Chef’s Garden in Small Commercial Spaces: Herbs & Salad Made Easy with Vertical Growing Systems

The Acqua Garden - Vertical Growing System

Fresh herbs elevate plates and cocktails - and customers notice. You don’t need a field; a few smart containers or a compact vertical system can fuel the pass all season.

Start with the “most-used” list

Basil, mint, parsley, coriander, thyme, rosemary, chives and cut-and-come-again salad. Ask chefs/bartenders what they burn through weekly.

Space-savvy formats

• Deep trough planters against walls or railings.

• Stacked planters or vertical towers where floor area is precious.

• Mobile planters on castors for flexible layouts and events.

  
  

Planting made simple

• Peat-free compost + coconut coir for water-holding and drainage.

• Group herbs by thirst: basil/mint together; rosemary/thyme together.

• Label everything to help the team harvest correctly.

  
  

Quick maintenance routine

Twice-weekly checks: water, snip, feed. Rotate crops every 6–8 weeks for consistent supply.

Want a chef’s garden without the faff? Browse plants and growing media at www.acquagarden.co.uk, then call 01295 981909 for design and set-up.

The Acqua Garden - Vertical Growing System

The Acqua Garden Vertical Growing Tower (made for busy kitchens)

• Pro-friendly automation: The Acqua Garden is a fully automated, self-watering vertical growing system with smart irrigation - so plants get what they need without constant staff attention. There’s also a solar-powered version for sites that prefer low-energy setups.

  
  

• Space-saving by design: The tower’s footprint is roughly 42 × 42 cm with a height of about 145 cm, so it tucks neatly into courtyards, service yards or back-of-house nooks. It offers 24 separate growing points, giving you a surprising amount of fresh herbs and leaves from a very small area.

  
  

• Flexible power & placement: Battery-driven operation and an available solar option mean you can place a tower where plug sockets are scarce - ideal for outdoor prep spaces or shaded corners that still get ambient light.

  
  

• Even growth, tidy look: A rotating tower helps plants share light more evenly, and the integrated water feature keeps the setup clean and professional - great for open kitchens and chef’s counters where presentation matters.

  
  

• A sustainability story customers notice: Growing vertically on-site cuts transport miles and packaging; pair with peat-free media for an easy, visible win in your sustainability comms and ESG reporting.

Want a pilot tower for your venue? Call 01295 981909 and we’ll specify, install and train your team. (Plants and media via www.acquagarden.co.uk.)

The Acqua Garden - Vertical Growing System