Looking to add a touch of greenery to your backyard without taking up a lot of space? A garden tower made from a barrel is the perfect solution! In this article, we will answer some common questions about how to make a garden tower from a barrel, and provide some helpful tips on how to get the most out of your garden tower. Let’s get started!
What is a Garden Tower?
A garden tower is a vertical planter that allows you to grow a large number of plants in a small space. Garden towers are usually made from recycled materials, such as plastic barrels or milk crates.
Garden towers are a great way to add some greenery to your backyard without taking up a lot of space. They are also perfect for people who have limited mobility, as you can grow your plants at waist level or higher.
If you are interested in growing fruits and vegetables, then a garden tower can be an excellent way to do so. You can easily control the amount of water and fertilizer that your plants receive, and there is no need to worry about pests or weeds.[2]
What you will need
A Barrel
You can use any type of barrel as long as it is food grade. That means it has never held anything toxic or poisonous and is clean inside. You can find these barrels at some wineries, distilleries, or breweries. If you know someone who works in one of these places, they may be able to get you a barrel for free or for a very low cost.
PVC Pipe
You will need to attach the PVC pipe to the barrel. You can do this by screwing it into the side of the barrel or by using a hose clamp.
PVC Drain Cap and Cleanout Adapter
Most barrels will have a PVC drain cap and cleanout adapter installed near the bottom. These need to be removed before you can start drilling drainage holes.
To remove the PVC drain cap, simply unscrew it counterclockwise with a wrench. The cleanout adapter will require a bit more effort to remove.
PVC Cement and Silicone
If you’re using PVC cement, make sure to apply it to both the inside and outside of the barrel. You’ll also need to use a silicone-based sealant on the bottom of the barrel where it will sit on top of the stand. This will help create a watertight seal so that your garden tower doesn’t leak.
Soil, Kitchen Scraps, Worms and Plants
Composting is a great way to reduce your food waste and provide nutrients for your plants. And what could be better than getting those benefits while also saving money on fertilizers?
To get started, all you need is a barrel, some soil, kitchen scraps and worms. Then you’re ready to start composting![2]
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: making the pockets
The first step is to make the pockets.
Now, take two of the pocket pieces and attach them together at one end using a strong adhesive or by drilling holes and inserting bolts. Repeat this step with the other two pocket pieces. You should now have two long strips each with two pockets attached.[1]
Step 2: creating the drain
Use a power drill to create a hole in the bottom of the barrel. The size of the hole will depend on how often you plan on watering your plants. If you live in an area with regular rainfall, you can make the hole smaller. But if you live in a dry climate, make the hole larger so that your plants have enough water.
Next, use a hammer and nail to create drainage holes around the sides of the barrel. These holes will allow excess water to drain out of the barrel so that your plants don’t drown. Make sure to space the holes evenly so that all of your plants get enough water.[1]
Step 3: preparing the compost tube
Now that you have your barrel cut in half, it’s time to prep the compost tube. First, drill or punch a hole near the bottom of the barrel (on the side) for drainage. Next, cut a hole in the center of the barrel lid for the compost tube. The size of this hole will depend on the size of your compost tube–you want it to be snug so that it doesn’t fall through. Finally, attach your compost tube to the lid using screws or zip ties.[1]
Step 4: elevating the barrel
Next, you’ll need to elevate your barrel. This can be done by setting it on top of cinder blocks, bricks, or anything else that will raise it up off the ground. Once your barrel is elevated, you’ll need to drill a few holes in the bottom of it so that water can drain out. Be sure to place a piece of mesh over the holes to keep soil from washing out.[1]
Step 5: installing the compost tube
Now that you have your barrel prepped and ready to go, it’s time to install the compost tube. This is a crucial step in the process, as it will allow you to add compost and other nutrients to your garden tower without having to remove the plants.
To do this, simply drill a hole in the bottom of the barrel, making sure that it is large enough for the compost tube to fit through. Then, insert the tube into the hole and secure it in place with some screws or bolts.[1]
Step 6: sprucing up the barrel
The outside of the barrel can be spruced up however you like. A few coats of paint or varnish will help protect it from the elements and make it look nicer. You could also wrap it in chicken wire or decorate it with stones or other materials.
