How to Make a Living Vertical Wall

Step outside to inspect the planting area. Determine the amount of sunlight it receives, then select plants accordingly. Access the location of nearby trees, low-hanging branches, permanent structures or overhead utility lines, so the plants you select for the wall fit the scale of the space at maturity. Measure the dimensions of the space and note them.

Spread a line of powdered chalk over the area to form an outline for the screen. Test the pH of the soil at the location with a home soil-testing kit.

Remove weeds, vegetation and debris from over and around the chalk line. Loosen the soil to a depth of 10 inches with a shovel.

Incorporate 3 inches of organic compost into the soil, along with one to two shovelfuls of 10-10-10 fertilizer. Also, add sulfur or lime to the soil, depending on whether you want to increase or decrease the current pH level.

Dig holes for the plants along the line of prepared soil at the same depth as their nursery containers. Space the holes according to the spacing recommended on the plant’s label, or its expected mature height.

Lower the plants into the holes. Back fill soil around each plant until level with the surrounding soil level. Tamp the soil to remove trapped bubbles of air.

Water the soil around each plant lightly with a garden hose. Afterward, water the plants according to their requirements, typically 1 to 2 inches every week. Avoid overwatering the plants, since excess moisture around the roots causes rot.

Install wood or metal trellises along the line if you grow climbing plants. Anchor the lower ends of the trellises in the ground so they support vertical plant growth. Depending on personal preference, construct 6-foot-tall wood lattice trellises using 2-by-2-inch strips, or purchase commercial trellises. However, skip this step if you plant hedges or trees.

Spread 2 inches of mulch over the base of the plants to prevent weed infestations. Inspect the growing plants for signs of pest infestations and treat promptly with insecticides. Snip off old, dry or damaged branches or parts of the plants to maintain aesthetics.