What are the best DIY vertical garden options?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Affordable options to create vertical gardens are systems made from common materials that offer the advantages of personalization. For example, pallets can be secured vertically to become immediate planting stations. Another simple-to-install system can be developed by attaching gutters to fences to grow shallow-rooted plants. Fabric pockets can create space-efficient herb gardens. Other transformations of unproductive areas into productive spaces can be made from these projects.
Pallet Planters
- Sand and seal untreated wood to prevent chemical leaching
- Line back with landscape fabric before adding soil
- Plant strawberries or herbs in horizontal slat openings
- Secure against walls with L-brackets for stability
Gutter Gardens
- Use vinyl gutters with end caps to contain soil
- Mount at 45-degree angle for proper drainage
- Space mounting brackets every 24 inches for support
- Ideal for lettuce mixes and compact annual flowers
Fabric Pocket Systems
- Choose UV-resistant felt for outdoor durability
- Stagger pocket placement for optimal light exposure
- Install drip irrigation lines along the top edge
- Perfect for basil mint and other moisture-loving herbs
Find materials sustainably for environmental projects. Reclaimed pallets are often given away behind hardware stores. Salvaged gutters are found on renovation sites. Garden overgrowth supplies bamboo poles. Containers for tiered systems are found in thrift shops. By using these materials, you can keep the costs of most designs under $100.
Building requires essential tools, including drills and saws, as well as drill pallets to prevent splitting. Use stainless steel screws (e.g., #10) for weather resistance. Use a non-toxic sealant on any wooden parts made from pallet boards, and test the weight capability before placing it in the soil. Wear safety glasses when constructing.
Maintain DIY systems on a seasonal basis. Examine pallet joints for rot annually, and clean the drainage holes of gutters monthly during growing periods. Replace fabric pockets every 2 to 3 years. Reinforce bamboo joint connections before heavy fruiting seasons. Careful use will prolong the life of your garden.
Enhance productivity by using smart planting selections. Leafy greens grow well in gutter systems. Strawberries drape nicely from tiered containers. Pole beans quickly climb bamboo trellises. Begin with simplicity and build proficiency as you progress.
Read the full article: 10 Best Vertical Gardening Systems
