If you’ve faced challenges with your GreenStalk vertical planter, you’re in the right place. I’ll share my experiences, thoughts, and valuable tips for using and caring for the GreenStalk, covering everything from soil and setup to watering, fertilizing, and troubleshooting common problems. Let’s dive into the world of GreenStalk!
Overall Thoughts on GreenStalk:
When I first encountered the GreenStalk vertical planter, I was captivated by the lush greenery displayed in pictures. However, my initial experiences were far from that ideal. From failed strawberry plants to struggling seedlings, my first two seasons were challenging. Over time, I’ve learned to navigate the nuances. While I appreciate the self-watering system and the durable tier construction, there are limitations. The compact size is a standout feature, fitting well on an apartment balcony or adding value to a larger garden.
Tips for Using GreenStalk:
1. Setup and Soil:
- Follow the provided soil instructions, but consider adjusting the mix (2/3 potting mix, 1/3 compost).
- Add a heaping cup of Tomatotone fertilizer to each tier for essential nutrients.
- Fill the planter in place to avoid moving it later.
- Set up on a stable, level surface like pavers or a concrete pad.
- Consider widening drain holes to prevent clogging.
Controversial Tip: Don’t add all tiers; stability may be compromised, and it might be challenging to fill the top for shorter gardeners.
2. Planting in GreenStalk:
- Transplants are preferred over direct seeding for better success.
- If starting from seed, fill soil to the top edge and prune surrounding plants to minimize shading.
- Water newly planted seeds manually until the center watering system becomes effective.
3. Watering Techniques:
- In hot climates, GreenStalk soil tends to dry quickly.
- Collect excess water and use it for pockets with seeds or new transplants.
- Adjust watering frequency based on plant needs.
Controversial Watering Method: Remove the watering tray, water directly into the top tier, wait for drainage, and then replace the basin and refill the watering basin to the highest fill line.
4. Fertilizing:
- Since compost and fertilizer are added initially, regular fertilization may not be required until later in the growing season.
- Fish fertilizer can be added to the weekly water routine for additional nutrients.
- Before each new season, top-dress with compost and granulated fertilizer.
5. Troubleshooting:
- Sun Exposure: Avoid buying spinning bases; find a location with consistent 360-degree sunlight.
- Shadows from nearby structures may limit sunlight to certain pockets.
- Experiment with taller transplants in shaded pockets to optimize light exposure.
Plant Preferences:
Flowers, herbs, and greens thrive in GreenStalk. Experiment with new plants in GreenStalk before introducing them to the main garden. Root crops and strawberries might face challenges due to inconsistent watering.
There you have it—the good, the bad, and the ugly of the GreenStalk vertical planter. Despite some challenges, it remains the best option for my gardening needs. Happy gardening!
