Does anyone use vertical gardening techniques?

[mitunnelrat]

I know I saw something on this in a magazine at one point, but most of what I'm finding now is on herbs and climbing plants. Very little on vegetable gardens set up like this. I'd like to grow a few things at work, just because, but my available space is only a couple feet wide. Anyone have experience or knowledge here? Learning which plants thrive using this method would be especially appreciated.

[piranha2]

There is a website that shows how to use a pallet standing up for a garden. Their vid uses flowers, but I'm thinking veggies might work too. Let you know in a month or so.

[mitunnelrat]

Cool! Got a link? I've got access to a large number of pallets.

[bacpacker]

MI, I have done a little vertical gardening. Things like beans, peas, cucumbers, and tomatos do really well grown verticaly. You can use most anything to grow the stuff, up against a chain link fence, short peice's of woven wire fence, pallet, chicken wire. The plants really just need something to hold to and climb.
We need pics of your work if you can.

[mitunnelrat]

I'll definitely post pics. The area I have available to use as a guerrilla garden here at work is a steel wall and concrete base, so I'm going to need a freestanding unit. Thanks for the info on the plants. I need to get moving on this.

[bacpacker]

I would recomend using some wire as a cage or the pallet idea leaning against the wall. I'm very interested in what you come up with.

[mitunnelrat]

I've got a couple different ideas now from this thread and some further reading I've done. One thing that I'll definitely be doing is placing an arbor/ trellis I have in storage in front of my south window. I can run a box across its width that is conveniently size for it just below the bottom edge of the window and above an AC wall unit. I'll have to get a pic up to show what I'm talking about, but its location is otherwise a relatively useless area here that I can open for use like that.

And it still leaves me that 7'l x 3'w x 5'h area I was initially looking at. Bonus! Now I just need to decide what to do there.

[bacpacker]

Herbs will grow very well in a window box as well. Basil, mint, rosemary, oregano all would do weell if it gets 4-8 hrs sun.

[ladyhk13]

I know this is old but you can even do melons, just when they get a little weight on them use a piece of cloth and make a "cradle" to hold them with attached to your trellis/fence.

[mitunnelrat]

What is old will be new again, lol. I didn't get to this project this year, but still have it in mind for next year. Thanks for the info!

[Sparrow]

I know I saw something on this in a magazine at one point, but most of what I'm finding now is on herbs and climbing plants. Very little on vegetable gardens set up like this. I'd like to grow a few things at work, just because, but my available space is only a couple feet wide. Anyone have experience or knowledge here? Learning which plants thrive using this method would be especially appreciated.

You are in Michigan, very cold winters right? My concern with growing vertical is that if roots are not deep enough in ground for perennials they won't survive the winter. Also for things like grapes, if too vertical trails can break in the winter.

I get most of my fruiting pants from this place: The Green Barn Nursery - Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Rare and exotic fruit trees, winter resistant. Environmental Seminars and Consulting. (http://www.greenbarnnursery.ca/Home.page) the website has good info on planting requirements for cold climates!

[mitunnelrat]

Thanks for the link! I am indeed in Michigan. I'm going to see what I can learn over this winter, and apply it after we thaw out next spring.

[Sniper-T]

I set up couple of pallets this summer, but just for flowers to see how they'd do. I have my entire garden in raised beds, and am planing on adding a couple vertical pallets next spring for cucumbers and peas. I already have them set up, and lying down. come Spring I'll stand them up after they thaw, and try to get an early start with them.

[ravensgrove]

I grow many things vertically. I try to use as much dead space in my gardens as possible. We have pumpkins growing up a fence, cucumbers, squash. Pretty much if it has a vine, you can train it up a trellis, just be sure you take into consideration the weight of the mature fruit and make whatever you trellis accordingly so it can support the weight of full size fruit.

My favorite form for beans/peas is a tripod or tipi. I grow sunflowers this way too. Small children absolutely adore it they can get underneath and climb around, its aesthetically pleasing and you can get alot more bang for your buck in small spaces growing up, that way you can plant other low growing things at the base. Anything you grow at the base of the nitrogen plants (peas et all) will grow like gang busters. I love growing cabbage at the base of peas they get insanely huge.

