I’ve mentioned before that on our small city patio we don’t get a lot of sun. I’ve been trying to get creative with adding plants where there is sun. That’s how our stairwell leading to nowhere is where all our planters have gathered. Hanging out on our patio more than I ever imagined during Covid I started to notice how the wall in our stairwell got sun as well, so I started thinking of ways to add plants up high. I had been pinning images of grid gardens on Pinterest for years and decided it was time to attempt one.

Here’s how the wall came together.

Adjustable clamps x 4
Terracotta 4” pots x 4
Kungsfors container
Black Metal Grid 2’x 6’ x 2
Black matte spray paint

Grids
First, I found some black metal grids on Craigslist. Buying secondhand, I couldn’t be picky about size so I snatched up the 2 foot x 6 foot panels available for a steal. if you are looking second-hand try searching “metal grid panels” or “retail display grids”. If you can’t find them second-hand then a retail display shop should have some. I’ve also noticed smaller grids at places like Ikea and urban outfitters.

Planters
Secondly, I researched many hanging planters than could attach to the grid. There are a lot options at hardware stores and gardening stores. Also the retail display stores also have attachments for the grids that can work with planters. But my problem (as always) is I only had about 6” before the planters would interfere with our gate opening. Though we don’t use the gate often I didn’t want to install a plant wall that made the gate inoperable. Trevor had the great idea of trying an adjustable clamp. There were about $2 each from the hardware store. I got the 5” version and it worked perfectly for some terracotta pots I already had. They were a little awkward to install but happy with the solution and price.

The whole thing came together for under $30 but I felt one piece was missing. I bought a new kitchen accessory from Ikea that I thought worked well with the grid and painted it black. It was the biggest splurge of the project but I felt a different planter shape was needed and this one was just the right size.

Paint + Plants
I spray painted the clips and pots black. I wasn’t sure if it would work but it’s been a few weeks and it still looks great. You don’t need to paint everything black. I just wanted the planters and attachments to disappear so the plants stood out. I chose trailing plants that I knew survived in our space and hope they will continue to grow and thrive. Pictured… Bacopa (small white flowers), Nasturtium and Pineapple Mint.

I was limited in placement of the wall grid due to the existing hand railing so the grids overlap by one square. I guess I could remove the railing but I assume it’s a code requirement and we would need to replace it when we move. Also the grids extend past the concrete wall slightly and I would like to cut them down but don’t have the right saw. I can rent or borrow one eventually.

It’s not perfect but the plants are thriving and this little wall is bringing me joy. I really love how it adds more greenery to our concrete city patio without taking up valuable floor space. I think it would a great solution for an even smaller patio to provide screening between neighbors. Please let me know if you do something similar in your space!

Mae helps me water often. Something we can do together to pass the days.

Bird’s eye view of the plant-filled stairwell and my best helper.

DIY Outdoor Grid Planter Wall for a Small Patio