How to create a vertical garden using upcycled pallets and rainwater collection systems

By Alex • November 14, 2025 • DIY Guide

Introduction

Creating a vertical garden with upcycled pallets and a rainwater collection system offers numerous benefits, from space-saving gardening to environmental sustainability. With the rise of urban living, many budding gardeners face limitations on space, particularly in apartment settings or small backyards. By utilizing vertical gardening, you can transform underused wall space into a vibrant garden filled with herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Additionally, collecting rainwater allows you to grow your garden with eco-friendly irrigation, promoting responsible water usage and minimizing your environmental footprint.

The beauty of this DIY project is not just in the aesthetics—it's a sustainable alternative to store-bought gardening solutions. Upcycling pallets reduces waste, making it a budget-friendly option that also provides an opportunity to repurpose wood that might otherwise end up in landfills. Moreover, connecting your garden to a rainwater collection system harnesses the natural precipitation, allowing you to water your plants without risking your water bill.

This project is beginner-friendly, requiring no advanced gardening skills or extensive woodworking knowledge. With a little time, enthusiasm, and the right tools and materials, anyone can create a thriving vertical garden that beautifies their space while providing fresh produce.

Tools Needed

1. Screwdriver: Essential for assembling the pallet and attaching any additional structures. A power screwdriver can save time and effort.

2. Hammer: Useful for pounding nails into the pallet and securing the infrastructure, especially if you are adding hooks or braces.

3. Saw: A handsaw or reciprocating saw can help you cut the pallet to the desired size for your vertical garden.

4. Staple Gun: Great for securing landscaping fabric or mesh to the back of the pallet, preventing soil from falling through the cracks.

5. Drill: For creating drainage holes if you plan on using plastic pots or a built-in planting system. A drill enables precise hole placement.

6. Measuring Tape: Helpful in planning your vertical garden layout accurately, ensuring everything fits well in your chosen space.

7. Level: Ensures that your vertical garden is straight and securely mounted to the wall; this is crucial for both aesthetic and practical purposes.

8. Watering Can or Hose with Spray Nozzle: For watering newly planted seeds or seedlings. It's necessary to have a flexible watering system, especially when collecting rainwater.

Materials

• 1 wooden pallet (standard size, approximately 48” x 40”)

• Landscaping fabric (1 roll, about 3 feet wide) to line the back of your pallet for soil retention
• U-shaped garden staples (1 bag, about 25 pieces) to secure the fabric
• Potting soil (2 bags, each 40 lbs) to fill the spaces for planting
• Plants or seeds (varied, depending on preference) for your vertical garden—consider herbs like basil, parsley, or flowering plants for visual appeal.
• Plastic containers or pots (12 to 15 small pots) if you want to use individual pots instead of direct soil planting
• Rain barrel (1, 50 to 100-gallon capacity) for collecting rainwater
• Gutter system (1 set) to direct rainwater into your rain barrel
• 60-degree angle brackets (4 pieces) to secure the pallet to the wall safely
• Screws (1 box) to attach brackets and secure additional components together

Step 1: Select a Location

To start, identify a suitable location for your vertical garden. Look for a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Choose a wall with sufficient space, ensuring it can support the weight of the pallet once it's filled with soil and plants.

#### Tips:

• Avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or where the planting may obstruct views or activities.
• Consider proximity to your water source for easier maintenance.

Step 2: Prepare the Pallet

Before setting up your vertical garden, clean and treat the pallet. Ensure it is in good condition, free from mold, pests, or splinters.

#### How:

• If necessary, lightly sand the pallet to remove rough edges.
• Wash it with soapy water and let it dry completely.
• Treat with a non-toxic wood preservative if desired.

• Wear gloves when handling, especially if the wood shows splinters.

Step 3: Add Landscaping Fabric

Line the back and sides of the pallet with landscaping fabric to keep soil from falling through while allowing water to drain.

#### How:

• Cut the fabric to cover the entire back and drape over the sides.
• Secure it using U-shaped garden staples—one staple approximately every foot across the surface.

• Ensure the fabric extends a few inches from the base of the pallet so it can catch excess water.

Step 4: Attach to the Wall

Using angle brackets, securely mount the pallet to your wall.

#### How:

• Position the pallet where desired and mark the wall through the pallet's support beams.
• Drill holes into the wall at the marked spots.
• Attach the angle brackets using screws, placing them at both the top and bottom of the pallet for stability.

• If mounting on a drywall, ensure you use wall anchors for added strength.

Step 5: Prepare the Soil

Mix potting soil according to the needs of your selected plants or seeds.

#### How:

• In a large bucket, mix potting soil with compost (if available) to improve nutrients and drainage.
• Make sure it’s light enough for the pallet to carry but rich enough to support root growth.

• Avoid overly compacting the soil when filling areas; this prevents proper drainage.

Step 6: Plant Your Garden

Once the pallet is ready, start planting!

#### How:

• If using pots, fill each container with soil and plant your seeds or plants as per specific guidelines for depth and spacing.
• If planting directly, fill the open sections of the pallet with soil and plant directly into it.

• Consider plants with varying heights and widths for a more visually appealing result.

Step 7: Set Up Rainwater Collection System

Install the rainwater collection system to ensure your plants get the moisture they need.

#### How:

• Attach gutters to the edge of your roof or balcony, angled toward the rain barrel.
• Connect the rain barrel into position at the base, ensuring it catches all the rainwater from the gutters.

• Ensure the rain barrel has a screen to prevent debris and mosquitoes from entering.

Step 8: Water Your Garden

Once your plants are placed, initiate watering either from the rainwater collection system or a watering can.

#### How:

• If you're collecting rainwater, use a hose with a spray nozzle or dip a watering can into the barrel to water your garden.
• Monitor the moisture levels, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Water in the early morning to prevent evaporation and give plants time to absorb the moisture throughout the day.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues you may encounter when creating your vertical garden, along with tips on how to resolve them:

1. Poor Drainage:

• If water pools at the base, ensure there are ample drainage holes in the pots or spaces. Tap soil lightly to create voids.

• If the soil is washing out during watering, reinforce the landscaping fabric or consider using mesh netting to hold the soil in.

• Deter pests by using natural remedies like neem oil or insect-repelling strong-smelling herbs such as marigolds strategically placed.

• If some plants are not thriving, consider relocating your vertical garden to a sunnier spot.

• If plants appear wilting despite being watered regularly, check for waterlogged soil and possibly add more drainage layers.

Conclusion

Creating a vertical garden using upcycled pallets and a rainwater collection system not only enhances your living space but also empowers you to utilize gardening sustainably. With a few simple steps, you can cultivate fresh herbs or flowers while embracing eco-friendly practices.

For modifications, consider incorporating hanging pots, colorful paints on the pallet, or even lights for nighttime beauty. Once your vertical garden is established, regular maintenance like pruning, deadheading, and harvesting will keep your plants thriving.

Remember, the best part of gardening is the learning process—so don’t hesitate to experiment and make adjustments as you grow.

By Alex, Home Hack Lab

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