[mitunnelrat]

Ok. I've finally gotten going on this. Once I have it set up I'll get some pics.

I"m using a decorative arbor and containers to grow a vertical "guerrilla" garden at work. The arbor is dome topped, and I've got two topsy-turvey tomato planters to hang from it - one for Roma's, one for another variety better for slicing. the sides will be the trellises for my beans and peas. I was going to use gutter troughs, like T mentioned in another thread, but couldn't find any before I needed to transplant, so I got a couple planter boxes of similar size and shape from the dollar store. Those boxes will sit to the outside of the arbor, up on the concrete blocks I still need to find to anchor it. The outer sides of each box also have a row of low growing plants, an idea I got from "Back To Basics" Lettuce in one, brussel sprouts and onions in another. I'll hook those to the inside of the arbor, about 3' up, to clear the bucket I'm going to grab for planting some corn. I love corn. There's no way I'm doing this without growing some :D So, it gets to sit in the arbor, under the tomatoes, and I'll move it to the side if it gets too big.

I cut out and cleaned a couple milk jugs for use as improvised containers as well. They hold squash, peppers, and broccoli.

I also have two smaller pots for the tomatoes, but I'll likely keep those at home.

Major experimentation for me this year, as its my first attempt at gardening. I've got things planted a few inches apart, which everything I"m reading says is ok for containers, and I used potting soil as recommended. If things don't seem to be growing well, I'll try thinning things out. I've got it against my work booth, conveniently next the water spigot on the eastern wall, which is also going to shelter it from the worst winds in my area. A huge stroke of luck for all of that to work out.

I've been excited to watch the seeds I started indoors sprout. Pretty cool.

[bacpacker]

I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out MIT. Sounds like the potential for a bunch of food.

[ladyhk13]

Ok. I've finally gotten going on this. Once I have it set up I'll get some pics.

I cut out and cleaned a couple milk jugs for use as improvised containers as well. They hold squash, peppers, and broccoli.

If things don't seem to be growing well, I'll try thinning things out. I've got it against my work booth, conveniently next the water spigot on the eastern wall, which is also going to shelter it from the worst winds in my area. A huge stroke of luck for all of that to work out.

I've been excited to watch the seeds I started indoors sprout. Pretty cool.

Are you planning on keeping the squash in your milk container? Depending on the type, you might reconsider and get a bigger pot since many squash varieties can get very large and will need the space not only to grow properly but for balance as well.
You said you put everything on an east wall...if things don't grow real great you might see if you can move them to a south facing wall which will give them more hours of sunlight per day. Just some thoughts. Good luck and keep us posted!

[TroubleShooter]

For those on FaceBook, a hydroponic info site.


Welcome to Facebook - Log In, Sign Up or Learn More (http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/175117827182/)

[Sniper-T]

Whilst looking for some indoor alternatives for winter, I came across this:

The Future of Food, Sprouting Under LED Lights - Lifestyle - GOOD (http://www.good.is/post/at-the-plantlab-hydroponic-horticulture-meets-techno-party-lighting/)

[Sniper-T]

small scale...

Growing strawberries on your wall - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PbIz_QI4V0&feature=youtu.be)

[Sniper-T]

Whilst looking for some indoor alternatives for winter, I came across this:

The Future of Food, Sprouting Under LED Lights - Lifestyle - GOOD (http://www.good.is/post/at-the-plantlab-hydroponic-horticulture-meets-techno-party-lighting/)

ETA:

lights:

Amazon.com: LEDwholesalers 2501MX Blue/Red 225 LED 13.8 Watt Square Grow Light Panel 110 Volt: Patio, Lawn & Garden (http://www.amazon.com/LEDwholesalers-2501MX-Square-Light-Panel/dp/B001MVWYZA?tag=533643275-20)

[Sniper-T]

Something else:

Growing Strawberries Vertically (http://www.living-and-loving-my-country-life.com/growingstrawberries.html)

[Sniper-T]

and another:

SHOE-NANNIGANS: MATERIALS AND COSTS FOR THE SHOEBAG PLANTER (http://n0va59.blogspot.ca/2011/06/materials-and-costs-for-shoebag-planter.html)

[ladyhk13]

Something else:

Growing Strawberries Vertically (http://www.living-and-loving-my-country-life.com/growingstrawberries.html)

Those are awesome!!! I can never get strawberries to grow, tried the topsie tervy thing, have them in a raised area (double decker made with bricks) but still don't seem to be getting much yet. They just don't seem to work well for some reason.

