Materials:
• Planter box
• Wire hardware cloth (1/2-inch mesh)
• Light mixture of soil
• Wire cutter
• Staple gun with staples
• Garden gloves
• Variety of succulent plants to fill the plante
Vertical Garden:
Vertical succulent gardens provide the opportunity to use all available space in a small area. They can be any size, lean against a rock, or hang on a wall.
Why succulents:
Succulents have very shallow root systems and grow in little soil. They are able to go for long periods of time without water, making them ideal for vertical gardens.
Prepare Plants:
First, prepare the plants. All stems should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Prepare enough cuttings to fill the entire planter box. Store cuttings in a cool, shady place for several days until a callus forms over the dead end; this prevents rotting.
Prepare Planter:
Construct your own box, or look for old soda boxes for a fraction of the cost. Attach the hardware cloth to the front of the planter with the staple gun. It can be stapled to the front edge, or for a cleaner look, fold the wire mesh and staple to fit inside the box. Fill the planter box with a light mixture of soil. You will have to work the soil through the wire mesh with your fingers. Shake the box to distribute the soil evenly. Fill until soil level is just under the wire mesh.
Plant the Garden:
Arrange the succulents in the planter box, using the larger plants as focal points. Push the stems through the wire mesh. Plant larger succulents first, then fill in with smaller plants. Do not water until roots form. This will take about two weeks. Once roots begin to form, start watering, keeping the soil damp. Do not over water. In approximately 8-12 weeks, when the plants are well rooted, the planter can be hung vertically, tilted on a large rock, or propped against a wall.
Maintenance:
Place the succulent garden where it will receive filtered sun. Rotate the frame occasionally. Water once a week by removing the planter from the wall and laying it horizontal. Let water drain for 1-2 hours, and re-hang. Trim and thin plants as needed. Replace plants that are not thriving.
