When it comes to climbing vegetables and fruit for your garden, it’s always a great idea to know which ones are best for your location. Today, we’re exploring the various plants you can cultivate plus we tackle the benefits of having a vertical garden!
1. Bitter Melon

Factor | Information |
Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 10-12 |
Size | Height: 6-12 feet, Width: 3-6 feet |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, rich soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-80°F (21-27°C) |
Watering | Regular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged |
Harvest Season | Summer to early fall |
Suggested Varieties | Chinese, Indian, Karela |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in stir-fries, soups, and medicinal purposes |
Pruning is beneficial to control the size and shape of the Bitter Melon plant. Trellising can be employed to support the vines as they tend to sprawl.
Regularly check for pests and diseases, addressing them promptly to prevent widespread damage. Use a balanced, organic fertilizer during the growing season to provide essential nutrients and follow according to package instructions.
2. Chayote

Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
USDA Zone | 8-11 |
Size | Vine can reach 30 feet or more |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C) |
Watering | Regular, keep soil consistently moist |
Harvest Season | Late summer to fall |
Suggested Varieties | Green and smooth-skinned varieties |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in salads, stir-fries, and casseroles |
Chayote is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Provide a sturdy support structure for the vines, as they can become quite extensive especially when fertilized regularly during the growing seasons.
Regularly prune to control the growth and promote bushier, more manageable plants. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, particularly caterpillars and aphids, and take appropriate measures if needed.
3. Climbing Nasturtium

Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
USDA Zone | 3-10 |
Size | Varies; can reach up to 8 feet |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-draining, average soil |
Temperature | Thrives in moderate to warm temperatures |
Watering | Moderate, avoid waterlogged soil |
Harvest Season | Late spring to early fall |
Suggested Varieties | Moonlight,’ ‘Spitfire,’ ‘Jewel of Africa’ |
Suggested Uses | Ornamental, edible flowers in salads |
Climbing Nasturtium is a low-maintenance plant but will need support such as trellises for the vines to climb. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prune to control the spread.
Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and treat them with natural remedies if necessary. If the soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season can be beneficial.
4. Cucumbers

Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 4-12 |
Size | Varies; bush or vining types |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-95°F (21-35°C) |
Watering | Regular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged |
Harvest Season | Summer |
Suggested Varieties | Straight Eight,’ ‘Marketmore,’ ‘Lemon’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in salads, pickles, and sandwiches |
Cucumbers require regular attention to ensure healthy growth. Aside from support for vining varieties with trellises or stakes, mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds and prune excess foliage to improve air circulation.
Fertilize cucumbers with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting and again when the vines start to develop. Proper spacing, good air circulation, and preventive fungicide applications can help mitigate pests and powdery mildew.
5. Grapes

Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
USDA Zone | 2-10 (varies by grape variety) |
Size | Varies; can range from 6 feet to over 20 feet |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral |
Temperature | Thrives in warm climates; needs winter chill for dormancy |
Watering | Regular, deep watering during dry spells |
Harvest Season | Late summer to early fall |
Suggested Varieties | ‘Concord,’ ‘Chardonnay,’ ‘Thompson Seedless’ |
Suggested Uses | Fresh eating, winemaking, raisins, jams |
Growing grapes requires careful attention as they need training and maintaining the shape of the vine. Regularly check for pests like grape leafhoppers and diseases such as powdery mildew.
Proper air circulation and sunlight exposure to the grape clusters are crucial for preventing fungal issues like mildew and mold. Grapes generally do well in nutrient-rich soil, so apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring as new growth begins.
6. Hops

Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 3-8 (varies by hop variety) |
Size | Varies; can reach up to 20 feet or more |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Thrives in cool to warm climates, prefers cooler nights |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Late summer to early fall |
Suggested Varieties | Cascade,’ ‘Centennial,’ ‘Saaz’ |
Suggested Uses | Brewing beer, ornamental |
Growing hops requires attention to support structures such as trellises for the climbing vines. Regular pruning helps manage the size and promote airflow as adequate spacing between plants is critical for disease prevention.
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew. Hops benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring as new growth emerges.
7. Kiwi

Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
USDA Zone | 7-9 (varies by kiwi variety) |
Size | Varies; can reach up to 20 feet or more |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral |
Temperature | Warm summers, cold winters for chilling |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Late fall to early winter |
Suggested Varieties | Hayward,’ ‘Issai,’ ‘Arctic Beauty’ |
Suggested Uses | Fresh eating, desserts, jams, and juices |
Growing kiwi requires careful attention, especially in regions with cold winters. Pruning is essential for shaping the vine and managing its size – spacing and proper support play a critical role here.
Regularly check for pests like scale insects and diseases such as bacterial canker, root rot, and scale insects. Kiwi plants benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring as new growth begins.
8. Loofah

Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
USDA Zone | 10-12 |
Size | Vines can reach 20 feet or more |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, rich soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C) |
Watering | Regular, keep soil consistently moist |
Harvest Season | Late summer to fall |
Suggested Varieties | Smooth Luffa,’ ‘Chinese Okra’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use, natural bath sponge |
Growing loofah is generally easy, requiring regular monitoring and support for the climbing vines. Provide a sturdy trellis or support structure for the vines to climb and don’t forget to prune excess foliage to promote better airflow.
Regularly check for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and address them immediately. Loofah plants benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season – just avoid overt-fertilizing.
9. Malabar Spinach

Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
USDA Zone | 9-11 |
Size | Vines can reach 10 feet or more |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Thrives in warm temperatures, 75-85°F (24-29°C) |
Watering | Regular, keep soil consistently moist |
Harvest Season | Summer to fall |
Suggested Varieties | Red Stem,’ ‘Green Stem’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in salads, stir-fries, and soups |
Malabar Spinach is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal maintenance such as support for the climbing vines, as they can reach considerable heights. Regularly prune to control the size and promote bushier growth.
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars, addressing them promptly. Malabar Spinach benefits from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season.
10. Melons

Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 4-11 |
Size | Varies; compact bush types to sprawling vines |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Summer to early fall |
Suggested Varieties | Cantaloupe,’ ‘Watermelon,’ ‘Honeydew’ |
Suggested Uses | Fresh eating, fruit salads, smoothies |
Growing melons requires attention to plant spacing, as they tend to sprawl so provide support for vining varieties, and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Regularly check for pests like aphids and cucumber beetles and address them quickly.
Prune excess foliage to improve air circulation. Melons benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season, and avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent overly strong foliage growth.
11. Passion Fruit

Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 9-11 |
Size | Vines can reach 15-20 feet |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-80°F (21-27°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Late summer to early fall |
Suggested Varieties | Purple Possum,’ ‘Frederick,’ ‘Yellow Giant’ |
Suggested Uses | Fresh eating, juices, desserts |
Growing passion fruit requires attention to support structures for the climbing vines while regular pruning helps manage the size and promotes better fruit production. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars and treat them right away.
Passion fruit plants benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season. Proper spacing and pruning for airflow help prevent fungal diseases.
12. Peas

Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
USDA Zone | 2-11 (varies by pea variety) |
Size | Varies; bush or vining types |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Cool to mild temperatures, 50-75°F (10-24°C) |
Watering | Regular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged |
Harvest Season | Spring to early summer for snap peas; late summer for shelling peas |
Suggested Varieties | Sugar Snap,’ ‘Green Arrow,’ ‘Alderman’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in salads, stir-fries, and side dishes |
Growing peas is easy and requires minimal maintenance – just provide support for vining varieties with trellises or stakes. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds and it would do good to check for pests such as aphids and pea moths.
Prune excess foliage for better air circulation. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during planting, and side-dress with additional fertilizer when the plants start flowering.
13. Pole Beans

Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 3-11 (varies by bean variety) |
Size | Vines can reach 6-10 feet or more |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-85°F (21-29°C) |
Watering | Regular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged |
Harvest Season | Summer to fall |
Suggested Varieties | Kentucky Wonder,’ ‘Blue Lake,’ ‘Scarlet Runner’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in salads, casseroles, and stir-fries |
Growing pole beans requires support structures such as trellises or poles. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds while pruning excess foliage encourages better air circulation and easier harvesting.
Pole beans benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting and side-dress with additional fertilizer when the plants start flowering. Regularly check for pests like aphids and bean beetles, addressing them promptly.
14. Pumpkins

Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
USDA Zone | 3-9 (varies by pumpkin variety) |
Size | Varies; compact bush types to sprawling vines |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 75-85°F (24-29°C) |
Watering | Regular, deep watering |
Harvest Season | Late summer to fall |
Suggested Varieties | Jack O’Lantern,’ ‘Sugar Pie,’ ‘Cinderella’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in pies, soups, and Halloween decorations |
Growing pumpkins is easy as they require attention to spacing and support for vining varieties. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds and prune excess foliage for better air circulation.
Pumpkins benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting and side-dress with additional fertilizer when the vines start developing. Common issues include pests like aphids, squash bugs, and diseases such as powdery mildew.
15. Strawberries

Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
USDA Zone | 3-10 (varies by strawberry variety) |
Size | Low-growing plants, spread by runners |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral |
Temperature | Cool to mild temperatures, 60-80°F (15-27°C) |
Watering | Regular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged |
Harvest Season | Spring to early summer, and intermittently throughout the growing season |
Suggested Varieties | June-bearing,’ ‘Everbearing,’ ‘Day-neutral’ |
Suggested Uses | Fresh eating, desserts, jams, and ground cover |
Growing strawberries is easy, requiring regular attention to spacing and care. Simply mulch around the plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture as well as prune runners to control the spread and encourage fruit production.
Strawberries benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring as new growth emerges. Common issues with strawberries include pests like aphids, slugs, and diseases such as gray mold.
16. Summer Squash

Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
USDA Zone | 3-10 (varies by squash variety) |
Size | Compact bush types to sprawling vines |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-95°F (21-35°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Summer to early fall |
Suggested Varieties | Zucchini,’ ‘Yellow Crookneck,’ ‘Straightneck’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in salads, stir-fries, and casseroles |
Growing summer squash is easy and requires minimal maintenance as long as you provide support for vining varieties as needed. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds and prune excess foliage for better air circulation
Summer squash benefits from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting. Common issues with summer squash include pests like aphids, squash bugs, and diseases such as powdery mildew.
17. Tomatoes

Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 3-11 (varies by tomato variety) |
Size | Varies; determinate and indeterminate varieties |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-85°F (21-29°C) for optimum growth |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Summer to early fall |
Suggested Varieties | Roma,’ ‘Beefsteak,’ ‘Cherry,’ ‘Heirloom’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in salads, sauces, and sandwiches |
Growing tomatoes requires attention to support structures for indeterminate varieties. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds while trimming excess foliage promotes better air circulation and easier harvesting.
Tomatoes benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting. Common issues with tomatoes include pests like aphids, tomato hornworms, and diseases such as early blight.
18. Winter Squash

Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 3-10 (varies by squash variety) |
Size | Compact bush types to sprawling vines |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-95°F (21-35°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Late summer to fall |
Suggested Varieties | Butternut,’ ‘Acorn,’ ‘Spaghetti,’ ‘Hubbard’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in soups, stews, and roasted dishes |
Growing winter squash isn’t quite difficult, merely requiring attention to spacing and support for vining varieties. Prune excess foliage for better air circulation and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter squash benefits from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting. Common issues with winter squash include pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and diseases such as powdery mildew.
19. Rocoto Pepper

Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 9-11 (grown as a perennial in warmer climates) |
Size | Compact bushy plant |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm to hot temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Late summer to fall |
Suggested Varieties | Manzano,’ ‘Peron,’ ‘Hualqui’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in spicy dishes, sauces, and salsas |
Growing Rocoto Peppers means providing support for the bushy plants to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of peppers. Prune for shape and to improve air circulation as well as harvest.
Rocoto Peppers benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season. Common issues with Rocoto Peppers include pests like aphids and spider mites but regular inspections and insecticidal soap can help manage these.
20. Yardlong Beans

Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
USDA Zone | 4-11 (best in warm climates) |
Size | Vines can reach 9-12 feet or more |
Light | Full sun |
Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Temperature | Warm temperatures, 70-95°F (21-35°C) |
Watering | Regular, consistent moisture |
Harvest Season | Summer to fall |
Suggested Varieties | Red Noodle,’ ‘Chinese Red,’ ‘Asparagus Bean’ |
Suggested Uses | Culinary use in stir-fries, salads, and Asian dishes |
Growing Yardlong Beans is relatively easy, requiring support for the climbing vines such as trellises or poles for the vines to climb. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Yardlong Beans benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting but avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can lead to more foliage and lower bean count. Common issues with Yardlong Beans include pests like aphids and bean beetles.