There’s something so satisfying about transforming a blank outdoor space into a lush, green retreat. Whether you’re looking to add privacy, create a cooling shade, or simply bring fresh air and greenery to your patio, a DIY vertical garden is the perfect project. Dean built ours a couple of summers ago, with a little help from my dad, and it’s become one of my favorite features in our outdoor space.
If you love outdoor projects like this one, you’ll also enjoy the DIY Vintage Window Flower Box tutorial. Both projects are great ways to add greenery and charm to your outdoor spaces, whether you have a small yard or an expansive garden.
DIY Vertical Garden Wall: Step-by-Step
Materials
- Ground spikes (2, 4″ x 4″)
- Cedar posts (2, 4″ x 4″ x 8′)
- Cedar planks (3, 2″ x 6″ x 8′)
- Scrap length of 4″ x 4″
- Lag bolts (8, 1/4″ x 3″)
- Hex wire netting (1 pkg, 24″ x 25′, 1″)
- 3/4″ fence staples
- 19-gauge plated steel wire
- 4″ terra cotta pots (about 35)
- Small plants (30-35)
- Potting soil
Tools
- Sledgehammer
- Scrap wood (to protect materials while hammering)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (for cutting cedar posts and planks)
- Level
- Clamps
- Drill
- Countersink drill bit
- Pliers
- Hammer
Instructions
Here’s how Dean and my dad built this vertical garden step by step. (I’ve included photos for each step to guide you!)
1. Check for utility lines
Before starting, make sure there are no utility wires or pipes in the area. If in doubt, call your local utility company to check (it’s free!).
2. Mark your post locations
Measure and mark where the posts will go. Ours were 7 feet apart.
3. Install ground spikes
Use a sledgehammer and a scrap piece of wood to hammer ground spikes into the ground where marked.
4. Cut cedar posts
Trim the 4″ x 4″ cedar posts to your desired height. Ours are 7 feet tall.
5. Secure posts
Place a post in each ground spike, level it, and tighten the bolts. Repeat for the second post.
6. Attach planks
Clamp two 2″ x 6″ planks to the top of the posts (front and back). Adjust so the overhang is even on all sides, then pre-drill countersunk holes and attach using lag bolts.
7. Add arbor framing (optional)
If you want a decorative top, cut and angle additional planks to your desired size. Secure with brackets or by toe-nailing.
8. Attach wire netting
Unroll and cut the wire netting to fit between the posts. Use fence staples to secure it to the planks and posts, stacking multiple lengths as needed.
9. Join wire netting
Use small wire pieces to connect the seams, ensuring the netting forms a sturdy “wall.”
10. Prep and pot plants
Wrap a wire around each pot and twist to secure. Fill the terra cotta pots with small plants and a bit of soil.
11. Attach pots
Feed the wire ends through the netting, twist them tightly, and adjust the pots as needed.
After about a month or more we adore our DIY vertical garden wall and have received many compliments on it from neighbors and friends. And so far the only drawback has been watering it every day to keep the plants from drying out. We’re already thinking of a way to make it self-watering for next summer – maybe a pump, tubing, and trough system?
FAQs
It took Dean about a weekend to complete, with a little help from my dad.
We used a mix of herbs, small flowers, and climbing vines, but hardy plants suited to your climate work best.
Yes, we currently water it every day. We’re brainstorming a self-watering system for next summer, like tubing and a pump.
Absolutely! Just ensure you have a sturdy, freestanding base or heavy pots to anchor it securely.
More DIY Projects
- How to Build Your Own DIY Vertical Garden Wall
- Foundation Refacing – How to Cover a Cinder Block Foundation
- DIY Vintage Window Flower Box
- How to Install a Flagstone Walkway
- 3 Easy Summer Porch Updates That Make a Big Impact
- 10 Best Pool Deck Ideas to Make Your Space Stylish and Private
- How to Paint Exterior Trim That’s Peeling Without Scraping or Sanding
DIY Vertical Garden Wall Tutorial
Build a DIY vertical garden wall for privacy and greenery! A charming, functional project for any yard or small space. Step-by-step guide.
Materials
- Ground spikes (2, 4" x 4")
- Cedar posts (2, 4" x 4" x 8')
- Cedar planks (3, 2" x 6" x 8')
- Scrap length of 4" x 4"
- Lag bolts (8, 1/4" x 3")
- Hex wire netting (1 pkg, 24" x 25', 1")
- 3/4" fence staples
- 19-gauge plated steel wire
- 4" terra cotta pots (about 35)
- Small plants (30-35)
- Potting soil
Tools
- Sledgehammer
- Scrap wood (to protect materials while hammering)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (for cutting cedar posts and planks)
- Level
- Clamps
- Drill
- Countersink drill bit
- Pliers
- Hammer
Instructions
- Check for utility lines. Ensure no wires or pipes are in your chosen location. Contact your utility company if unsure.
- Mark post locations. Measure and mark the spots for the posts, 7 feet apart.
- Install ground spikes. Hammer ground spikes into the marked spots using a sledgehammer and scrap wood for protection.
- Cut cedar posts. Trim posts to your desired height (ours are 7 feet tall).
Secure posts. Place posts into ground spikes, level them, and tighten bolts. - Attach planks. Clamp planks to the posts, adjust for even overhang, pre-drill holes, and secure with lag bolts.
- Add arbor framing (optional). Cut and angle additional planks for a decorative top; attach using brackets or toe-nailing.
- Attach wire netting. Cut netting to fit between posts. Secure with fence staples, stacking multiple lengths as needed.
- Join wire netting. Use small wire pieces to connect seams and create a sturdy mesh.
- Prep pots and plants. Fill terra cotta pots with soil and plants. Wrap wire around each pot for attachment.
- Attach pots. Feed wire ends through netting and twist to secure. Adjust as needed for balance.
Video Tutorial
Watching Dean build this DIY vertical garden (with my dad’s occasional input!) was so rewarding. It’s transformed our yard into a cozy, green oasis and even become a talking point with friends and neighbors. If you’re dreaming of a similar project, I encourage you to try it. The effort is so worth it! Let me know in the comments if you give it a go or have questions—I’d love to cheer you on.
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