What You Can't Grow in a Tower Garden

Tower gardens are a vertically stacked hydroponic system, perfect for growing a variety of plants without the need for deep soil or a large amount of horizontal space. However, not all plants thrive in this environment. Here are some types of plants that are generally not suitable for tower gardens:

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions require deep soil for their root systems, which is not provided by the shallow soil in a tower garden. These plants will struggle to develop properly without the necessary depth, leading to stunted growth or poor yield.

Large Fruits

Larger fruits, such as pumpkins, watermelons, and squash, typically need more space and support than a tower garden can provide. These plants require significant room to spread out their vines or to hang below the support structures, which is often not feasible in a vertical garden setup.

Bamboo and Certain Trees

Bamboos and certain trees have extensive root systems and require much more space to grow. The limited space in a tower garden does not provide the necessary environment for these plants to develop properly, making them unsuitable for vertical gardening.

Plants with Extensive Roots

Any plant that has a large or deep root structure is likely to struggle in a tower garden. The vertical growth constraints and shallow soil can limit the plant's ability to expand its root system, resulting in poor growth and reduced yield.

Certain Perennials

Perennials often take longer to establish and may not thrive in the limited space and controlled conditions of a tower garden. Plants like strawberries and cherry tomatoes can do well in a tower garden, but many other perennials may face challenges with root development and overall plant health.

Potential Challenges and Lessons Learned

From personal experience, I found that many root vegetables, including carrots and potatoes, did not grow well in a tower garden. Similarly, while I could successfully grow leafy crops and dwarf peas and beans, strawberries presented a unique challenge. Despite thriving the first year, they struggled to survive the harsh Canadian winter, leading to poor growth the following year. This demonstrates the importance of considering the climatic conditions and the specific needs of each plant when planning your tower garden.

Guidance for Optimal Results

For the best results, tower gardens are ideal for growing leafy greens, herbs, and small fruiting plants like strawberries and cherry tomatoes. These plants have shallow root systems and can adapt well to the unique vertical growing conditions. On the other hand, vegetables that take up lots of room and might take over the garden, such as cucumbers or green beans, are not the smartest choice for a tower garden.

Conclusion

While tower gardens offer a convenient and space-efficient way to grow a variety of plants, it is important to be aware of the types of plants that may not thrive in this environment. Understanding the specific needs of each plant and choosing the right species for your tower garden will help ensure a successful and bountiful harvest.