Greenstalk vertical planter, the ultimate container garden!
The Greenstalk vertical planter is the ultimate in small space container gardening in the UK. Many of us know it from the numerous American YouTube homesteading channels that have promoted them over the years. However, do they really stack up to be everything they are claimed to be? There are two main pocket, or ‘leaf’ designs, a variety of colours, and tier numbers to choose from. For those with patios, and a need to move these heavy planters, there are also two different bases to pick from. Casters can be added to the bottom, and one spins within itself whilst remaining static on the floor. Probably the best part about these planters though is their size, and self watering system!
I’m sure many of us have had, or at least seen the tiny bargain shop ‘strawberry’ planter, and then the poor plants struggling in summer due to lack of space and water. The Greenstalk vertical planter offers the answer to so many problems for the gardener with a limited space. Not least that each tier holds at least 6 plants. Meaning 5 tiers gives us at least 30 plants in the same space as one 42lr builder’s bucket. There is no risk of water-logging in heavy rain, they can be moved, and a spinning base means baby really can be put in that corner.
How to set up your Greenstalk vertical planter
You can set up each tier with the plants in them on the ground, but there is some weight to these once they are full. I also found that they need more than 30 litres of compost for each tier too. You’ll need to consider carefully where you are going to put your planter if it’s going to be static. Because once full and stacked it is very heavy! Each tier also has a small grey tray that fits over the central spout for watering. These have holes that need to be lined up with each leaf. The main black watering tray clips in place on the top. It has the same watering holes to line up. Do make sure to check on a regular basis that this is not getting blocked by leaves, and such.
What to fill your Greenstalk vertical planter with.
These Greenstalk vertical planters should be treated as a much more permanent feature than most other containers. I threat all my large containers as no dig spaces. To that end, I make sure to use the best compost possible in them. In more recent years the quality of all commercial compost has declined. Whilst they may have added in a fertiliser, be aware that this will not last long. Also that your compost may still be trying to break down for quite a while. This will leach nutrients away from your plants. I added in my own compost, and worm castings. This helps supports a micro organism eco system for the compost, and the plants. Be prepared to top up the compost, and feed your plants throughout the season.
What can you grow in a Greenstalk vertical planter?
In my first season with a 5 tier Original Leaf design Greenstalk, I have grown Lettuce, Peppers, Pak-choi, Tomatoes, Bush Beans, and now have Winter Radishes growing in the space of the lettuce. However, I’ve seen people growing pretty much anything you can think of in these planters. Greenstalk even have a specially designed plant support and protection cover for your tower to extend your growing ideas, and season.
Where to buy a Greenstalk in the UK?
There isn’t anywhere to buy a Greenstalk from directly in the UK. However, the official importer is a Swedish company called GrowTowers. I am not affiliated in any way with either Greenstalk, or GrowTowers. I’m just a person that loves growing plants, and appreciates some people have very limited space. I have been that person myself, and I’m still striving to make the best of the space I have.
GrowTowers- https://growtowers.eu/
You can watch the video of my unboxing, and set up here.