How to create a vertical garden using repurposed pallets for small outdoor spaces
Intro
With the rise of urban living and smaller outdoor spaces, vertical gardening has become an increasingly popular trend. Utilizing vertical space not only maximizes the area at your disposal but also introduces a lush, vibrant aesthetic, transforming dull walls into green canvases. One of the most ingenious and eco-friendly ways to achieve this is by repurposing old pallets. Not only does this option provide a sustainable solution by reusing materials, but it also minimizes costs associated with sourcing new gardening supplies.
Creating a vertical garden using pallets can be a rewarding DIY project that melds functionality with creativity. Whether you have a tiny balcony, a small patio, or even a blank wall, a pallet garden can transform your space into a thriving oasis. With the right guidance, even those who are complete novices in gardening or DIY can dive into this project. The skills you’ll gain include basic woodworking, crafting, and an understanding of plant care, making it an educational endeavor as well.
The benefits of a vertical garden are many: they improve air quality, provide food security by growing your own herbs and vegetables, and contribute to biodiversity in urban environments. Additionally, these gardens can be tailored to suit your particular needs, allowing you to select plants that thrive in your specific conditions. So gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this exciting project.
Tools Needed
1. Hammer: Essential for driving nails into the pallet to secure your plants and other elements.
2. Saw: A handsaw or jigsaw will help you cut down the pallets to the necessary size for your vertical garden.
3. Drill: Used for making holes in the pallets for drainage or attaching the structure to a wall.
4. Nails or Screws: These fasteners will help you secure parts of the pallet together as well as to your wall or fence.
5. Sandpaper or Power Sander: Useful to smooth rough edges to avoid injury and ensure the wood lasts longer by preventing splinters.
6. Gloves: Protective gear to safeguard your hands from rough wood and sharp objects.
7. Flexible Planting Material: Such as landscape fabric, this will keep soil in place while allowing for proper drainage and air circulation around the roots.
8. Gardening Trowel: Necessary for planting and filling in the soil around your plants once they are in position.
Materials
1. Repurposed Wooden Pallet: 1 or 2, depending on desired size.
2. Landscape Fabric: 1 yard (enough to line several sections of the pallet).
3. Potting Soil: Approximately 2 to 3 bags (to fill the pockets for planting).
4. Plants or Seeds: About 6 to 10, depending on the size of the pallet and your gardening plan (consider easy-to-grow herbs and small flowering plants).
5. Wood Sealer or Paint: 1 can (to protect wood from rot and pests).
6. Wire or Twine: 30 feet (to help support plants or to tie down the landscape fabric).
7. Nails or Screws: 1 box (to secure plywood and any framework).
8. Optional: Hooks or Brackets: 2-4 (if you intend to mount the garden against a wall).
9. Gardening Fertilizer: 1 bag (to nourish your plants as they grow).
10. Watering Can or Hose: For easy irrigation of your vertical garden once completed.
Steps
1. Select and Prepare Your Pallet
What: Start with finding a sturdy wooden pallet. Ensure it’s in good condition—no broken slats or signs of excessive rot.
How: Look for pallets made from hardwood, which are usually more durable than softwoods. Once selected, clean the pallet thoroughly to remove debris and dirt. You can wash it using a hose.
Tips: If you can, choose an ‘HT’ (heat-treated) pallet, which indicates that it has been treated to kill pests without chemical means.
Safety: Wear gloves during this stage to avoid splinters and cuts.
2. Sanding the Surface
What: The next step is sanding your pallet to even out bumps and rough edges.
How: Use sandpaper or a power sander to smooth all surfaces of the pallet. Pay attention to the edges to prevent any future injuries when working with or around the garden.
Tips: Make sure to perform this step outdoors for safety and easier cleanup.
Safety: Always wear a dust mask and eye protection while sanding to avoid inhaling wood particles.
3. Decide on a Location
What: Choose where you want to display your vertical garden.
How: Ideally, look for a spot with ample sunlight, as most plants require at least 4-6 hours of direct light. The wall or fence should also be sturdy enough to support the weight of the pallet when filled with soil and plants.
Tips: If you are located in very hot climates, aim for a position that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Safety: Ensure the chosen wall is structurally sound enough for mounting.
