How to make a vertical garden in your balcony using waste plastic containers

As the size of urban land is diminishing and people's concern for the environment is growing, the use of waste plastic containers for gardening is a great method for growing plants in an environment-friendly manner. It not only decorates the balcony area of your house but also supports the causes of reusing and recycling for a healthy lifestyle. Here's how you can make a vertical garden at home with a few easy steps:

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First of all, collect some waste plastic bottles, cans, or containers like water, oil, and detergent packs. Clean them properly by washing away any leftover material inside. Create planting sites on one side of them and some draining holes on the bottom to avoid waterlogged plants.

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Choose a wall or a railing which gets sufficient sunlight, ranging between 4 to 6 hours per day. The surface should support the weight of a number of pots. South or eastern-facing balconies are considered to be the best.

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The use of strong ropes, metal wires, hooks, wooden frames, or wall-mounted racks helps to stack the containers in a vertical position. The system should be securely fixed in order to prevent accidents, especially in cases where there is wind or rain. The design of the supportive system helps in achieving stability and making optimal use of the balcony space.

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Use a light, well-drained soil mix. For this, you can use a combination of garden soil, compost, or coco peat. Don’t use heavy garden soil as this would weigh down the plant unnecessarily. Use organic compost, which would help improve soil quality.

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Select plants with shallow root systems like herbs (mint, coriander, and basil), leafy vegetables (spinach and lettuce), and flowers such as petunias. These plants can thrive in potted and vertical garden setups. Plant variety and sunlight availability are crucial for the constant growth of plants.

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Vertical gardens lose moisture faster compared to ground gardens. The soil in these gardens should be kept moist with the help of a drip irrigation system, spray bottle, or drip bottle made from recycled bottles. This will help the excess water drain freely, thereby inhibiting the growth of fungi, which causes root rot in plants.

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Prune the plants, eliminate the dry leaves, and look for pests. Turn the planters periodically to allow equal sun exposure. Using organic fertiliser at an interval of a few weeks accelerates plant growth. By maintaining the above practices, your vertical garden will remain lush and productive.

Creating a vertical garden on your balcony using wasted plastic containers actually has many benefits. It will help you save the plastic from being wasted, improve the air you breathe, and even add green to your home. With careful planning, even a small balcony can be turned into a green haven that promotes sustainable living.

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