Review of Greenstalk Garden Vertical Gardening Systems (updated 2025)

Have you ever heard of vertical gardening? It's an innovative and space-saving way to grow plants, and it's becoming increasingly popular among gardeners and urban farmers. Today I am sharing my review of Greenstalk Garden Vertical Gardening Systems, specifically the 5 Tier Original Greenstalk.  Is it worth the hype? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of vertical gardening and what plants grow best in vertical garden planters.

This is my review of the 5 Tier Greenstalk Original Vertical Planter. I was not given free product or any sort of compensation in exchange for this review.  The views expressed are my own and are intended for entertainment purposes only.

Jump to:

• What is Vertical Gardening?
• Benefits of Vertical Gardening
• FAQs About Vertical Gardening
• Best Plants for Vertical Gardening
• Let's look at the Greenstalk Garden vertical gardening systems
• is it hard to set up a greenstalk garden?
• Do Greenstalk gardens blow over in the wind?
• What comes in Greenstalk vertical garden kits?
• What I planted in my Greenstalk (spring 2023)
• Are Greenstalk Gardens worth it?
• More gardening posts you'll love!
• Comments

What is Vertical Gardening?

Vertical gardening is the practice of growing plants vertically, using structures such as trellises, fences, walls, and specially designed planters. Instead of planting horizontally in a traditional garden bed, plants are grown upwards, allowing you to maximize your gardening space and create a beautiful, green wall.

Vertical gardening can be done indoors or outdoors, and can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, and even fruit trees.

Benefits of Vertical Gardening

There are many benefits to vertical gardening. Here are just a few:

1. Space-saving: Vertical gardening is a great way to make the most of limited space. Whether you have a small balcony or a tiny backyard, you can still enjoy a thriving garden.
2. Increased yields: Because vertical gardening allows you to grow more plants in a smaller space, you can potentially increase your yield of fresh produce.
3. Reduced pests and diseases: By keeping your plants off the ground, you can reduce the risk of pests and diseases that can often affect plants grown in traditional garden beds.
4. Improved aesthetics: Vertical gardens can be incredibly beautiful, adding a lush, green element to your home or outdoor space.

FAQs About Vertical Gardening

Here are some commonly asked questions about vertical gardening:

Best Plants for Vertical Gardening

What are the best plants to grow in a vertical garden? One of my favorite features of vertical gardening is that I can control the amount of light for different plants.  In the heat of the day, I can roll my garden into the shade.  If my cucumbers need six hours of direct sunlight, I can rotate the 5 tier planter to follow the sun.  The only difference between growing in a traditional garden vs. stackable planters is that the variety of veggies may need tweaked a bit. 

Here are a few options for growing your own food and fresh ingredients in a tower garden:

1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a popular choice for vertical gardening, as they are climbers and can be trained to grow upwards.  I am growing Orange Hat tomatoes, which are a miniature determinate variety and will produce yellow cherry tomatoes.
2. Cucumbers: Like tomatoes, cucumbers are climbers and can be trained to grow vertically. The variety I am trying this summer are Mini Me and will produce cucumbers that are about 2-4 inches long. As this is my first year, I can't give a recommendation on them (yet!)
3. Fresh Herbs: Many herbs, such as basil, parsley, and thyme, can be grown in small vertical gardens. I am growing varieties of mint that would otherwise become a nuisance in my other garden space.  If you didn't know, mint can be quite invasive.  I am growing chocolate mint, peppermint, mojito mint, and spearmint.
4. Strawberries: Strawberries are a great option for small vertical gardens, as they don't require a lot of space. I currently have an established strawberry bed, so I did not add any to my Greenstalk this summer.
5. Leafy greens: Each pocket can hold 1-3 salad green plants. I used a mix called Rocky Top that is a blend of several lettuce varieties, ranging from smooth buttercrunch to a ruffled red leaf.  I love the color and texture they bring to the party!
6. Pollinators & edible flowers: Adding flowers is a great choice! Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and all of the lovely nectar-sipping garden friends are welcome to sample my vertical garden container systems!  I planted nasturtiums, sweet alyssum, and pansies in my tower this spring.  I may add more as the season progresses!

Let's look at the Greenstalk Garden vertical gardening systems

Picture this: you have little yard space, but a small balcony or patio, and you're itching to grow your own garden. That's where the 5-tier Greenstalk vertical planter comes in. It's like having a mini garden oasis right at your fingertips! This is a set of stackable vertical gardens that are an easy way to grow edible plants when you lack space. 

First off, this planter is specifically designed for vertical gardening. It's made up of five stacking containers or tiers that allow you to grow plants in a space-saving, upward direction. Instead of spreading out horizontally, your plants can reach for the sky!