4. Prepare the Pallet for Planting
What: Add landscape fabric to your pallet, which will hold the soil in place while allowing drainage.
How: Cut the landscape fabric into pieces that will cover the back and sides of the pallet. Use a staple gun or tacker to attach the fabric securely, leaving the front open for planting.
Tips: Ensure the fabric is taut but not overly tight to allow soil expansion when watered.
Safety: While using a staple gun, keep your hands clear of the stapling area to avoid injuries.
5. Fill the Pockets with Soil
What: Now it’s time to fill your pallet with potting soil.
How: Starting from the top and working your way down, pack the soil firmly into the pockets created by the pallet slats while leaving enough space for plants.
Tips: Moistening the soil slightly beforehand can help it pack down better.
Safety: If your pallet is heavy, consider enlisting a friend to assist in moving it without straining.
6. Select Plants
What: Choose the right plants for your vertical garden based on sunlight and water conditions.
How: Opt for herbs like basil and mint, or flowers such as petunias and nasturtiums. If you're in a cooler climate, consider cold-resistant plants. Analyze your space and select plants that won't outgrow their slots.
Tips: Group similar plants together based on their watering needs; this makes it easier to maintain.
Safety: Be aware of any plant allergies you may have, especially if you decide to use flowers.
7. Planting
What: It's time to plant.
How: Remove your plants from their pots and make a small hole in the soil at the right depth (usually to the level of their root ball). Carefully settle them into the pocket and cover their roots with soil, packing firmly.
Tips: Make sure to leave a bit of space at the top of the pocket for watering without overflow.
Safety: Keep tools like trowels and scissors away from children and pets during this time.
8. Water and Finish Assembly
What: Once your plants are secure, give them a good watering.
How: Use a watering can to pour water gently over the newly planted sections. After watering, check for any soil that may need to be added to fill gaps.
Tips: Consider installing a drip irrigation system for easier long-term maintenance if your garden will be permanent.
Safety: Ensure that any watering does not create slippery surfaces around your garden area.
9. Mounting the Pallet
What: Finally, you will need to mount the pallet to the wall if it's not a freestanding garden.
How: Use brackets or sturdy hooks to secure the pallet to the wall. Make sure it is level and properly supported.
Tips: For additional safety, ensure that you drill into a wall stud rather than drywall alone, as this will prevent the pallet from pulling away from the wall over time.
Safety: When handling tools like drills, ensure power cords are secured and out of the way to avoid tripping hazards.
10. Ongoing Care and Maintenance
What: Maintain your vertical garden for optimal growth.
How: Regularly check the moisture level of the soil once a week and water as necessary. Fertilize your plants according to their specific needs, usually every 4-6 weeks, depending on the type of plants you’re growing.
Tips: Prune any dead or overgrown foliage to encourage new growth and to keep your garden healthy.
Safety: Be cautious when handling garden fertilizers and ensure you are wearing gloves to protect your skin.
Troubleshooting
1. Plants Wilting or Dying: If your plants appear wilty or are dying, check the soil moisture. It might be too dry or too wet. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
2. Pallet Rotting: If your pallet shows signs of rot, make sure it has been treated with wood sealer. You might consider repositioning it for better drainage if water accumulation is an issue.
3. Soil Falling Out: If soil is spilling out of the pallet, double-check that the landscape fabric is adequately secured. Tighten it and ensure the soil is tamped down correctly.
4. Pests: Keep an eye out for pests that can invade your plants. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help, but always test small areas first.
5. Lack of Growth: If your plants are not growing as expected, consider that they may not be receiving adequate sunlight or nutrients. Rotate your plants as needed and use a balanced fertilizer.
Conclusion
Creating a vertical garden using repurposed pallets is not only a sustainable and creative project but also a rewarding method to enhance small outdoor spaces. This DIY guide has walked you through the essential steps to transform an old pallet into a thriving garden that can provide joy and nutrition for you and your family. Consider varying the types of plants you use or the design layout of your garden for different aesthetics. Remember, starting small and gradually expanding your garden can make the project more manageable. With proper maintenance and care, your vertical garden will flourish and provide a green haven right at your home.