The Best Vertical Planting Techniques for Greenhouse Efficiency

The Best Vertical Planting Techniques for Greenhouse Efficiency

Picture this: I'm standing in my small greenhouse, surrounded by a jungle of vegetables. They're not just growing on the ground, but up the walls and hanging from the ceiling like a scene from a gardener's fairytale. 

Sounds magical, right? Well, let me tell you, it's not just a dream – it's my reality, and it can be yours too!

Vertical planting in greenhouses isn't just a space-saving trick—it's a game-changer for efficiency and productivity.

Are you ready to elevate your greenhouse game? Let's explore the best vertical planting techniques to transform your greenhouse!

1. Hanging Baskets: The Sky's the Limit!

One of Planta’s Greenhouses’ clients shared a brilliant idea: "Getting my hanging, floating shelves ready for another season! When not in use, I just unhook the chains and fold them down when space is required for larger plants!"

Here's how to make it work:

  • Use lightweight chains to hang baskets or shelves from your greenhouse roof
  • Opt for S-hooks for easy attachment and removal
  • Choose 4-foot x 16-inch sections for optimal size
  • Perfect for seed trays and small pots (avoid heavy planters)

Pro tip: Take advantage of your greenhouse's design. One satisfied Planta Greenhouse owner noted, "Because of Planta's rounded arch design, it makes things incredibly strong!"

Picture by one of Planta Greenhouses’ customers

2. Wire Shelving: Versatile and Sturdy

You can also use 36-wide wire shelves, which fit nicely between the Sungrow frames and are available in 14", 18", 21", and 24" depths. 

Shelves are supported on the back with conduit and hung in the front with wire cable and adjustable hooks.

Why wire shelving rocks:

  • Allows air circulation and light penetration
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Adjustable heights for different plant needs
  • Great for seedlings, herbs, and smaller veggies

Picture by one of Planta Greenhouses’ customers

3. Raised Beds with a Twist

Who says raised beds are just for outdoor gardens? Bring them into your greenhouse for a perfect vertical and traditional planting blend. 

As one happy gardener shared, "I love my raised beds. Also have some shelves for trays. I grow tomatoes, basil, corn, cucumbers and am trying sweet potatoes in the beds."

Maximize your space:

  • Install raised beds along one side of your greenhouse
  • Use the other side for shelving (lower shelves for storage, upper for seed starting)
  • Mix tall and short plants in your beds for natural vertical growth

Picture by one of Planta Greenhouses’ customers

4. DIY Pallet Paradise

On a budget? No problem! 

One resourceful gardener shared, "This being my first year and wanting to grow for a season before building anything inside, I am using pallets set on top of standing cinder blocks. It has worked pretty well for me so far this summer."

Pallet planting tips:

  • Clean and sand pallets to prevent splinters
  • Line with landscape fabric before adding soil
  • Plant shallow-rooted crops like lettuce, herbs, and strawberries
  • Paint or stain for a more polished look (use non-toxic products!)

5. Gutter Gardens: Strawberry Heaven

Here's an ingenious idea from a berry-loving customer: "We ended up purchasing 2 10 ft gutter sections. They were very flexible and we positioned them to sit on the brace brackets. Ingenious! 

My strawberries are doing well between the hanging baskets, a few planters, and the gutters."

Gutter garden how-to:

  • Choose food-safe gutters or line with food-safe material
  • Drill drainage holes every few inches
  • Secure gutters to greenhouse frame or hang with sturdy chains
  • Perfect for strawberries, lettuce, and herbs

Picture by one of Planta Greenhouses’ customers

6. Vertical Trellises: Climb On!

Remember about using natural climbers! Install trellises or strings so plants like cucumbers, peas, and pole beans can grow upwards.

Trellis tips:

  • Use sturdy materials that can support plant weight when fully grown
  • Position trellises to avoid shading other plants
  • Try A-frame designs for double-sided planting

Safety First!

Before hanging everything in sight, remember it is safe to hang plants and accessories on a Sungrow greenhouse since each internal reinforcement arch can withstand up to 100 lbs/45.3 Kg. 

In the Sigma series, you can pre-drill the holes in the framing and hang small things. We suggest hanging nothing heavier than 5 – 10 lbs / 2.2 – 4.5 Kg per arch.

Get Creative and Grow Up!

The beauty of vertical gardening is that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. I encourage you to mix and match these techniques—that's how I stumbled upon my perfect setup.

If you're just starting and feeling a bit overwhelmed, don't worry. We've all been there. 

Take it one step (or one shelf!) at a time. Before you know it, you'll be giving tours of your vertical veggie paradise.

Ready to reach for the stars with your planting? Check out our selection of DIY greenhouse kits and our growing guides to start planning your vertical paradise today! 

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