5/9/26 - THE ULTIMATE GARDEN HOUR! Go Verticle With Your Gardening!

In this episode of 'Rosie on the House,' host Rosie dives into the art and science of vertical gardening during the 'Ultimate Garden Hour,' a special second Saturday feature. She explores four distinct levels of vertical gardening: trellising, soil-based systems, hydroponic systems, and hybrid models. From ancient Babylonian hanging gardens to modern applications like the 26-story Tempe Town Lake building and the Diamondbacks' Greens Wall, Rosie emphasizes that vertical gardening isn't just a trend—it's a time-tested, space-efficient solution. She highlights practical methods such as using sturdy trellises with horse panels or chain-link fencing to grow watermelons, cantaloupes, and even loofah sponges, which can be eaten young or used as natural exfoliators. The episode also covers soil-based systems like triangular redwood troughs and stacked garden towers, as well as hydroponic systems like Tower Garden, which use nutrient-rich water and timers. A major focus is on hybrid systems, particularly ZipGro and Australian wall gardens, which combine soil and hydroponic benefits, and aquaponics, where fish waste nourishes plants. Rosie shares real-world examples from Flower Street Urban Gardens and the Queen Creek Botanical Gardens, where large-scale aquaponic systems support landscaping and community events. She concludes with practical advice for Arizona gardeners, stressing the importance of microclimates, water conservation, and avoiding felt-based walls due to evaporation issues in the desert climate.