Vertical pallet gardens have become a go-to solution for gardeners with limited space from compact balconies to cozy patios and urban courtyards. These creative, space-saving designs allow you to grow a lush wall of greenery and blooms without sacrificing precious floor space. The secret to a thriving vertical garden is choosing the right plants: ones that adapt well to confined pockets of soil and vertical layouts. Here are 10 perfect plants for vertical pallet gardens that will instantly beautify your small space.
1. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)
Strawberries are a charming and practical addition to any vertical pallet garden. Their shallow root systems and trailing growth make them ideal for planting in the pockets of wooden pallets. You’ll enjoy sweet, juicy berries throughout the growing season, along with pretty white flowers. Strawberries prefer well-drained soil and full sun, though they’ll tolerate partial shade. Keep them evenly watered, especially in small containers where soil dries quickly. Bonus: Their trailing habit also creates a beautiful cascading effect down the pallet.
2. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Thyme, Oregano, Parsley)
Fresh herbs thrive in vertical pallet gardens and are incredibly rewarding for home cooks. Herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, mint, and parsley have compact root systems and flourish in the small soil pockets pallets provide. They love bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and ensures a steady supply for your kitchen. Their aromatic leaves also deter pests, making them excellent companion plants. Arrange them in clusters for a fragrant, edible vertical display that’s as beautiful as it is practical.
3. Petunias (Petunia spp.)
Petunias are perfect for adding bold color and texture to vertical pallet gardens. These fast-growing annuals offer a rainbow of blooms that can trail beautifully down the structure. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil and require regular watering during the growing season. Petunias are especially well-suited to vertical spaces because they’re lightweight, prolific bloomers, and tolerant of container life. Choose a mix of colors for a dynamic display, and deadhead spent flowers to keep new blooms coming all season long.
4. Succulents (Sedum, Echeveria, Sempervivum)
Succulents are one of the easiest and most visually striking options for vertical pallet gardens. Their drought-tolerant nature and shallow root systems make them ideal for tight, well-drained spaces. Varieties like sedum, echeveria, and sempervivum come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for creative, mosaic-like displays. They prefer bright, indirect light and minimal watering, making them low-maintenance and perfect for busy gardeners. Arrange them tightly within the pallet for a living wall of sculptural beauty.
5. Fern Varieties (Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern)
For lush, cascading greenery, ferns bring texture and softness to vertical pallet gardens. Varieties like the Boston fern and maidenhair fern flourish in partial to full shade and thrive in consistently moist, well-draining soil. Their delicate fronds spill gracefully over pallet edges, creating a lush, jungle-like vibe. Ferns also help purify indoor and outdoor air, making them as functional as they are attractive. Keep them misted or position your vertical garden in a humid environment for best results.
6. Lettuce and Leafy Greens (Romaine, Arugula, Kale)
Leafy greens are an excellent choice for vertical pallet gardens, offering both aesthetic appeal and a fresh, continuous harvest. Varieties like romaine, arugula, spinach, and kale have shallow roots and grow quickly in small pockets. They thrive in cooler weather and prefer partial sun to light shade. Regularly harvesting outer leaves encourages new growth, making them a sustainable, space-saving crop. Their lush green foliage adds texture and color to your vertical display while providing fresh ingredients for salads and smoothies.
7. Begonias (Begonia semperflorens)
Begonias are beloved for their bright, cheerful blooms and ability to thrive in various light conditions. These easy-care plants feature waxy leaves and clusters of colorful flowers that bloom from spring to fall. They do well in partial shade and tolerate the confined space of pallet garden pockets. Begonias come in a range of colors from bold reds to soft pinks and sunny yellows perfect for creating a vertical wall of floral color. Keep soil lightly moist for best results.
8. Trailing Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums are charming, edible flowering plants ideal for vertical pallet gardens. Known for their bright, jewel-toned blooms and peppery-flavored leaves, nasturtiums trail beautifully from elevated containers. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Nasturtiums grow quickly and can cascade several feet, softening the look of a vertical garden while attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plus, both their leaves and flowers can be used to add a splash of color and spice to salads and dishes.
9. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing, fragrant flower that makes a fantastic addition to vertical pallet gardens. Its delicate clusters of tiny white, pink, or purple flowers cascade beautifully over pallet edges, creating a soft, romantic look. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Sweet alyssum is drought-tolerant once established and attracts beneficial pollinators. Plant it in pockets near the top of your pallet, and let its trailing habit add graceful movement and color to your vertical garden.
10. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are a hardy, easy-to-grow herb that adds both culinary and ornamental value to vertical pallet gardens. Their upright, grass-like foliage is topped by delicate purple pom-pom flowers in late spring and early summer. Chives prefer full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate partial shade. Snipping the leaves regularly encourages new growth and a tidier appearance. Not only are chives useful in the kitchen, but their attractive blooms also add a pop of color and attract pollinators to your small-space garden.