[mitunnelrat]

Lady, my south wall is only 12 feet long, and the space is occupied by immobile objects. I tried it first. East is as good as it gets for me.

Thanks for the heads up on the squash. I did some thinking, and my corn container is way larger than I need for just that. I'll transplant the milk jug plants into it. I'm guessing I'll see better results that way.

[Taz Baby]

I grew my strawberries in pvc pipes. 1 big one with cut out holes, insert one smaller size in the middle drill holes in it for water to drain. Fill big one with dirt, small one with pea rock. Plant strawberries in holes of big one and water thru the little one. I did this for years.

Also did cucumbers, tomatoes,beans and other veggies.

[Sniper-T]

not sure I'm following that Taz... got pics, or a sketch?

[Taz Baby]

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRTAUYEng7BAYrPpuy_WqUYouMVUbvHb N3ZLfGJoz3xEDRRHah8G79wOCk1DQ

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DO-Jt9XJC0w/TchMFBjU9cI/AAAAAAAAASI/aezjMSnjNow/s1600/PLANTERS+pvc+strawberries.jpg

http://0.tqn.com/d/gardening/1/0/T/M/DrillHoles.jpg

[Sniper-T]

cool, tx.

So that is about an 8" outer pipe, with about 3" holes in it, about a 4" inner pipe with 1/2" holes in it

??

And is that a fully closed cap on the bottom?

[Taz Baby]

yep now that is not a pic of mine but that is how I did it. I just used a big pipe and a 2 sizes small pipe. It is cheap and works great. I didn't have to buy my pvc as I had already had some laying around. Now that I am home I am going to make several of these again and put it in the garden. Since I am to late with the planting of seeds, I have to buy the plants to catch up with the season

[Sniper-T]

what do you mean, two sizes of small pipe? what is the second one, and where does it go?

[bacpacker]

I think I just got another project put on my list! :) I like the design Taz. My wife wants us to try setting up something like that here.

How tall is your pipe, looks like 5-6'? What kind of soil did you use, potting soil, top soil? How often did you water? fertilize?

[Taz Baby]

no T you only use 2 pipes. 1 bigger than the smaller one. example::::: big pipe 6" and small pipe 3"

[Taz Baby]

You can make it any size you want as long as the small pipe that goes inside the big one is the same length. I made mine 5' tall because that is how tall I am and I can reach the top to water it. I used a soil mixture I made of equal parts of ....topsoil,potting soil with miracle grow in it, sand, and cow poop. I water it with miracle grow mixed in the water. I watered them once a week if it did not rain. Or if the leaves started to wilt.

[bacpacker]

Thanks Taz

[ladyhk13]

Yeah but don't believe her when she says she's 5'

[Taz Baby]

Yeah but don't believe her when she says she's 5'

yes I am. With shoes on.

[Sniper-T]

yes I am. With shoes on.

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z393/LindaAnnBarlow/High%20Heels/sgimage48.jpg

???

;)

[bacpacker]

Sniper that looks like what my DW would need. Of course she wouldn't walk in them either. Those just wouldn't work with vertigo.

[ladyhk13]

I have them in purple, black and one in leopard....and they look damn good too!

[Sniper-T]

Only one in Leopard? what's the other one in?

[ladyhk13]

Only one in Leopard? what's the other one in?

Yeah, I have 3 legs!

[Sniper-T]

wow!

You must kick ASS in hopscotch!

[ladyhk13]

:0 :0 :0 Hey a girl who is vertically challenged has to take advantage any way she can! This is a thread about vertical gardening isn't it???