Once you’ve decided on a design, apply it to the barrel.
Step 7: adding soil, plants, and worms
Now that you’ve completed your barrel tower, it’s time to add soil, plants, and worms! Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Use a high-quality potting mix for your plants. This will help them thrive in their new environment.
- Be sure to add plenty of organic matter to your soil mix. This will help provide nutrients for your plants and also improve drainage.
- Worms are great additions to any garden and will help aerate the soil and break down organic matter. You can purchase them online or at your local garden center.[1]
FAQ
How do you make a planter out of a plastic barrel?
Cut the top and bottom off of the barrel. Cut the barrel in half lengthwise.
Drill drainage holes in the bottom of each half. Attach one half of the barrel to a base (we used cinder blocks). Fill with soil and plants!
What can I make out of plastic barrels?
This is a common question we get here at Garden Tower Project. While it may seem like an obvious answer – a garden tower, of course! – there are actually many different ways to put these versatile containers to use. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular options for plastic barrel projects.
One of the most popular uses for barrels is as planters. Whether you’re looking to grow a few veggies on your patio or want to start a small farm, barrels make great planters. They’re large enough to provide ample space for roots to grow, but not so large that they’re unmanageable. Plus, they’re easy to transport if you need to move them around your yard or take them with you when you travel.
If you’re not interested in using your barrels as planters, there are plenty of other options for barrel projects. One popular option is to use them as storage containers. This can be great for things like gardening tools, pool supplies, or even excesses holiday decorations. Simply drill a few holes in the top of the barrel for ventilation and voila – instant storage!
Another popular option for plastic barrels is to repurpose them into rain barrels. This is a great way to save money on your water bill and help out the environment at the same time. To turn a barrel into a rain barrel, simply drill a hole in the bottom and attach a spigot. Then, position it underneath your gutter downspout to collect rainwater.
How do you seal plastic barrels?
If you’re using a plastic barrel, you’ll need to seal it to make it weather-resistant. The best way to do this is with a product called Flex Seal. You can find it at most hardware stores.
To use Flex Seal, simply spray it on the outside of the barrel. You’ll want to do this in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be strong. Once the barrel is coated, set it aside to dry for 24 hours.
Flex Seal will create a watertight seal that will keep your garden tower from leaking. It’s also UV resistant, so it will help protect your barrel from fading in the sun.
Another option for sealing your barrel is to use epoxy. This is a two-part product that you mix together and then apply to the barrel. It’s more difficult to use than Flex Seal, but it will also create a watertight seal.
How do you join two plastic barrels together?
To join two plastic barrels together, you will need to use a barrel connector kit. This kit will come with two half-barrel connectors and four bolts. To attach the barrels together, line up the holes on the connectors with the holes on the barrels. Then, insert the bolts through the holes and tighten them down.
Now that you have your barrels connected, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to arrange them in your garden tower. One option is to create a spiral design, which can be done by attaching the barrels together at different heights. Another option is to create a more traditional tower shape by stacking the barrels on top of each other.
How do you stop a barrel from leaking?
To make sure your barrel does not leak, you need to find a sealant that is compatible with the material of your barrel. For example, if you have a plastic barrel, you can use silicone caulk or epoxy. If you have a metal barrel, you can use a sealant designed for metal such as tar or asphalt. Once you have found the right sealant, apply it to the inside of the barrel where the lid meets the body. Make sure to apply it evenly and smooth it out so there are no gaps. Let it dry completely before adding any soil or plants.
Useful Video: DIY Garden TOWER Barrel
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Our complete guide on how to make a garden tower from a barrel. We hope you found it helpful and that you now feel confident enough to tackle this project yourself. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. And, as always, happy gardening!
References:
- https://www.backyardboss.net/how-to-make-a-garden-tower-from-a-barrel/
- https://www.organizewithsandy.com/how-to-make-a-garden-tower-from-a-barrel/
