Vertical allotments — free-standing systems for growing herbs, vegetables and fruits in the vertical plane — have emerged as one of the biggest gardening trends for 2022. But what exactly are they?
According to Growing Revolution, the provider of living wall system, PlantBox, visitors searching for vertical gardening has grown by 18%, while annual revenue is also up by 10% year-on-year. With England's urban population growing faster than the rural population, more households with small gardens are looking for clever ways to produce plenty of fresh food right at home.
The vertical garden trend has been building for several years. Upright structures provide vital planting space in small gardens, meaning you don't need any extra floor area on your patio or terrace (which you would need with containers and pots). As well as being space-savvy, their success is also thought to derive from the idea of consumers wanting to know where their food produce and crops come from.
"A vertical garden makes green space accessible to the masses and as attention continues to turn to where our food comes from, we're not hugely surprised that people are now thinking about what more their living walls can offer them," Matt Lindsay, General Manager at Growing Revolution, says.
"With a fixture against an external wall or on a balcony, those in flats and other urban homes can reap the physical, mental and environmental rewards that gardening for production provides."
How can you create a vertical allotment?
Make the most of your growing space outside by creating your own vertical allotment. Options include stackable PlantBox wall planters which are available as a mini set (3 troughs), medium (5 troughs), or large (10 troughs) to suit your space, or vertical plant pockets which hang from a wall.
Remember: In order not to damage the roots of the plants, allow the excess water to flow. Many vertical planters come with drainage holes to ensure your plants will thrive. You'll have a thriving vertical allotment in no time...
Best patio heaters for spring evenings in the garden
Dunelm Electric Wall Mounted Patio Heater
Wall-mounted patio heaters preserve precious space while keeping your guests toasty during al fresco gatherings. This wallet-friendly pick from Dunelm has three heat settings up to 2,000W, and comes with a wall bracket for easy installation. For the price you pay, we think it’s a steal.
Looking for a sleek and stylish patio heater? Well, look no further than Tower's impressive oscillating design. IP65 weatherproof approved, it has nine heating levels and allows you to keep track of your power and heating selection thanks to the smart digital display. Plus, it comes with a remote control, too.
Available in black or silver, this powerful wall-mounted heater is a high-quality solution for heating small outdoor spaces such as yards and patios. It features a timer, remote control and an impressive weather-resistance rating of IP65.
Outsunny 11.2kw Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
This patio heater is a real investment in finer outdoor entertaining. We love the pyramidal shape, and your back will appreciate the wheels that have been included for no-lift movement. A gas hose and regulator are included – but you’ll need to provide your own propane.
Gather around this rotating, table-top heater for cosier get-togethers with your guests. Powered by mains electricity, the Mojo has two heat settings: 350kW and 700kW. There are also three directional settings, to share warmth evenly around the table. We like the carry handle, too.
A high-performing option to warm up your evenings, this nicely presented Swan patio heater uses a carbon fibre heating element that gives off plenty of heat while using electricity at a reasonable 1,800W. The heater can be mounted on either a wall or ceiling, and comes with a remote control.
Kettler Kalos Plush Electric Overhang Heater
Embrace outdoor living with this floor standing patio heater. The arched stand design and suspended lampshade cover wouldn't look out of place in your living room. In fact, it’s a quietly robust outdoor heater, featuring a variety of heat settings, remote control operability and handy casters on the base.
Another stylish choice, which also just happens to save space thanks to its built-in table top, this great pick from Outsunny is ideal for keeping snacks and drinks nearby while you relax outdoors. So, if you're looking to hide the often rather unsightly gas bottle, this is the patio heater for you.
Swan Portable Patio Heater
Bring warmth anywhere your power supply will reach with Swan's super-portable patio heater. It features an automatic turn-off safeguard, a wide, stable base, and a convenient carry handle allowing the heater to move with the flow of the evening. This heater gets top marks for efficiency too, thanks to its carbon fibre heating element.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this ceiling mounted patio heater can be installed in the living room, garden, balcony, or outdoor terrace. We really like its flared ceiling lamp style.
This easy-mounting parasol heater attaches to your parasol’s pole, and beams down warmth and light to seated guests below. The quartz heating elements inside make efficient use of electricity, warming up nearby people and objects, rather than the air. Please note that the heater is compatible with parasol poles up to a diameter of 7cm, so this isn’t the right option to use with a really chunky parasol.
With a touch sensor switch and remote control, this polished table top heater from Argos adds an elegant touch to any outdoor dining setup.
Heatlab Freestanding Electric Quartz Bulb Patio Heater
Simple, effective and very reasonably priced, Heatlab’s freestanding patio heater is a fast route to warming up your outdoor space. It comes with a remote so you can easily adjust the heat without leaving your spot on your garden sofa. The IPX4 rating guarantees some resistance to light rain, so you’ll have time to act in the event of any summer showers.
Igenix Stainless Steel Portable Outdoor Patio Heater
Igenix's height-adjustable, remote-controlled patio heater offers 360° heat distribution making it a focal point for outdoor entertaining. It comes with a waterproof cover that can easily be slipped on to protect the heater during the unpredictable British summertime weather.
Providing targeted heat instantly thanks to its low frequency waves, this stainless steel patio heater is a great all-rounder. It can be used to add warmth to your patio, or within marquees, gazebos, conservatories, or under awnings. The clear halogen heating elements impart an unobtrusive glow to the space, as well.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