[Grumpy Old Man]

Lady, the wiseass in me wants to tell you and Taz not to get short with me! But I'm much wiser than that so I won't tell you. Lol

[Vodin]

I know I saw something on this in a magazine at one point, but most of what I'm finding now is on herbs and climbing plants. Very little on vegetable gardens set up like this. I'd like to grow a few things at work, just because, but my available space is only a couple feet wide. Anyone have experience or knowledge here? Learning which plants thrive using this method would be especially appreciated.


This is an incredible planting system I have seen it action and it does work very well. www.cultivate.towergarden.com I am not selling it just speaking of the quality in it. I might be getting it for the winter months in Colorado to preprep for the spring planting.

[Sniper-T]

^ that looks pretty cool; but it sure isn't cheap! I'm going to make a variation of it this weekend, kind of a cross between that, and the tower system Taz mentioned earlier, and a few tricks from the global buckets thrown in too. I'll post results (if it works out)
lol

[mitunnelrat]

Thanks Vodin, I'll check the link out in the next couple days.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9330 using Tapatalk

[Vodin]

As I understand it ( I am talking to Jennifer ) she said that it works year round indoors and outdoors in the summer. It is has no soil (making it hydroponics) the base of the column is like 1/3 of a 55 gal barrel (my analysis). And it waters itself from the water in the base. The pump could operate via solar speak to Helo for further details. All in all it makes sense and it works with a small foot print. I have seen the start and end results and am amazed with what it does. Either way I thought I would pass it on to ya since the question was asked.

[Sniper-T]

Not necessarily a garden, per se... but an example of what you can do.

This is a flower feature that is in the back of my firepit area. Standard issue pallet, wrapped on the bottom and sides with landscape fabric, filled with soil, and then planted. Once it 'sets' for a couple days, we stand it up and lean it against a tree for the summer.

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/Sniper-T/garden/0530122020a.jpg

[Sniper-T]

Sniper-T style...

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/Sniper-T/garden/0603121349a.jpg

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/Sniper-T/garden/0603121352a.jpg

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/Sniper-T/garden/0603121457a.jpg

x2

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/Sniper-T/garden/0603121625a.jpg

And now... hopefully, I can get this patch under control, and start producing berries...

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/Sniper-T/garden/0603121625b.jpg

[Vodin]

Ok, got bored this afternoon. Took 4 2 Liter bottles of coke (empty). Drilled 5 holes in the cap. Cut out 1" hol;e on the bottom and 3" hole on the side towards the bottom of the bottle. I inserted 1 bottle neck into the whole on the bottom of another 3 times. I then screwed the cap on inside the bottle where the neck enters the bottom of the bottle. I hung in on the fence with the top of the bottles facing the ground. I filled the bottles with dirt through the side 3" inch holes.

I planted seeds and filled the top bottle with about 3 cups of water. It drained through each bottle (dirt and seeds) to the one below it. It collects in the bottom one and I will pure it into the pond tomorrow and do the same thing with water taken from the pond.

I am pleased. This post belongs in 2 Liter bottles things to do. Here. What have you prepped for today. And a few other forums. So with just that I accomplished a bit today. : )

[mitunnelrat]

So far, so... So! Lol

http://emob304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/SU1HMDA1ODItMjAxMjA4MTUtMTg1NS5qcGc.jpg

My corn and 3 out of 4 tomato varieties seem to be doing well. One tomato type dried out and died early on.

Lots of things dried out, actually. Somebody shut my water off. It appears that most everything is recovering.

Only one bean plant came up, so I'm glad my dad's went well. No pepper's. No lettuce. No onions. The cabbage appears to have been eaten by some bug.

I finally harvested something though! Yay me! I cut several onion shoots (stalks) that we use in stew.

I think I'll still call it pretty successful so far, especially considering the location, conditions, and fact I largely ignore or leave it for days/ week at a time. Even with all of that its not all dead, and still producing food. I've learned about adequate watering, drainage, and now I'm looking at pest control..

How's it looking to ya'll for a first time gardner?

[piranha2]

Looks real good for a first timer. Like my SIL said on his first go around, This is just an experiment. And that is all it was. It gets better with experience.

[Taz Baby]

Here is something I didn't think of using for a vertical garden.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/c0.18.403.403/p403x403/199877_10151193911827436_110997204_n.jpg