How to Build a Vertical Wall Planter

Grow plants in a vertical wall planter made from a wooden pallet.

Vertical wall planters are an effective way to add plants to your living areas even if you have little space. While there are many options for vertical planters in stores, you can easily make your own. You can even use reclaimed materials to make the project have a little less impact on the environment. Use a wooden pallet as the framework for your vertical wall planter. The spaces between boards provide an opening to plant in, and the completed planter can lean against a wall for a display of green living.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Wooden pallet, untreated for growing edible plants
• Roll of landscaping fabric
• Staple gun
• Box of 3/8-inch staples
• Utility knife
• Potting soil
• Plants
• Watering can

1. Lay a pallet with the bottom side facing up. Unroll landscaping fabric and cover the bottom side. Cover the side openings and one end of the pallet. The covered end is the bottom. Trim the landscaping fabric to fit the pallet, using a utility knife.

2. Staple the landscaping fabric to the pallet using a staple gun equipped with 3/8-inch staples. Fasten the landscaping fabric to the pallet with staples every 1 to 2 inches along each edge of the fabric. The fabric will hold the soil in place inside the pallet.

3. Turn the pallet over so the top side is facing up as it would be if you were to use it to stack products on. Pack a layer of plants in the top, uncovered end of the pallet. Plant the plants end to end along the openings in the top of the pallet.

4. Dump the potting soil on top of the pallet and work it into the openings between the boards with your hands until you have filled the pallet with dirt. Make a furrow in the center of the soil between each horizontal board with your hands.

5. Plant the each space between the horizontal boards with plants. Pack the plants tightly next to each other so they will hold the soil in. Firm over the soil around the plants with your fingers.

6. Water the planter thoroughly so the soil is evenly moist, using a watering can. Leave the planter resting flat for approximately two weeks. This will allow the plants to develop their roots in the new soil and hold it in place.

7. Stand the planter up and lean it against a wall with the plants facing out. Water the planter frequently from the top end using a watering can to keep the soil moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the pallet a matching house or trim color for a more decorative look.

• Wear eye protection when operating a staple gun to avoid potential eye injury.

References

• Life On the Balcony: How to Turn a Pallet into a Garden
• Urban Organic Gardener: Starting an Herb Garden Using a Shipping Pallet

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish