How to create a vertical garden using repurposed old pallets and drip irrigation systems

By Alex • November 15, 2025 • DIY Guide

Creating a vertical garden can be both an aesthetic and practical solution to many common gardening challenges, such as limited space and poor soil quality. With urban living becoming increasingly popular, homeowners and renters alike are often searching for creative ways to cultivate greenery without sacrificing precious floor space. Using repurposed old pallets not only promotes recycling and sustainability but also enables you to add a unique touch to your outdoor or indoor space. Additionally, integrating a drip irrigation system can simplify maintenance, ensuring your plants receive adequate water without daily attention.

Benefits of a vertical garden using pallets include optimal use of vertical space, easy accessibility for plant care and harvesting, and the ability to create a stunning focal point in your environment. Incorporating a drip irrigation system can further enhance this experience, allowing for efficient watering even when you're busy or away.

Skill Level: This project is designed for beginners, and though some tools and techniques may seem new, with patience and careful execution, you'll find the methods accessible.

In this detailed DIY guide, you'll learn how to create a vertical garden using repurposed old pallets and a drip irrigation system, ensuring your new garden thrives while adding beauty to your space.

Tools Needed

• Screwdriver or Drill: Essential for screwing together the pallets. A drill will speed up the process.

• Saw (Handsaw or Jigsaw): You'll need this for cutting the pallets to the size that best fits your designated space.
• Level: Ensures your vertical garden is even and prevents tipping over, which is critical for its stability.
• Measuring Tape: Allows for precise measurements of the pallets and the space in which the garden will be placed.
• Staple Gun: Used for securing landscaping fabric to the back of the pallets, retaining soil while still allowing for drainage.
• Gloves: Protects your hands from rough wood, splinters, and chemicals present in older pallets.
• Pliers: Helpful for bending or cutting wire that may hold the pallets together or for tying plants to supports.
• Watering Can or Hose: Necessary for pre-soaking the soil and ensuring the plants are appropriately watered after setting up your drip system.

Materials

• Old Wooden Pallets (3–4): Sourced from local retailers or online marketplaces; ensure they are safe and not chemically treated.
• Landscape Fabric (1 roll): Used to line the back of the pallet for water retention while allowing drainage.
• Potting Soil (3 bags, 1.5 cu ft each): A high-quality potting mix that provides the right nutrients and aeration for plant growth.
• Plants and Seeds (varies): Choose a mix of herbs, flowers, and small plants that thrive vertically, such as strawberries, lettuce, and succulents.
• Drip Irrigation Kit (1): Commercially available kits with connectors, tubing, and drip emitters; choose one based on your garden size.
• Wood Sealer or Paint (Optional): Non-toxic options can protect the wood from rot and give your garden an appealing finish.
• Nails and Screws (medium box each): For assembling the pallets and stabilizing the structure.
• Wire (Heavy Duty, 1 roll): Used for securing plants that may need additional support as they grow or hold the pallets together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

#### ### Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Pallets To begin, gather the pallets you plan to use. Look for pallets made from untreated wood, especially those marked with the heat stamp "HT," which indicates heat treatment instead of chemical treatment. Inspect them carefully for damage, rot, or mold. Replace any broken slats if necessary.

• Tip: Before starting, consider disassembling one pallet to use the wood for additional support or a frame if needed.
• Safety: Wear gloves while handling pallets to protect your hands from splinters.

• Tip: If using a wall, consider placing a tarp underneath to catch any soil or debris that may fall during setup.
• Safety: If working near an existing structure, ensure that any hardware or installation doesn’t compromise its integrity.

• Tip: A level is vital here to ensure your pallets are straight. If they lean, they could collapse when filled with soil.
• Safety: Ensure screws are fully driven to prevent any sharp edges from exposure.

• Tip: Fold the edges of the fabric over to enhance its durability.
• Safety: Take care when using the staple gun to avoid pinching fingers.

• Tip: It’s easier to fill each section in advance before installing plants, but you may want to leave space for certain plants that are larger.
• Safety: Wear a mask if the potting soil is dusty; inhaling particles can be harmful.

• Tip: Space your plants effectively; taller plants should be positioned at the top with trailing plants at the bottom.
• Safety: Be careful when handling thorny plants or plants with strong scents (like those used for spices) that may cause allergic reactions.

• Tip: Run a test of your system by turning on the water once everything is in place to ensure proper coverage without flooding.
• Safety: Ensure all connections are watertight to avoid leaks; this also helps with managing water use.

• Tip: Consider using additional support struts at the back for more significant builds.
• Safety: If attaching to a wall, make sure to drill pilot holes to avoid cracking the wall material.

• Tip: Observe how the plants respond to the initial watering. If certain areas seem to retain water more than others, adjust the drip emitters to ensure even distribution.
• Safety: Avoid oversaturating; it can promote root rot.

• Tip: Keep a journal of plant growth and conditions to help refine your care approach in the future.
• Safety: Always wear gloves when performing maintenance tasks to minimize risks.

Troubleshooting

Even the best-laid plans may encounter obstacles. Here are five common issues you might face with your vertical garden and their fixes:

• Pallet Rotting: If you notice rotting wood, apply wood sealer or paint to protect your pallets from moisture. Fix: Replace any severely damaged slats.
• Water Overflow: If water is pooling or flooding in certain areas, check your drip system setup. Fix: Adjust emitters or create better drainage by drilling additional holes at the base of your pallets.
• Plant Wilting: Over or under-watering can cause plants to wilt. Fix: Make sure your watering schedule aligns with the season's needs and soil moisture content.
• Soil Erosion: If soil spills out, consider reinforcing the landscape fabric or adding more soil to the spaces. Fix: Add burlap sacks or additional fabric-coverage to maintain soil retention.
• Pests: Should you see pests like aphids, apply a natural insecticidal soap. Fix: Regularly check your plants and treat any infestations immediately to prevent them from spreading.

Conclusion

Creating a vertical garden from repurposed old pallets is not just a sustainable choice; it’s a fulfilling project that allows you to showcase your creativity while benefitting the environment. With the addition of a drip irrigation system, maintaining your garden becomes a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your green space without stressing over daily watering.

As you embark on this journey, consider variations such as using different types of pallets, experimenting with plant selections, or incorporating decorative items like fairy lights. Regular maintenance—monitoring plants for health, adjusting the irrigation system, and ensuring structural integrity—is critical to keeping your vertical garden flourishing.

With some care, time, and a little ingenuity, you’ll soon have a splendid display of greenery that adds charm and functionality to your space. Enjoy your gardening adventure!

By Alex, Home Hack Lab

Print This Guide

Back to Home