By Holley Simmons
Washington - Here’s how to make a vertical garden in ten easy steps.
What you'll need:
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A wooden pallet
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A roll of landscape fabric
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Staple gun and staples
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3 large bags of general potting soil (You'll need more than you think.)
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Various plants and herbs (Vinca major “Variegata,” petunias, basil, rosemary, mint, ivy varieties and dusty miller.)
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Scissors
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Step 1: Lay your pallet flat, with the side you want facing front on the ground; it should have several horizontal planks.
Step 2: Cut three pieces of landscape fabric: Two to fit the pallet horizontally as the bottom layers and one to span it vertically to reinforce it.
The fabric should wrap around the sides and bottom gap until it reaches the edge of the front, so cut more than you think you need.
Step 3: Pull the fabric tight and using the staple gun, staple the first horizontal piece of fabric to the pallet. You should put a staple at every point where the fabric touches the sides and crossbars.
Step 4: Repeat this for the other horizontal piece, followed by the vertical one. Be sure the bottom gap of the pallet is especially reinforced with fabric and staples.
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Step 5: Flip the pallet over so that the fabric side is on the ground. If there's any fabric showing, give it a trim. If you wish to stain the wood or paint it, now is the time. Allow it to dry.
Step 6: Fill the pallet nearly to the brim with potting soil.
Step 7: Using your hands or a garden hoe, form trenches in the soil.
Step 8: Work plants into each trench, the more tightly packed the better. Don't forget to put the more moisture-loving plants toward the bottom.
Step 9: Water it thoroughly and evenly. Leave the pallet flat for a week so the soil has time to settle and the plants have a chance to take root.
Step 10: Slowly prop the pallet up against a wall that gets partial sun, keeping it at a slight angle to prevent the soil from falling out.
The Washington Post