Now, let's talk about its construction. The Greenstalk planter is built to last. It's made from a high-quality, UV-resistant plastic that can brave the elements without a problem. You won't have to worry about it cracking or fading in the sun. Plus, it's lightweight, so you can easily move it around if needed.

One of the standout features of this planter is its watering system. Each tier has a cleverly designed watering disc with perforations. When you water the top tier, the water trickles down from one tier to the next, ensuring that all your plants receive the moisture they need. It's like a cascading waterfall of hydration for your plants, preventing overwatering and keeping them happy and healthy.  Each tier has drainage holes that prevent water from pooling in the planter and causing disease or rot.  

is it hard to set up a greenstalk garden?

Setting up the Greenstalk planter is a breeze. No tools required! It comes with simple instructions, and you can stack the tiers together in no time. Just imagine the satisfaction of assembling your own vertical garden without breaking a sweat. And let's not forget about the planting capacity. With five tiers at your disposal, you'll have plenty of space to grow your favorite plants. Whether it's a vibrant herb garden, a mix of colorful flowers, or even some delicious vegetables, this planter has you covered. It's like having a green thumb without the need for a sprawling garden.

Maintenance is also a piece of cake. The planter is designed with a built-in reservoir at the base to catch any excess water. No need to worry about waterlogged soil or messy drainage. Just make sure to water your plants regularly and give them a little love, and they'll reward you with their lush greenery.

In a nutshell, the 5-tier Greenstalk vertical planter is a game-changer for small-space gardening. It's durable, easy to set up, and the ingenious watering system ensures your plants thrive.

Do Greenstalk gardens blow over in the wind?

YES. Yes. Y-E-S. Mine has blown over twice, even when bungeed to our deck rail. Both times it happened, the soil was nearly dry so the Greenstalk was more lightweight than normal. If you live in a windy area, like me, I recommend placing it somewhere with wind protection if possible. Mine has never blown over when it was secured to the rail with a bungee and well watered.

What comes in Greenstalk vertical garden kits?

When you purchase a 5-tier Greenstalk kit, you'll receive everything you need to kickstart your vertical gardening journey. Inside the box, you can expect to find the five stacking tiers that make up the planter, each tier designed to fit snugly on top of the other. Additionally, the kit will include a set of perforated watering discs that fit into each tier, ensuring efficient water distribution throughout the planter. You'll also find a base tray that collects any excess water and keeps your gardening area neat and tidy. 

Furthermore, the kit comes with easy-to-follow assembly instructions to guide you through the setup process. My box also included a few packets of green bean seeds and adorable waterproof Greenstalk stickers. In addition to my planter, I also ordered a rotating base with wheels to make the tower garden easier to move around on my deck as the sunlight changes throughout the season.  I looked at getting the vertical trellis, but decided to wait since I wasn't growing any large or heavy produce this year.

One thing that was not included, but I felt necessary, were bungees to use as a type of support during our windy Kansas days. I wrapped the bungee around my vertical planters and secured it to the deck rail.  Even though the tower is heavy, it's a good idea to know your climate and be preventive with any common issues your area is prone to.

What I planted in my Greenstalk (spring 2023)

I loved how the color of the Greenstalk complimented the terra cotta herb & salad green pots I was already using on our deck! Because our deck is right next to our kitchen, I tried to focus mostly on culinary herbs and small veggies that my family could pick and snack on while we enjoyed our outdoor space.

Are Greenstalk Gardens worth it?

Yep, I'm a fan.  In fact, after I set up mine, I ordered a second one for my Mother-in-Law for Mother's Day. She was an avid gardener, but currently doesn't have a big garden space anymore.  I thought a small culinary Greenstalk for her deck would be a perfect small-space way for her to have fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs.  

In conclusion, vertical gardening systems are a great option for anyone who wants to grow plants in a small space. With its many benefits, including increased yields, reduced pests, and improved aesthetics, vertical gardening is a trend that's here to stay. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, why not give vertical gardening a try?

More gardening posts you'll love!

I have been gardening for more than a decade, but it seems like I learn some new technique to special way of growing every season. If you are just getting into gardening, check out my post When to Plant Seeds in Zone 6. If organic gardening is your goal, An Organic Guide to Pest Control in the Garden is just what you need! This is a good jumping off point for learning methods that work in harmony with Mother Nature, not fighting against it. If you are looking for ways to boost the nutrients in your garden soil, I suggest reading Cheap Ways to Add Nitrogen to Soil for my best tips!

Every year we plant a large garden bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables that grow well in garden zone 6B. Here are guides to my favorite (and most successful!) garden crops. From Tomatoes to Potatoes and Garlic Scapes to Pumpkins, browse around to learn from my experience in the garden!

Happy gardening! - Meg

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