June 6, 2025 /

DIY Vertical Garden with a Pallet

Want to bring nature into your home or backyard without sacrificing square footage? A DIY Vertical Garden using a pallet is the perfect weekend project for growing herbs, flowers, or even vegetables in compact spaces. Whether you’re working with a patio, balcony, or blank outdoor wall, this upcycled solution is simple, affordable, and surprisingly stylish.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Greaton Heavy-Duty Wooden Pallet – 48x40x5 Inches
Start with a hardwood pallet that’s stackable, durable, and perfect for standing upright as the base of your vertical garden.

LAVEVE Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric – 3FT x 50FT + Pegs
This heavy-duty landscape fabric helps line the back and bottom of each pallet shelf to keep soil in place and reduce weeds. Comes with 20 U-shaped pins for securing fabric.

KeLDE T50 Staple Gun Kit – Manual with 1500pcs Staples/Nails
Use this staple gun to attach the weed barrier to the pallet. Powerful enough for wood and easy to handle for beginners.

Miracle-Gro Potting Mix – 2-Pack, 1 cu. ft. Each
Rich potting soil formulated for container gardening. Feeds plants for up to 6 months—ideal for herbs, flowers, and vegetables.

Certified Organic Indoor Herb Garden Kit
A beginner-friendly set that includes seeds for popular herbs, perfect to plant in your vertical garden. Grow basil, cilantro, thyme, and more.

HSYMQ 24PCS Sandpaper Variety Pack (120–3000 Grit)
Smooth out splinters and prep the pallet’s surface using this sandpaper set. Prevents injury and helps sealant adhere better.

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer – Clear, 1 Gallon
Protect your wooden pallet from moisture, mold, and rot by applying this clear waterproofing sealant before planting.

184-Piece Picture Hanging Kit – Gold Hooks & Nails
Use the included sturdy hooks if you plan to wall-mount your garden indoors or on a fence. Rated for 20–50 lbs depending on your setup.

How to Build a DIY Vertical Garden with a Pallet – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Pallet

Use coarse sandpaper (120–180 grit) to smooth all pallet surfaces. Pay extra attention to any splintered areas or rough edges. Once sanded, wipe off dust.

Step 2: Apply Water Seal

Using a brush or sponge, apply Thompson’s WaterSeal generously over the pallet. Allow to dry completely (usually 24 hours). This step helps prolong your garden’s life—especially outdoors.

Step 3: Attach Landscape Fabric

Cut weed barrier fabric to size and staple it to the back and bottom of each horizontal slat, forming “pockets” to hold soil. Use the staple gun liberally to ensure a strong hold.

Step 4: Fill with Soil

Turn the pallet upright and begin filling each pocket with Miracle-Gro potting mix. Pack it in firmly but not too tight—leave room for roots to spread.

Step 5: Plant Your Herbs or Flowers

Using your organic herb kit, plant seeds or transplants into each row. Be creative with spacing and height. Combine herbs, trailing flowers, or leafy greens for a lush layered look.

Step 6: Optional Mounting

If you want to hang your garden, use heavy-duty picture hooks and ensure they’re mounted into wall studs or a secured fence for stability.

Tips & Ideas to Make It Yours

Add chalkboard labels or wooden plant markers to identify each herb.
Paint the pallet for added charm using exterior wood-safe paints.
Add drip irrigation or place a watering can nearby for convenience.

Perfect for Small Spaces, Balconies, and Backyard Corners

Whether you’re growing fresh basil by the kitchen door or starting a flower wall on your patio, a DIY vertical pallet garden adds green space without taking up much room. Plus, it’s an easy way to reuse materials and elevate your garden game.