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How to create a living wall

How to create a living wall

Discover how to create a 'living wall' of herbs, vegetables, annuals or perennial plants, with our easy practical guide.

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To do
To do

Do not To do in January

Do not To do in February

Do To do in March

Do To do in April

Do To do in May

Do not To do in June

Do not To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do not To do in September

Do not To do in October

Do not To do in November

Do not To do in December

Living walls are ideal features for small gardens, as they bring life to an otherwise unused space. They can be planted with annuals, perennials, herbs or vegetables, providing a welcome splash of colour. Simple kits are now readily available, enabling you to create a stylish living wall in a number of locations.

Living wall systems are sold in kit form, and can be scaled up or down to suit your space and budget – even one panel makes an impact. They’re easy to put together and can be planted up in a weekend, then attached to a sturdy fence or wall. You can usually buy built-in watering systems for your living wall; some can be supplied with a top box for filling with a watering can if you can’t use the mains.

Group them in vertical or angled drifts, not horizontally, as this will prevent the higher plants shading out those below. If you interlink these drifts you can create a lovely tapestry-like effect.

The best living wall plants should be relatively compact – less than 50cm, or be able to withstand regular pruning. Group them in vertical or angled drifts, not horizontally, as this will prevent the higher plants shading out those below. If you interlink these drifts you can create a lovely tapestry-like effect. Alternatively, try grouping the plants in bold squares or rectangles for a modern look. Introduce the plants at a small size (ideally as plug plants), as this will make it easier for them to get established.

Learn how to assemble a living wall kit, with our guide.

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You Will Need

  • Living wall panels or modules, to fit your space
  • Wood screws, self-tapping
  • Drip irrigation system, installed according to manufacturer's instructions. Connect to mains water supply using a 13mm pipe (the same width as the hosepipe) fitted with a 13mm-4mm reducer
  • Water tank, (optional)
  • Cable ties
  • Watering can, with a fine rose
  • Multipurpose, peat-free compost
  • Plug plants
  • Teaspoon

Total time:

Step 1

Assemble the tray and place it in the metal frame, then fix the 4mm irrigation tube in place, clicking it into position so the drippers are in the correct location.

Living wall - assembling the tray
Living wall – assembling the tray

Step 2

Fill the tray with peat-free, multipurpose compost, ideally which contains slow-release fertiliser. Firm down, then attach the top panel using cable ties. Water using a can with a rose to settle the compost.

Living wall - adding peat-free compost
Living wall – adding peat-free compost

Step 3

Plant a plug into each module, using a teaspoon to make a hole in the compost. Plant a single variety in each tray or plant drifts of varieties in angled ‘ribbons’ across panels, for a more natural effect.

Living wall - planting plugs in modules
Living wall – planting plugs in modules

Step 4

Thoroughly water in the plants using your watering can. This is the last chance you’ll have to water the plants before they’re fitted in the vertical position and you switch to the irrigation system.

Living wall - watering the plants
Living wall – watering the plants

Step 5

Using wood screws, attach the living wall brackets supplied with the kit, to your fence or wall. Then hang your tray from the brackets. Add more trays to fill the vertical space.

Living wall - fixing the wall in position
Living wall – fixing the wall in position

Step 6

Connect the in-built irrigation system from one tray to the next, then attach to the mains water supply.

Living wall - connecting the irrigation system
Living wall – connecting the irrigation system
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