How to Grow Ivy on Brick

Prepare the soil base along the brick wall. Spread a layer of compost about 2 inches deep, and use a garden trowel or small tiller to mix it into the soil to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches.

Set rooted ivy starts about 1 foot apart along the brick wall. Plant them at about the same depth they were previously growing. Water the ivy starts. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Train the ivy plants to grow where you want them. Drive wooden stakes into the ground at intervals, leaving about 18 to 24 inches of the stakes above the ground. Tie the ivy vines to the upright stakes to position them correctly using light twine or twist-ties. As soon as the vines reach the bricks they will fasten themselves to the bricks with air roots and continue their climb. The air roots cling to the brick surface, but they will not penetrate it.

Remove the ties and stakes when the vines are situated on the brick wall.

Train ivy vines to grow in a design or decorative pattern on a brick wall by attaching a wire frame of the design to the wall. An existing thick growth of ivy vines can be pruned into a decorative design, leaving the desired vines attached to the brick and cutting away the unwanted areas to expose the brick.

Check at least twice during each growing season to be sure that ivy has not invaded window or door frames. Pull invasive ivy away and prune it off, then repair any loose frames and caulking around the windows or doors.