“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.” – Michael Pollan

Gardening, the act of meeting nature halfway, is a hobby that over 36 million Americans enjoy. But what should you do if you want to try your hand at gardening, but your backyard isn’t big enough for an actual garden? What if your apartment is on the 20th floor, with just a small balcony serving as your only outdoor space?

If you cannot dig in ground-level dirt, vertical gardening is a beautiful way to experience the joys of gardening. By making use of your available vertical space, you can create a gorgeous garden design that satisfies your need to connect with nature. Scroll through our best vertical gardening ideas and discover all the ways you can turn any small space into your own personal Eden.

1. Vertical Planter Garden Ideas

A vertical gardening planter can be made from just about any type of container or material. Basic clay pots, DIY wooden planters, a hanging basket, or even spray-painted tin cans can turn into useful vertical gardening containers. Felt panels covered in pockets are a lightweight type of planter that works well for herbs and succulents.

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If backyard garden space is limited, design a vegetable planter box garden along your deck or patio. Stack each row of a vertical vegetable garden according to the weight of each plant, with heavy plants at ground level and lighter plants up high.

2. Indoor Vertical Garden Ideas

DIY vertical garden ideas aren’t only meant for the great outdoors. A small indoor vertical garden can thrive in a sunny room. A living wall planter for inside the home can be found for around $30, or you can buy a vertical garden stacking system for around $75. Turn an empty corner into a hanging garden area with a hanging planter collection filled with flowering and trailing plants.