How To Build A Pallet Garden

1449511 Alberta Ltd.©Ann Edall-Robson

2014

PalletMust not be treated wood

Heavy-duty garden fabricHeavy-duty stapler4-6 30L bags of potting soil4-6 cell packs of bedding plantsSafety gogglesGlovesTrowelHammer Duct Tape

Materials

Hammer nails flush with boards on both the front and back of pallet

Measure and cut garden fabricLeave a 12” flap of fabric on all four sides of

the palletStaple the fabric to the sides, bottom, and

back of the palletLeave the top end openBack of the pallet has fewer stringers

Fold back the flaps and secure using staples and duct tape

Make sure all staples are flush with the wood

Assembly Instructions

Once full, the pallet will be very heavyPrevent strain by placing pallet as close to its

intended placement as possiblePrepare for frost and harsh weather

When empty, place the pallet on a riser and tuck a tarp underneath one end

To protect your plants, simply cover them with the handy tarp!

To save money, seeds may be sown in the pallet or grown indoors until they are ready to be transplanted

Be Prepared!

Plan plant placementStart with the bottom stringer

Fill with soilAdd first row of plantsSecure in place with more soil and gentle

tampingMove on to the next opening

Pour more soil in and push it to snugly secure the bottom plants

Repeat steps until the pallet has been filled

Planting Instructions

Keep pallet horizontal for about two weeks to allow plants to settle and their root structure to become secure

After two weeks, lift the pallet into an upright position

Dirt will settle to the bottomAdd more dirt and plants to the top opening if

neededCucumbers, tomatoes, or peppers do well in

the top opening

Your Upright Pallet

Treated wood may effect plant growth and the taste of any vegetables or herbs

Trailing plants are happiest in the top openings, whereas climbing plants are best suited to the side edges

Consider the sun and shade needs of your plants

Pallet Planting Tips

Start at the top boardWater the board above each row of plantsWater will drip down into the soil below each

boardWatch for soil compaction and replenish as

needed

How to Water Your Pallet Garden

The more you harvest your herbs and lettuce, the faster they will growThis holds true for flowering plants

Any plants that die should be left in the pallet for the duration of the growing seasonRemoving them disrupts the root system of other

plantsRemove plants that are infested with bugs or

fungusIf dead plant is unsightly, cut the base of the stem,

leaving the root system intactIn the fall

Leave behind some of the roots, leaves, and stems as mulch to retain moisture

From Our Home To YoursPhotography by DAKATAMA