrower beds needed. The roots will need the same amount of space but this could be underneath paths as long as the bed is wide enough for the structure to grow up and the plants.
The audience for this book is beginner growers who need some information on pests, making compost, soil type etc but there is little new in it for more experienced growers.
April 8, 2020
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is the motto I cling to when it comes to all things gardening. I have failed more often than I’ve succeeded when it comes to growing and nurturing plants, but I keep learning and am hopeful that one day I’ll have a glorious yard to relish as a result.
This inspiring read by acclaimed gardener Derek Fell covers topics ranging from what a vertical garden is to composting to lists of specific vegetables, fruits, annuals, and perennials that are suited to growing on a trellis or in some vertical fashion. Lots of helpful tips. This will be a handy reference as I plan out our new backyard landscape. Here’s hoping for success!
This inspiring read by acclaimed gardener Derek Fell covers topics ranging from what a vertical garden is to composting to lists of specific vegetables, fruits, annuals, and perennials that are suited to growing on a trellis or in some vertical fashion. Lots of helpful tips. This will be a handy reference as I plan out our new backyard landscape. Here’s hoping for success!
February 21, 2022
Fantastic reference that's easy to read. He's got a wealth of information, much of which I'm looking forward to using in my garden. I started the book wanting to grow vertically, but frustrated because I felt it was too expensive to purchase nice trellises. But he's got tons of ideas for how to build sturdy trellises, some of them from natural materials you can grow yourself. After the discussion of the various trellis options, he goes into a short but useful section of pests and disease, and then a large section going into detail on veggies, fruits, and flowers suitable for growing vertically. It's a fantastic reference I expect to use a long time.
August 11, 2021
If you have a small space to garden: this book is perfect as there are so many different ideas. There are other reasons and means to use vertical gardening strategies. This book also also has so much other information: I learned a lot from a quick read of a library book but I plan to buy this book as a reference. I’d never heard of climbing spinach, beans with sky blue flowers and Tigger melons. I wish the colour photos were inserted into the corresponding chapters but lots of good diagrams included as reading along.
December 17, 2018
A very practical guide to vertical gardening - I wish it had had more photos and a few more tips on training things like tomatoes to grow upwards. I had a search online after finishing this book and again wished for more photos of Fell's farm and some of the gardeners/garden designers he mentions here and there.
Lots of good ideas for how to make it work and the trellises and such do not seem overly complicated to fashion. I'm eager to give this a try!
Lots of good ideas for how to make it work and the trellises and such do not seem overly complicated to fashion. I'm eager to give this a try!
March 21, 2021
After reading several gardening books general info between authors is the same or similar. I skimmed over what I already know and skipped what doesn't work in my Zone 3 climate. I echo other reviews which note the author is a bit repetitive. Overall 2.5 stars: it's good, descriptive, and informative. I learned a few new things, took away a page of notes and am inspired by the trellis ideas.
April 30, 2019
I was really hoping this book would offer more comprehensive look at the structural aspect of vertical gardening. He does offer some suggestions, but I found it lacking.
There is still good info in this book, and I am glad I read it.
There is still good info in this book, and I am glad I read it.
February 15, 2018
Not a bad overview - lots of good ideas for a small vertical garden space
February 16, 2020
Lots of unique ideas presented. Lots of detailed information. Great resource.
February 28, 2020
Good book that gives good information.
January 18, 2021
I think it would be best suited for beginners, and with the Internet, has become a bit outdated with its ideas. I was hoping to be inspired with unique ideas, but I had seen most of this before.
April 15, 2021
One of the top 5 books in my gardening library. My vertical garden is looking amazing!
February 27, 2022
Beginners a plus
I learned a lot from this book, I would highly recommend it for beginners and experts alike.☺
Has a lot of good ideas too.
I learned a lot from this book, I would highly recommend it for beginners and experts alike.☺
Has a lot of good ideas too.
February 8, 2017
Love it! Lots of practical advice and inspiration.
January 25, 2012
I was disappointed, having heard the author interviewed on "You Bet Your Garden." Was expecting more pictures, particularly of ideas for vertical gardening in more extreme climates. Far too many of his photos are of adorable English cottage gardens, which are lovely, but difficult to transfer to my hot and drought-ridden Oklahoma garden. I don't need another set of instructions on how to build a raised bed or compost pile. The author gives recommendations for vegetable varieties appropriate for vertical gardening, but in one case that variety is one he says is unavailable unless you happen to be one of the people he shares seed with.
June 21, 2013
This book was quite informative. I've been trying to figure out the best way to use the limited space in my yard to grow vegetables and vertical gardening could very well be the solution.
The book clearly explains how to support vertical vining plants with techniques like trellises, arches, and netting. It also has a list of plants that you can grow vertically and what zones they grow in. It divides the plants into vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. The book also explains how to compost and how to control pests without chemicals.
All and all it's a good starting point for a beginner like me.
The book clearly explains how to support vertical vining plants with techniques like trellises, arches, and netting. It also has a list of plants that you can grow vertically and what zones they grow in. It divides the plants into vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. The book also explains how to compost and how to control pests without chemicals.
All and all it's a good starting point for a beginner like me.
June 4, 2012
Great resource - trying a few different trellising techniques b/c of this book. Contains a comprehensive list of edibles and ornamentals for trellising, good info on building your own trellises, as well as helpful time and money-saving techniques. Plenty of photographs but I wish they were all colour instead of mostly black and white.
June 28, 2012
Wonderful book. Great list of foods and other plants that can be grown using trellises of one sort or another. I appreciated the additional personal comments added to some of the plants Derek added to this book.
I borrowed this from the library and now have to get it for my home collection so I can start marking it up.
I borrowed this from the library and now have to get it for my home collection so I can start marking it up.
March 16, 2014
It is a good book but it contains a lot of information that I would consider good for beginner gardeners. It would be a great book for beginners. Although I did find good info on vertical gardening. He also tends to repeat himself sometimes through out the book. so I found myself skimming a fair bit.
October 17, 2015
Another book I wish I could give 3.5 stars too. Lots of helpful information. Fell nods to multiple gardening trends and incorporates them into his vertical approach to gardening. My only complaint I would say was that it was redundant in places (i.e., repeating the benefits of vertical gardening in pest control, etc.). The sketches of kinds of trellises were especially helpful.
September 29, 2011
I've got so many ideas for next year, and, although I took copious notes, I'll definitely have to check it out from the library again.
April 16, 2012
Good information. Worth another read someday.
May 29, 2012
Great garden ideas that I need to try out especially his Skyscraper system. I know I can put something like this in my own raised beds this summer!!
April 2, 2013
can't wait to try out the great looking frames to hold up my plants
September 25, 2013
Good book. Great source of ideas, but as said for this book, it is very repetitive. Would've liked more illustrations, particularly about garden design, optimising sunlight
December 17, 2013
Comprehensive plant list included. Vegetable spaghetti and asparagus beans sound good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews