How to create a vertical garden using repurposed pallet wood and mason jars
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, reconnecting with nature and cultivating our own plants can bring immeasurable joy and satisfaction. But for many of us, space is a significant hurdle when it comes to gardening. Enter vertical gardening! This innovative method allows you to maximize limited space, creating a lush, green environment that adds beauty and freshness to your home or backyard. One of the most popular and eco-friendly approaches to vertical gardening is using repurposed pallet wood and mason jars. Not only do you give a second life to materials that may otherwise end up in a landfill, but you also craft a stunning piece of functional art that is uniquely your own.
Starting a vertical garden with pallet wood and mason jars is a fantastic project for beginners. It allows you to harness creativity while developing a deeper understanding of plant care. Moreover, growing herbs and small plants close to your kitchen nurtures a love for culinary gardening, offering fresh ingredients at your fingertips. It’s an excellent way to indulge in a sustainable lifestyle by reducing food miles and promoting biodiversity.
This DIY project is suitable for all skill levels, including those who have never picked up a hammer or a plant pot. With a few basic tools and materials, you will create a vertical garden that not only enhances your living space but also uplifts your spirits. So, grab your tools, roll up your sleeves, and let’s turn that repurposed pallet wood into a vibrant, thriving vertical garden adorned with mason jars!
Tools Needed
1. Saw (Hand Saw or Circular Saw): A saw is essential for cutting the pallet wood to the desired size. A circular saw makes the job faster, while a hand saw provides better control and is safer for beginners.
2. Drill with Drill Bits: A drill allows you to make holes for screws, mounting the wood together and attaching the mason jars securely.
3. Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are key to a successful project. It helps ensure your pallet dimensions are proportional and fits your chosen wall space.
4. Sandpaper or Orbital Sander: Sanding the wood smooth is vital for safety and aesthetics. This prevents splinters and prepares the surface for painting or staining if desired.
5. Level: A level helps ensure that your vertical garden is properly aligned, making it visually appealing and functional.
6. Screwdriver: Necessary for securing screws, a screwdriver enables you to tighten the components of your vertical garden effectively.
7. Safety Goggles: Protecting your eyes while using power tools and working with wood is crucial to avoid injury.
8. Gloves: Wearing gloves protects your hands from rough wood edges, splinters, and sharp drill bits.
Materials
- Repurposed Pallet Wood: 1 to 2 pallets, depending on the size of your garden. Look for pallets in good condition, free of cracks or rot.
- Mason Jars: 6 to 10 jars, depending on the plants you want to grow. Choose quart-sized jars for a good balance between space and ease of handling.
- Wood Screws: 20-30 screws, preferably 1.5 inches long, to securely attach pieces together.
- Wood Stain/Paint (Optional): 1 quart, for aesthetic finishes if you want to give a polished look to your wooden structure.
- Hinges (Optional): 2-4 hinges to create a door for easy access to plants, allowing you to adjust them or replace any that may need more attention.
- Landscape Fabric or Coconut Coir: 1 yard for lining mason jars, helping with water retention and preventing soil from falling out.
- Potting Soil: 2-3 bags, depending on the size of your jars and the number of plants.
- Plants or Seeds: Choose herbs, succulents, or small flowers suited for vertical gardening.
- Hooks (Optional): 2-4 sturdy wall hooks for hanging the structure if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather Materials and Tools
Start by collecting all the necessary tools and materials before diving into your project. Having everything ready at hand saves time and allows for a smoother workflow. Spend a few moments checking if you have high-quality wood pallets free of toxic chemicals—look for stamps that read “HT” (heat-treated). Assemble your tools in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors, to minimize clean up afterward.
Tip: Make sure your work area is clear of obstructions and that you have ample lighting. This ensures that you can see well and work safely.
2. Disassemble the Pallet
Using your hammer or pry bar, carefully disassemble the pallet into its wooden slats. This can be tricky—pallets are often tight, which is why it’s essential to work slowly to avoid splitting the wood. If you have a table saw, you can also choose to cut the slats directly from the pallet while it remains intact, depending on your design.
Safety Tip: Always wear safety goggles when using tools, and be cautious of sharp edges when prying pieces apart.
3. Sand the Wood
After dismantling your pallet, take sandpaper or an orbital sander and smooth down each slat to remove splinters and rough edges. Pay special attention to edges and any damaged areas you notice during disassembly. Sanding increases safety and creates a more polished appearance that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your vertical garden.
Tip: Sand in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles.
4. Design and Measure
Before assembling the slats together, sketch a desired design to visualize how the vertical garden will look. Decide how many jars you want to use and the spacing between them. Measure the length and width of your pallets, ensuring they will fit the wall space where you intend to mount the vertical garden.
Tip: Use a measuring tape to mark the cut lines on your pallet slats, and be meticulous about ensuring consistent gaps between jars for a clean appearance.
5. Assemble the Frame
Begin by laying out your pallet slats vertically or horizontally, depending on your design. Using your drill, secure the slats together with wood screws, forming a frame for your vertical garden. Make sure everything is square and use a level to check for alignment.
Tip: If you want a sturdier structure, consider adding cross supports to provide extra stability, especially if you plan to hang heavy plants.
6. Attach Mason Jars
Once your frame is built, it’s time to attach the mason jars. Cut pieces of landscape fabric or coconut coir to line the insides of each jar, allowing for drainage while holding the soil in place. Use your drill to create holes in the wood frame that match the jars’ dimensions.
Secure the jars in place using large screws or a strong adhesive epoxy, ensuring they are firmly attached and won’t wobble.
Tip: Consider using quartz-sized jars for herbs, as they offer sufficient root space while remaining lightweight.
7. Fill with Soil and Plant
After the jars are secure, fill each one with potting soil up to about an inch from the top. Make small holes in the soil to accommodate your plants or seeds. If you're planting herbs, it's best to give each herb its own jar for better growth conditions and maintenance.
Tip: Water the plants lightly after planting to help settle the soil and activate growth without over-saturating.
8. Finish and Hang the Vertical Garden
If you decided to paint or stain the pallet, now is the time to do so. Allow enough time for the paint or stain to dry before proceeding to hang the vertical garden on your chosen wall. You can secure the garden directly to the wall with screws or use wall hooks for a more flexible approach. Ensure it is high enough for easy access to the jars and maximize sunlight exposure.
Tip: If hanging, make sure to hang with wall anchors if you’re drilling into drywall; this will provide additional support for the weight of the plants over time.
9. Maintain Your Vertical Garden
After everything is set up, regularly check the plants, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight and moisture. Since vertical gardens tend to dry out faster, more frequent watering might be needed. Also, periodically checking for pests and dead leaves will help you maintain the health of your plants.
Tip: If you notice any of your plants aren’t thriving, consider rotating or swapping jars or using different plants to find suitable matches for light and space.
10. Enjoy and Share!
Lastly, take a moment to enjoy your new vertical garden! Not only is it a source of fresh herbs and flowers, but it also adds an eye-catching feature to your space. Share your success with friends and family; they might be inspired to create their own!
Troubleshooting
Even the best-laid plans can face challenges. Here are some common issues you might encounter, along with solutions to help you troubleshoot:
1. Plants Wilting or Yellowing: This often indicates over-watering or under-watering. Check the soil for drainage issues. Ensure the jars are not retaining excess water. Adjust your watering schedule based on plant needs.
2. Jars Falling Off: If jars are coming loose, you may need to reinforce them with additional screws or a stronger adhesive. Ensure you have correctly pre-drilled holes for the screws for better stability.
3. Limited Sunlight: If the plants are not thriving, assess their placement. You may need to move the vertical garden to a location that receives more direct sunlight or consider using grow lights indoors.
4. Soil Washing Out: If you find soil spilling out of the jars, check your landscape fabric or coir lining. Ensure it adequately covers drainage holes and provides a tight fit to prevent soil loss.
5. Pest Infestation: Common pests like aphids or spider mites can affect plants. Regularly inspect plants and, if infestations occur, consider a mild organic pesticide or natural remedies (like neem oil) to control them.
Conclusion
Creating a vertical garden with repurposed pallet wood and mason jars is not just an environmentally friendly project; it’s a rewarding journey that connects you with nature and enriches your living space. As you cultivate your herbs, succulents, or flowers, watch them flourish as a testament to your hard work and creativity.
When designing your vertical garden, consider variations like adding lights to enhance aesthetics or customizing the plant selection to suit your tastes. Regular maintenance will keep your plants healthy and thriving, transforming your wall into a living art piece. Whether you hang it indoors or outdoors, your vertical garden will surely be a conversation starter as well as a source of fresh produce.
So, grab that repurposed wood and some mason jars, unleash your creativity, and start your gardening adventure today!