Are you looking to maximize your gardening space while enjoying the benefits of growing your own plants? The Greenstalk vertical planter could be the solution you’ve been seeking. This innovative system takes advantage of unused vertical space, allowing you to create a thriving garden even in limited areas like balconies, patios, or small yards. The Greenstalk vertical planter offers a patented five-tier design with a total of 30 planting pockets, each with a 10-inch depth perfect for cultivating a wide variety of plants.
From vegetables and herbs to flowers and root crops, the Greenstalk vertical planter system provides ample room for your gardening aspirations. Crafted from high-quality, food-grade, UV-resistant, and BPA-free plastic, this vertical garden promises durability and functionality for years to come, with a 5-year warranty on color and performance.
Assembly and Setup
Unboxing and assembling the planter
First, take all the needed materials to the location in your garden where you plan to keep the Greenstalk (unless you have the Mover, then you can plant anywhere and just move it where needed). Layout all the pieces and make sure you have everything you need.
Next, fill the Greenstalk with your chosen potting mix. If you are growing from seed, fill the mix to the very top of the planter. If you are growing from starter plants, leave an inch or two from the top to make sure you have space to plant. Never pat the soil down.
Once you have it all planted, stack it up. Start with a single planter, then add a clean grey watering disk, then another planter, and another grey disk and so on till you reach the top. Take care in locking the planters together. The “feet” of the planters fit into the ones below. Once you place the top water reservoir on, it’s time to water.
Filling the tiers with potting soil
- Each Original Tier holds 1 cubic foot of potting mix (about 8 gallons). Each Leaf Tier holds 0.75 cubic feet of potting mix (about 6 gallons).
- The Greenstalk team’s favorites are Fox Farm, Espoma, and Pro-Mix brands. However, any high-quality, lightweight potting mix would work well. Avoid using topsoil, raised bed soil, or garden soil.
- You can add granular fertilizers, compost or worm castings when filling the tiers with soil.
Check out the best potting soils : Best Soil for Vertical Garden: Top Picks for Thriving Plants
Setting up the watering system
The Greenstalk’s patented slow drip watering system allows water to drain through the system within approximately 5 minutes. If used correctly, there will be no sitting water anywhere in the system. The bottom of the Greenstalk includes little “feet” that allow water to drain out and away from the planter.
Use a bucket or a hose with good water pressure for the best results. Simply fill the water reservoir and you will see the water start swirling down the center funnel.
The center hole on the top water reservoir and the grey disks are shaped purposely to allow the water to funnel correctly down the center of the planter. The funnel creates a cyclone that delivers water to each grey disk. Without this feature, the water would just rush down the center without watering each tier along the way.
We do not recommend using the Mover’s black cap to block the center hole when filling with water. The center hole is a funneling system that delivers the water to tiers below.
Planting Process
Plants chosen for the vertical planter
Before planting, it’s essential to consider what plants to grow in the Greenstalk vertical planter. The options are diverse, ranging from vegetables and herbs to flowers and root crops. For beginners, Greenstalk recommends starting with lettuce, greens, herbs, and smaller root crops like beets and carrots. These plants are relatively easy to manage and can provide a rewarding introduction to vertical gardening.
Season
For spring and fall gardens, suitable choices include lettuce, kale, collards, cabbage, carrots, onions, cilantro, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower. During the summer months, consider growing compact tomato varieties, eggplant, peppers, corn, bushy cucumber varieties, and herbs.
Size and Growth
It’s essential to plan the layout of plants based on their size and growth habits. Larger plants like tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and sweet potatoes can potentially cover the entire planter, while smaller plants like carrots, strawberries, beets, or certain flower varieties may result in a more manicured appearance.
When deciding what to plant, consider the desired aesthetic, the growing season (cool or warm weather crops), and the desired harvest. For example, if your family doesn’t enjoy beets, it may not be practical to grow an abundance of them.
Planting methods and tips
Once you’ve chosen your plants, it’s time to start planting. Greenstalk suggests laying out all the tiers, filling them with soil, and planting each pocket while the planter is unassembled. This approach allows for easier access and planting of transplants or seeds directly into the unassembled tiers.
- Fill each tier with potting soil, adding fertilizer if desired (unless using liquid fertilizer, which can be added later during watering).
- Place seeds or potted plants into each planting pocket, packing the soil firmly around the base to secure the plants.
- For larger plants like peppers, strawberries, and eggplant, plant one plant per pocket. For larger plants like cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash, you may need to plant one in every other pocket to prevent shading.
- For smaller plants like lettuce, beets, peas, and carrots, you can plant up to three per pocket.
- After planting, stack the tiers, either on the ground or on the Greenstalk Ultimate Spinner Base or Greenstalk Mover.
- Water the planter by adding water to the top watering disc until it drains from the bottom. You can add liquid fertilizer at this time.
GreenStalk Planter: Strawberries
For strawberries, Greenstalk suggests growing them from bare roots in the larger Original planter. Fill the soil to the top, make a well inside each pocket, and plant the strawberry with the crown resting on top, one per tier.
When the strawberries send out runners, you can move them to the next pocket or cut them off. Greenstalk has been growing the same strawberries in vertical planters for six seasons! Every couple of years, it’s recommended to take the strawberries out, divide them into smaller plants, and replant them in separate pockets to accommodate their large root systems.
By following these planting methods and tips, you can efficiently utilize the Greenstalk vertical planter and create a thriving garden tailored to your preferences and gardening experience.
Watering and Maintenance
Functionality of the self-watering system
The Greenstalk vertical planter features a patented self-watering system that sets it apart from other vertical planters. Instead of water having to travel through the soil from the top tier to reach the bottom, potentially leading to over-watering at the top and under-watering at the bottom, the Greenstalk’s system allows water to travel through the center funnel and slowly drip into the soil at each tier. This results in more consistent watering without over-saturating some tiers to bring water to others.
Self-Watering System
The self-watering system works on an overflow principle, but not in the conventional way. Unlike other stackable planters, the Greenstalk has a series of reservoirs that deliver fresh water to each tier simultaneously. When you quickly fill the top water reservoir, the water flows down the center column and fills each tier’s grey disk with water. These grey disks then start dripping fresh water into each planting pocket.
To water the planter effectively, use a bucket or a hose with good water pressure. Simply fill the top water reservoir, and you will see the water start swirling down the center funnel. If using a slower-filling hose, you’ll need to watch for water dripping out of the bottom to determine the appropriate watering level.
The center hole on the top water reservoir and the grey disks are purposely shaped to allow the water to funnel correctly down the center of the planter. This funnel creates a cyclone effect that delivers water to each grey disk, ensuring even distribution. Without this feature, the water would rush down the center without watering each tier along the way.
It’s important to note that the Greenstalk team does not recommend using the Mover’s black cap to block the center hole when filling with water, as the center hole is a crucial part of the funneling system that delivers water to the tiers below.
Greenstalk Watering schedule and fertilization
The frequency of watering your Greenstalk vertical planter will vary widely depending on your location, time of year, weather conditions, and the types of crops planted. For example, in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Greenstalk team expects to water their summer crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc.) at least every 1-2 days, while in the fall and spring, they may only need to water every 1-2 weeks.
As a general guideline, you’ll want to water your plants when the soil begins to dry out. Allowing the soil to dry out completely can cause your plants to wilt and become stressed. It’s recommended to check on your plants every day or two to ensure the soil is moist but not constantly soaked.
When it comes to fertilization, the Greenstalk team suggests using liquid fertilizers like Fox Farm’s Grow Big and Tiger Bloom. Grow Big is a great choice for creating lush vegetative growth, while Tiger Bloom can be used when plants start to flower to encourage blooms and fruit production. Add 2-4 teaspoons of fertilizer to each gallon of water every other watering, and mix well.
Plant Growth and Yield
Progress updates on plant growth
The Greenstalk vertical planter allows gardeners to cultivate a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, strawberries, flowers, and herbs, in both the Original and Leaf sizes. Larger plants are recommended for the GreenStalk Original, while smaller plants thrive in the GreenStalk Leaf.
Watering needs vary depending on the time of year, weather conditions, and the plant varieties grown. Upon initial setup, it is recommended to thoroughly soak the soil through the water reservoir and individual pockets. When planting seeds, use a mister for watering until the plants are established to avoid displacing the seeds. Regularly check the moisture level beneath the top soil layer to ensure optimal growing conditions.
Harvesting experience and yield
The Greenstalk’s patented slow drip watering system ensures efficient drainage within approximately 5 minutes, preventing any standing water in the system. The planter’s bottom “feet” allow excess water to drain away from the planter. Granular fertilizers, compost, or worm castings can be added when filling the tiers with soil, and water-soluble fertilizers can be introduced through the internal watering system when filling the top water reservoir.
To maximize the yield and simplify the gardening process, grouping similar plant varieties together on each tier can be beneficial. This approach makes planning, sowing, maintaining, and tracking the plants easier. The Greenstalk Garden Journal, specifically designed for the vertical planter, facilitates this organization by providing a planting map that allows gardeners to plan and record the plants grown in each pocket, along with planting dates and comments.
Succession planting is a technique that can extend the harvesting period for crops like lettuce. By staggering the planting dates of the same variety across different pockets or tiers, gardeners can ensure a continuous supply of mature plants ready for harvest every two weeks. The Garden Journal’s planting map and date planted column make it convenient to track and manage succession planting.
Once a tier has been completely harvested, gardeners can start new seeds on the same tier, erasing and updating the planting information in the Garden Journal as needed. This flexibility allows for adapting the planting plan throughout the growing season.
The Garden Journal also includes sections for recording a plant log, tracking plant performance, and noting whether specific varieties should be grown again in the future. This information can be invaluable when planning the next year’s garden, as it helps gardeners make informed decisions based on their previous experiences.
Overall Opinion
Overall, the Greenstalk vertical planter offers a unique and efficient gardening experience, allowing gardeners to maximize their yields and streamline their gardening practices through innovative features and helpful tools like the Garden Journal.
Pros and Cons
Pros of using the Greenstalk Vertical Planter
The Greenstalk vertical planter offers several advantages that make it an attractive choice for gardeners:
- Space-saving! The vertical design allows for maximizing limited gardening spaces like balconies, patios, or small yards, making it an excellent solution for urban gardeners or those with limited outdoor areas.
- Easy (distributed!) watering system: The patented slow drip watering system ensures efficient and even distribution of water to each tier, preventing over-watering or under-watering issues.
- Movable: The planter’s design allows for easy relocation, enabling gardeners to adjust the position based on sunlight requirements or personal preferences.
- Easy to put together: The assembly process is straightforward, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Price compared to competitors: The Greenstalk vertical planter offers a competitive price point compared to other vertical gardening systems on the market.
- Interchangeable with other GreenStalk planters: The modular design allows for interchangeability with other GreenStalk planter models, providing flexibility and versatility.
- Option for support systems, frost prevention covers, etc. Additional accessories like support systems and frost prevention covers are available, enhancing the planter’s functionality and extending the growing season.
- 5-Year Guarantee: The planter comes with a 5-year guarantee on color and performance, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Comes in multiple colors and multiple sizes: Gardeners can choose from various color options and sizes to suit their aesthetic preferences and gardening needs.
Cons of using the Greenstalk Vertical Planter
While the Greenstalk vertical planter offers numerous advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks or areas for improvement to consider:
- Potting soil plus planter can be a big initial investment: The initial cost of purchasing the planter and potting soil can be a significant investment, especially for larger setups.
- Unless you have sun on ALL sides of the planter, you will need to rotate it: If the planter does not receive sunlight from all sides, it may need to be rotated periodically to ensure even light exposure for all plants.
- Mover base is not included and sold separately: The Mover base, which allows for easy relocation of the planter, is an additional accessory that must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.
It’s important to note that some of these potential drawbacks may not apply to all gardeners or situations, and the benefits of the Greenstalk vertical planter may outweigh these considerations for many users. Additionally, as the manufacturer continues to refine and improve the product, some of these areas for improvement may be addressed in future iterations.
Conclusion
The Greenstalk vertical planter presents an innovative solution for maximizing gardening space while addressing common challenges faced by both novice and experienced gardeners. Its patented design, incorporating a self-watering system and stackable tiers, allows for efficient water distribution and customizable planting arrangements. With a wide range of compatible plants and the option to relocate the planter with ease, it offers versatility and convenience.
While the initial investment and potential need for rotation may be considerations, the Greenstalk’s durability, backed by a 5-year guarantee, and its space-saving capabilities make it a compelling choice for those seeking to cultivate a thriving garden in limited outdoor areas. With its modular design and accessories, this vertical planter system empowers gardeners to explore their green thumbs in a sustainable and rewarding manner.
FAQs
1. What types of plants thrive in a GreenStalk Vertical Planter?
Root vegetables are particularly well-suited for growing in a GreenStalk Vertical Garden. Favorites include sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips. These choices are excellent because they allow you to harvest both leafy greens and the root vegetables themselves.
2. What are the advantages of having a vertical green garden?
Vertical gardens offer several benefits, including the creation of a calmer environment, reduction of noise around buildings, enhancement of productivity and engagement, increased attractiveness of spaces which draws more people, integration into branding, and fostering community by bringing people together.
3. What is the recommended fertilizer for a GreenStalk Vertical Planter?
For leafy greens like kale and lettuce, it’s best to use an organic fertilizer that is high in nitrogen (indicated by the first number in the N-P-K ratio). For fruit-bearing plants such as tomatoes and peppers, opt for an organic fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content to promote more blooms and fruit production rather than leaf growth.
4. Are there any disadvantages to using vertical gardens?
One of the main drawbacks of vertical gardens is the high initial investment required. Setting up a vertical garden can be costly due to the need for specialized equipment like hydroponic systems and grow lights.
2 thoughts on “Greenstalk Vertical Planter: Best Features and Benefits”