How to Build Your Own Vertical Garden With Shipping Pallets By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Take your green thumb to new heights (and small spaces!) with a vertical garden. This DIY is a great way to integrate a little greenery into any space, including an apartment or small porch. Supplies:

• Two pallets
• Tarp
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Gloves
• Safety goggles and ear protection
• Sanding blocks or sandpaper
• Paintbrush
• Water-based stain
• Water-based clear sealant
• Two 3 1/2-inch utility hinges
• Screws
• Landscape fabric
• Staple gun and staples
• Screwdriver or screw gun
• Scissors
• Organic potting mix
• Fertilizer
• Plants

A note on plant choice: Before you go wild at the garden center, consider your vertical garden’s placement. To grow most vegetables, herbs, succulents and annual flowers, you will need at least six hours of direct sunlight. A shady spot limits your choices, but you can still create a lush planting of shade-loving foliage plants, begonias and coral bells. Many vegetables and annuals will only succeed in certain conditions, so read the tags to decide if they’re right for this season. Finally, consider the potential size and habit of each plant before packing them into such a small space.

1. Source heat-treated pallets

Many pallets are treated with toxic chemicals, so look for the initials “HT” to select heat-treated pallets. The wood should also be hard, clean and relatively smooth.

2. Add space by removing boards

Wearing ear and eye protection (it’s a loud process!), remove every other board with a pry bar. This will give plants sunlight and room to grow.

3. Sand rough spots

Wearing gloves, remove any debris. Sand down the splinters and rough edges, hammering down or replacing any protruding nails.

4. Apply waterproof stain

For a decorative finish, apply a water-based wood stain. Using a paintbrush, paint along the grain of the wood, and wipe off any excess stain with a rag. If you’re growing vegetables or herbs, line the inside with plastic before planting. This will prevent chemicals from leaching into the potting mix. Allow the stain to cure for at least 24 hours. Once dry, apply a layer of water-based clear sealant to protect the wood from the elements.

5. Connect pallets with hinges

Stack the two pallets together, ensuring that the bottom edges are level. Attach the hinges to the sides of the pallets with screws, placing them about one-third and two-thirds of the way down for stability. You may also choose to drill pilot holes first to prevent splitting.

6. Cut landscape fabric

Since pallets come in all shapes and sizes, use the first sheet of landscape fabric to create a template. It should provide ample planting room, as well as about an inch of overlap for the stables. Once you’ve tested the template, cut the remaining sheets to the same size.

7. Line pallets with fabric

Create a pocket by tucking the landscape fabric into the opening, and staple it in place along the outer edge. Repeat for the remaining pockets. If extra moisture retention is needed, include an extra layer of fabric.

8. Add organic soil

Before adding potting mix, move the pallet garden to its final location, making sure that it will receive enough sunlight for the plants you’ve chosen. Fill each pocket about three-fourths of the way full with moisture-retentive potting mix. Set aside some potting mix so that you can add a layer after planting.

9. Add fertilizer

If the potting mix doesn’t already contain fertilizer, sprinkle fertilizer over the surface according to label instructions.

10. Add plants

Before planting, water each plant to keep their brittle roots from breaking. Then slip each plant’s rootball out of the pot, soil and all. Gently tease apart the roots with your fingers, and nestle them into the potting mix, one by one. Since excess water will drip down to the lowest pockets, fill the upper pockets with drought-tolerant plants such as succulents, sedums, rosemary and lavender. In the lower pockets, incorporate thirstier plants like ferns, basil and mint. Once the plants have been arranged to your liking, cover with another layer of potting mix, and lightly sprinkle with water to help the mix settle around the roots.

Caring for your vertical garden

Water the uppermost pocket every morning, allowing enough water to reach the other plants. You may need to water two to three times for thirstier varieties of herbs and vegetables, particularly on hot days. Feed plants once a week with a liquid fertilizer to replace any nutrients that leach out from the potting mix. Now it’s time to enjoy your vertical garden and its bounty. As plants outgrow their space, transplant them to the garden or larger containers. You may also choose to start from scratch each season, planting a whole new garden from seeds or transplants. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.