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mod mom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-09-11 08:44 AM
Original message
Inexpensive Vertical Gardens
Edited on Wed Mar-09-11 09:05 AM by mod mom
I recently saw an episode of HGTV's Jamie Durie Show in which he installed this beautiful vertical garden system in his own home. I searched the internet and found the system he used costs thousands. Since my home will be included on a Home & Garden Tour (to raise $ for scholarships for a local Women's Club), and we have an ugly fence that we can not afford to replace at this time, I thought this idea would be an excellent solution to hide some of the fence (most parts are already hidden by vegetation). Anyway, I continued to search until I found these low cost solutions and I thought I'd share this with my DU friends. :hi:

One solution here:

Q: What is the wall built of?
A: The structure of the wall is built of three things: posts to support the wall, wire (hogwire and chicken wire), and Typar. The posts were cemented several feet into the ground to support the large structure. On each side of the posts, a foot apart, the sides of the wall were erected. After the sides were thoroughly wired to the posts and to each other, the wall was filled dirt.

Q: How do you plant in the wall?
A: It is very simple to plant in the wall. You need three basic tools: a razor knife, a shovel, and wire cutters. I would recommend wearing gardening gloves because the wires can be rough on the hands. Simply cut the wires and bend them back making ample room for whatever you are planting. Then slit the Typar the appropriate size. Shovel out the dirt and gently place your plant inside. Within a few days your plant will begin to grow skyward. It is very exciting to see watch it grow up!

Q: How long did it take to plant the wall?
A: There are two walls at the farm, each is planted on both sides. It took me approximately 8 hours to plant each side. Keep in mind there were probably hundreds of plants for each side. Because there are more steps than normal gardening it does take longer. But it is well worth the effort when you see your final result!

-snip
http://akitverticalgarden.blogspot.com/2009/10/frequently-asked-questions.html#

then I found an easier site using a shoe storage system:

- Hanging pocket shoe organiser /store.
- Pole and attachments ( curtain pole or pipe fittings, screws).
- Strong metal saucepan or utensil hanging hooks
- Compost of a good quality moisture holding type.
- Selection of plants or seeds... e.g. mixed leaf salad, herbs,sorrel, peas, mini tomatoes.
- Piece of wood 2"x2" as long as the width of the pocket store to keep the base of pockets away from the wall.
- Trough planter to catch drips.

step by step instructions at the link:

http://www.instructables.com/id/VERTICAL-VEGETABLES-quotGrow-upquot-in-a-smal/

I found a vibrant chartreuse (my favorite color) shoe organizer at Target online for $14.99 that I ordered. I'm going to give this a try using coco liners (like you use in wire hanging baskets) to wrap the individual plants in. Hope this works!
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beac Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-09-11 08:58 AM
Response to Original message
1. Very cool. I love the idea of a "salad wall."
Do be sure to post pictures of yours when it's all done! :hi:
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silverweb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-09-11 03:04 PM
Response to Original message
2. Wonderful ideas!
Edited on Wed Mar-09-11 03:08 PM by silverweb
I've been planning to make my own version of these from Eco-fi felt, and I'm almost ready to buy the needed materials and kick the project into high gear.

I love the idea of the pocket shoe organizer, too, for smaller plants!

Thanks! :hi:

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beac Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-09-11 08:05 PM
Response to Reply #2
3. Very cool too.
Want to see pictures of your finished project as well.

I think I feel a touch of vertical garden fever coming on.... ;)
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silverweb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-09-11 10:13 PM
Response to Reply #3
4. I think there will be a lot of great garden pix this year.
Garden fever is very contagious and on the rise! :D

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mod mom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-17-11 12:53 PM
Response to Reply #2
5. Thank you. I'd love to see a photo of yours.
I bought root wrappers from the "plants on wall" site. I'll see if they work well and will post a photo as well. :hi:
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silverweb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-17-11 03:19 PM
Response to Reply #5
6. Definitely!
In a few weeks, we should all have some terrific pictures to post!

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mod mom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-17-11 04:17 PM
Response to Reply #6
7. Oh..you must live somewhere warmer than me.
I have to wait until May 15. I went to the nursery today to buy mulch and was so tempted to buy plants, but alas in central Ohio our last frost date is May 15th. :(
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silverweb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-17-11 04:30 PM
Response to Reply #7
8. Much warmer.
I'm right at the San Diego/Mexico border.

I'm sorry you have to wait so long, but Spring will be coming to you, too!



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