Monday 13 June 2011

My "shoebag" green wall

 Well this is my very first attempt at a blog, so bear with me while I learn, and I invite you to learn right along with me. I live on the top floor (12th) of a Scarborough apt. My balcony is directly west facing and has very high walls (higher than all the balconies below me) Something about being on the top floor gives me lots of ceiling height on the balcony but "oh what to do" with that ceiling height, was the question of the day ?

Upon searching the net I came upon a post by pippa5 http://www.instructables.com/id/VERTICAL-VEGETABLES-quotGrow-upquot-in-a-smal/ and I thought to myself "that is about the cleverest idea I've seen in a while, and I just have to try it.


I modified her design somewhat, as I needed to mount the shoe bags directly onto masonry walls, and I also found that reinforcing the spots where the bag is attached to the wooden supports was prudent, as the combined weight of the water and potting mix could potentially pull the bag away from the wooden support. I used metal washers between the fabric and the screw, which seemed to work just fine.

I will admit I loved this idea so much I went a bit overboard and created 6 shoebag gardens with each bag holding 20 plants. These pics where taken upon first planting. I planted one entire bag with strawberries, and another with salad greens, which I placed in the lee of the balcony panel to protect them from direct sun. I also did a few rows dedicated to herbs, and I also decided to try some cherry tomatoes and celery as well. I did a few bags with just annuals, and believe it or not even am trying some sugar baby melons.

Also just as a note, the bag on the window has suction cups screwed onto the back of the bottom wood stake and that allows it to cling to the window through hailstorms...lol seriously. I was a bit worried at first but have had no issues with it slipping or moving at all and it has been up against some monster winds already.













21 comments:

  1. Great work Andrea! You've done an amazing job with the space you have. Since you're working with a shoe theme, I've just posted an article on Sensational Shoe Planters that may also inspire you! Check out: http://www.themicrogardener.com/sensational-shoe-planters.

    All the best with your blog and happy gardening.
    Cheers
    Anne
    The Micro Gardener
    http://www.themicrogardener.com

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  2. this is a very cool idea that I may have to incorporate into my space in future seasons, thanks!

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  3. Hi, nice to "meet" you, I found pippa5's post on stumbleupon and followed the link here... I love the idea of using shoebags to plant vertically. I have plenty of space to plant a garden, however it is difficult sometimes for me as my health isn't the best. these look to be pretty easy and when the day comes I can't work the garden anymore, this is an idea that is worth saving!
    Oh and I am your first follower, good luck with your blog, I am somewhat new as well and have enjoyed most of it, all but the writers block that keeps me away some days....
    Deb~

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  4. Where did you get the shoebags? Great work by the way!

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  5. I got the bags at the dollar store...Dollarama, they where $2 each

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  6. Have you kept up with the watering? How do the plants look now?

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  7. If someone could invent a water drip attachment for the shoe planter, then I could keep the plants for at least two weeks :)

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  8. yes watering became an issue...I tried my best to keep up with it but I wasn't always successful. Some things did better than others celery and cherry tomatoes did ok. The herbs (mint, chives, lemon basil, did ok too but I had to constantly water 2 or 3 times a day. I flirted with a design for a timed watering system using an underwater pump from the pet store and plastic hosing from the hardware store pump is 19.97 (I already have 1) tubing is .24 a foot. and a timer which i already have. Simple concept...have pump in a container of water with tubing runnin up the bag and branching off to each pocket. set timer for 5 min twice per day....lol but idk it's just a thought

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  9. you can buy supplement gel for hanging baskets that helps retain water - water gel crystals or some such title. I had problems with my hanging baskets this year keeping up with the watering too ...

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  10. I have heard of them but have never used them myself....well next spring I may look into that as my balcony is windy and dry at all times....Thanks for the info :)

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  11. I have tried it myself, (see the results here http://wildpeppermint.blogspot.com/2011/10/shoebag-gardening-ii.html) , as you and pippa were an inspiration. Really found it to be rewarding. I did make the mistake with the water crystals, I either used too many or didn't place them right as I got root rot in my plants. I managed to save most of the lot.

    This is a fantastic way to garden. Thank you for the tips! <3

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  12. The watering might be easier if you slip a rectangle of plastic between the outside of the pocket and the soil. This would reduce evaporation. If you cut up sheet protectors you could get 4-5 plastic shields from each one.

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  13. That's a great idea, cheap too :)

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  14. not bad for your first try blogging!! LOL just came from pippa's idea and found your comment and had to see how your "ran" with it!! LOVE IT! you guys have inspired me! Live inFlorida and there are lots of red ants in our "soil" this may solve ALOT! hehe and KUDOS for your awesome phenomenal attempt on blogging and high rise gardening! WOOT WOOT

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  15. Lol thanks Brenda and you will have great success in Florida I am sure. Please let me know how it went and include pics if you can. Love to hear others experience with this method of contained gardening. I found it ideal for herbs and oddly enough celery did very well.

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  16. I have thought of cutting a natural vegetable or sea sponge into fourths and placing that in with the soil to retain water. Thoughts??

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  17. I think that is a great idea...lol only way to find out if it will work is to try it :) please let us know if it worked out (if you decide to try)

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  18. Really found it to be rewarding. I did make the mistake with the water crystals, I either used too many or didn't place them right as I got root rot in my plants That's a great idea
    Shoe bag

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  19. What a great garden idea for those with limited space or just a desire to have a living wall.
    The obvious way to help the watering would be as already suggested the Water Gel crystals but another way that I have had success with is placing a plastic bag of piece of plastic into the bottom of each compartment to act as a reservoir, you might even find a suitable saucer to do the same job.
    Be careful though as it can cause water logging issues if made too deep. Good luck

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  20. This is an interesting blog that you have posted, you shares a lot of things..

    Living wall vertical garden

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    1. Thanks Sarah, it was my one and only attempt at a blog...I haven't found another topic yet to excite me to do another blog
      . I did really enjoy the fact that others felt it was worth reading.

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