If you’re short on space but have a green thumb, or you simply want a unique way to grow your favorite flowers, vegetables, and herbs, a pallet vertical garden is an ideal, eco-friendly DIY solution. This type of garden makes use of upcycled materials and optimizes vertical space—ideal for urban dwellers or anyone looking to add a touch of green to their balcony, backyard, or patio.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to make your pallet vertical garden from start to finish. These steps are easy to follow and require minimal tools, making it perfect whether you’re an experienced DIYer or a beginner.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To create a pallet vertical garden, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- A wooden pallet
- Hammer and nails (or a staple gun)
- Sandpaper or a sander
- Landscape fabric
- Scissors
- Potting soil
- Seedlings
- A chosen finish (paint, wood stain, or varnish)
Step 2: Selecting and Preparing the Pallet
Start by selecting a used wooden pallet. Most gardening stores or warehouses discard them, so they can often be acquired for free. Choose one that’s sturdy, without broken slats. Check if the pallet has been heat treated rather than chemically treated to ensure safety.
Once your pallet is home, clean it thoroughly, then sand down any rough edges to prevent splinters. If you wish, you can apply a coat of paint, stain, or varnish to give your pallet a custom look or to increase its longevity.
Step 3: Attach the Landscape Fabric
The next step is to create a back and bottom for your pallet garden using the landscape fabric. This helps hold the soil in place and protects the wall behind your garden from any water damage.
First, lay the pallet with the ‘back’ side up (this should be the side with fewer horizontal slats). Cut the fabric to size, leaving a few inches of excess around the edges. Using the hammer and nails, or a staple gun, secure one edge of the fabric to the pallet’s back. Keeping the fabric taut, continue to attach the remaining sides, folding corners neatly as you would with gift wrap.
Repeat these steps with the fabric for the bottom of the pallet. This creates a deep pocket for the soil and plants.
Step 4: Add Soil and Plants
Turn the pallet over so the side with the most slats is up. Now it’s time to fill it with soil and plants. Start from the bottom, packing potting soil into each row and pressing it firmly down before adding your seedlings.
Choose your plants based on the sunlight exposure and climate in your area. For sunnier spots, consider succulents or herbs and for shadier areas, ferns and ivy might be better options. Slot each seedling into a gap between the pallet slats and lightly pat down the soil around it.
Step 5: Let Your Garden Settle
Once all the plants are in place, it’s important to let your garden settle before placing it vertically. This allows the plants to take root, which prevents them from falling out.
Water the garden well, and leave it horizontal for at least one to two weeks, or until the plants have solid roots.
Step 6: Position Your Garden
After your pallet garden is established, it’s time to find it a prominent place. One option is to lean it against a wall or fence. Ensure it’s secure so it can’t tip over in a gust of wind.
For those wishing to hang the garden, it’s key to attach it securely. Depending on the wall material, you may need to use heavy-duty wall plugs. Be aware that a fully planted pallet can be quite heavy.
Tips for Maintaining Your Pallet Garden
- Watering a vertical pallet garden can be tricky. Start watering at the top, allowing gravity to carry water down to lower plants.
- Regularly check your plants for pests and disease.
- Rotate your pallet garden every few weeks if there’s uneven sun exposure.
Creating a pallet vertical garden is a rewarding project that can turn any space into a green haven. It takes little more than an upcycled pallet, some basic tools and materials, and a bit of creativity and patience to cultivate your DIY vertical garden. With this step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to enjoying your vertical garden in no time. Keep in mind that, like any garden, your pallet garden will grow and change over time, providing a dynamic, living piece of art for your outdoor space.
