Pocket Planters: How to Make a Lightweight Vertical Garden

Vertical gardens provide elegant outdoor decor, however, large planters can weigh a lot. On the other hand, pocket planters give you a simple, lightweight solution for growing plants on a wall. (And, a low-cost kit makes installation easy!)

florafelt wall pocket garden

There are a few ways to lighten the load of a vertical garden besides making a smaller garden (the obvious =)).

First are the plants themselves.

Second, a soil that is less dense can add less weight to the garden.

Third, the container itself contributes pounds, and when made of lighter weight material, this can make a big difference in overall weight.

1. Plants for a Lightweight Vertical Garden

First, let’s talk plants. Smaller plants of course will weight less. Also, plants that don’t grow lots of roots will require less soil. Herb gardens can be perfect for creating a lightweight garden. Other factors to think about are the lifetime of a plant and its growth rate. Annuals can be replaced each year with new, small plants.

Varieties that grow slowly, like succulents, will of course stay small and add less weight to your container. Succulents are also nice because some don’t require a lot of water, which also adds pounds.

2. Soil for Vertical Planters

Obviously, using less soil will lighten the load of the garden. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider planters that are shallow or have small sections. smaller plans that require less soil will also help.

You can also buy or “make” lighter weight soil, The first option is to buy lightweight potting soil at your local nursery or home improvement store. The second option is to make your own by mixing perlite, peat moss and/or vermiculite in with your regular potting soil. In addition to weighing less, these mixtures also help with aerating the soil, improving drainage and preventing the soil from compacting.

3. The Container that Hangs Vertically

Planters made of lighter materials (ie plastic vs wood) can significantly reduce your garden’s weight. However, these planters can sometime be less sturdy and durable, so you want to be careful.

lightweight vertical garden

A new type of planter that has recently come out incorporates recycled nylon felt with a plastic backing – creating a 3 foot by 2 foot container that weighs less than 2 pounds. Seriously!

Not only is it lightweight, it’s highly durable and recycled. At this weight, you can build a simple frame out of wood to enclose your garden – or none at all. As you can see by the photo – the plants look great even without a frame.

Another cool feature about this planter design is that little soil is required. The felt allows proper drainage and lets plants breathe, so they stay healthy.

Gutter gardens can also work, because they provide a shallow planting area. Plastic gutters are lightweight, yet are made of heavy duty material to stand up to storms, rain water, etc..

3 Ways to Use Bakers Rack Plant Stand for a Vertical Garden

Metal Bakers Rack Plant Stand for Indoor/Outdoor UseAre you looking for a fun, creative way to display potted plants vertically? Many people like using a bakers rack plant stand because it can hold lots of flower pots without taking up much space.

More Reasons to Use a
Bakers Rack for Plants…

In addition, you don’t have to build or install a complicated planter. These racks arrive already assembled, and you simply unfold them at set them up.

Furthermore, the metal shelves and open walls allow sunlight and airflow to grow healthier plants. Not to mention, you can easily water them without worrying about excess moisture because water can drain straight through the racks.

Using Plastic Planter Trays for Excess Water Runoff from Flower PotsNote: That said, if you plan on using your backers rack for plants indoors, make sure you use saucers or trays to catch excess water. Baking sheets work well too.

I particularly like these planter trays because they fit the shelves almost perfectly, plus, they don’t cost a lot. (They also match the color of the metal rack itslef.)

Metal Plant Stand DimensionsThis folding metal plant stand is similar to the Wilson & Fisher 4-tier bakers rack (which is currently out of stock). However, this version features colorful floral embellishments in the metal scrollwork.

Specs for the Bakers Rack Plant Stand:

  • Dimensions: 68″ Tall x 25″ Wide x 12″ Deep
  • Weight: 17 lbs
  • Material: Iron Metal
  • Tiers: 4
  • Color: Black
  • For Indoor or Outdoor Use
  • Folds Flat for Storage
  • Model #: 630065
  • Comes Pre-Assembled
  • Manufacturer: UMA Enterprises
  • For Sale: Where to Buy the Bakers Rack

Idea #2: Small Bakers Rack for Plants:

Toulouse Bakers Rack Plant StandAlternatively, you can get a smaller version, like the 3-tier Toulouse Bakers Rack Plant Stand.

At less than 4 feet tall, you can place this plant holder on top of a table or countertop for an herb garden.

You still get the scroll-embellished metal detailing and open frame design. However, you can plant a smaller vertical garden – or you can get multiple units for a wider garden and space for more plants.

Elevating you garden off the floor or ground can also help keep dogs or ground critters out of your planters too.

4-Tier Corner Metal Scroll Bakers Rack for Plants

Idea #3: Corner Metal Plant Rack:

If you want to fit your plant stand in a corner, then this folding metal bakers rack is for you. This Etagere-style bakers rack has 4 tiers with both large and small shelves with a delicate scroll design. (Also check out this copper-colored metal rack.)

Corner plant stands provide an easy way to make use of corner space which often goes under utilized. Plus, if you have limited space (like on a balcony, small deck or kitchen), you don’t have to worry about this unit creating clutter.

In addition, these corner plant racks fit well in many entryways. Or, get a matching set to create symmetry in your backyard.