 | Dan Longan is the co-owner/operator of Longans Garden Center located on North Broadway in Pittsburg. Longans Garden Center has a wide variety of Christmas Trees, christmas arrangements and decor. For more information email dlongan@sbcglobal.com or shopblossoms@gmail.com. or call 620-704-6008. |
Flowers & Plants
2013-04-30 08:39:42
Is pallet gardening worthwhile?
A-Whether you are short on space or just like the look or concept, pallet gardening is worth every effort. It is great for the environment, inexpensive, fun, and astonishingly beautiful.
You did not mention whether you intended to plant a vegetable garden or use your pallets for plants and flowers, but you can do either. Or, if you love to cook, fresh herbs are also another great option.
I am enthusiastic about pallet gardening because it is much easier to grow organically, control pests; they fit in nearly any space and are mobile, so you can easily provide protection from adverse weather.
As for tips, I do have a few. First, start with a good pallet. Make sure the boards are secure, or nail them in. It helps to sandpaper the wood too, as your hands will be in and around the boards frequently.
You will want to use good quality landscape fabric for the backing, well secured with plenty of staples. Some people add a layer of newspaper to the bottom before adding soil, but that is up to you. If you were organic gardening, I would do without the newspaper and avoid the inks and dyes used in newsprint. Use planting soil and you will avoid the problem of weeds.
When planting, lay the pallet flat. If possible, keep it flat through several waterings so the soil has time to settle and compress before you lift it up. It will be fine after a day or two, but waiting a week is best in making sure the plants have time to take root and preventing soil loss.
One last thing—I find it is always best to plant the plants tightly together. It looks great and helps in keeping everything in place.
Enjoy your pallet garden!
