Dollar Tree Stackable Planters | Vertical Garden Tower on a Budget

This video is a review of the Dollar Tree Stackable Planters. I ordered them online around February this year and a week after I purchased them they were sold out. So I will put a link below so you can keep an eye out to order them when they are available to start your vertical gardens on a crazy cheap budget.
Link to Stackable Planters: www.dollartree.com/stackable-...
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Influential books I've referenced:
The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone: amzn.to/3tzQDws
The Market Gardener by Jean-Martin Fortier: amzn.to/3nEl80x
The Homesteader's Herbal Companion by Amy Fewell: amzn.to/3If3994
Royal Berkey Water Filter: amzn.to/3tBUEAn
Azure Standard link: www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=...
Tools I use:
No Crow Rooster Collar: amzn.to/3vn83fZ
Propane Torch: amzn.to/3JjrIDl
Melnor 2 zone water timer: amzn.to/39wbFV6
Orbit 2 zone timer: amzn.to/3tHO4aZ
Melnor Oscillating Sprinkler: amzn.to/3mWWTKi
Pickling Lime: amzn.to/3F5V0mE
10 Gallon Grow Bags: amzn.to/3OgR0Uw
Soil Blocker: amzn.to/3fyqrKn
Winstrip trays: www.neversinktools.com/collec...
Bootstrap farmer seed trays: www.bootstrapfarmer.com/colle...
Treadlite Broadfork: amzn.to/3Ifymsf
Earthway Seeder: amzn.to/3KwHta4
Landscape Rake: amzn.to/35DG4io
Soil Amendments
Peat Moss: amzn.to/3rxYkkh
Perlite: amzn.to/3GEBmy0
Vermiculite: amzn.to/3fyt92D
Big Foot Organic Mycorrhizal Granular Fungi: amzn.to/3Ie8nl5
Worm castings: amzn.to/33LHVAi
Red Wiggler Composting Worms: amzn.to/3q5tcIT
#dollartreestackableplanters #dollartree #gardentower

[@jessicat.5245]

Placing coffee filters in the bottom of the planters before filling them with soil can prevent soil from draining out with the water and soil draining onto the plants below each stack. 😊 Have fun in the garden ya'll. God bless!

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Great advice, I will try that in my next tower!

[@tassiegirl1991]

That’s a great idea

[@dlebreton7888]

To make a moveable bottom, cut wood into a circle and attach wheels. The pipe or rod could be attached to the center. Where there is a will, there is a gardener!

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

That’s an awesome idea, maybe I’ll try that on my next tower, I think I’m going to order more before they sell out!

[@SUN7SHINE25]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR COMMENT!! BLESSINGS

[@cheryltavares2757]

Suggestion, instead of the rebar, use pcv pipe about the same size as the rebar drillholes in the pvc and make it a worm farm/ extra watering tube.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Thank you that’s an amazing idea maybe I will try that in my next tower 👍

[@mKierstenk]

Have you done this? If so, how'd it go?

[@gumbomomma1971]

Thanks just the alternative idea for rebar that I was looking for 🤗

[@jackielambert7980]

I've seen many other You Tubers suggest pitting your drill in reverse when drilling holes in your buckets or lids or containers, etc. Helps keep them from cracking, breaking and just being all jaggedy. I do this and it does help a lot. Hope this helps ya!

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I learned that one the hard way! I will definitely mention that in my next video making more dollar tree towers, thanks for watching 👍

[@VerticalVictoryGarden]

An extra level of assistance is to put tape in place prior to drilling. It’ll help with the cracking.

[@cynsationalcontainergarden4911]

Great video. Relaxing and helpful. This year Dollar Tree is offering 3 sizes of the planter too. The price is lower for the smaller ones. I saw them in the store . The tiny one is cute but REALLY small. Our local store had quite a few. A few years ago I saw people going into a frenzy in the store over these. Thanks for a practical "how to video"

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Yes I saw the smaller ones this year too and I wondered what the heck would I put in this because it’s so tiny lol. Thanks for watching

[@maryannkom299]

We found them at the store. We’re stacking 5 for strawberries.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Awesome! I’m thinking about getting more just for a strawberry tower myself 👍

[@talatmerchant9433]

Rather than drilling holes for big rod, you can make smaller holes with hot screw driver and push rebar through it. You can save yourself lot of labor and it is easier to push it in a ground. Hope this method helps.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Thanks for the tip maybe if I get more of these in the future I will try that

[@norxgirl1]

Such a good idea! Was wondering where to source this bigger rod. Rebar should work just fine. Thank you!!!!

[@shayinla1942]

I was wondering about using a hot screw/knife to cut the bottom.

[@jaytee2642]

@@shayinla1942 I bought an inexpensive soldering iron from Amazon for the sole purpose of melting drainage holes in plastic bins. Works great.

[@ale347baker]

I bought a cheap wood burner to use for this purpose. I previously ruined my kitchen knife heating it up.

[@MA-mh1vs]

I am planning on stacking mine with rebar too. I was thinking about inverting a large flower pot as a base to elevate the stack and make it easy to weed around it. Also keep checking dollar tree because our local store has plenty of these pots still so they must have got another shipment of them.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Good to know!

[@gardenmama1393]

Thank you, I am going to invert a pot too. I have bunnies that eat my plants, I'm not mad at them.

[@lindawoody8501]

Yes, they need a pole added. I have had them 2 years and only 2 high because we live in a very windy place and they fell over.

[@hurstcleaning2956]

I m making one, but drilling a bigger hole to make for a pvc composter!! I m glad I came across this. I was just about to use a barrel , but this will be easier!

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I wish I had done that! Great idea

[@hergardendiary]

The rebar is BRILLIANT!!!

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Thank you, it really works!

[@sashafalls4026]

They work great for small house plants too. I love them! Will be planting Herbs & Impatiens in them on the deck this week.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I am planning to set up another with herbs this week too

[@jackiesnowflake2255]

I went and got mine from the store about 48 of them. I'm just watching and thinking what I could plant in them. I'm thinking onions or beets. Shallow root systems. Maybe spinich.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I just ordered more myself!

[@casperinsight3524]

Good question, Curious what root veggies can grow successfully in these pots and what their depth measurements are?

[@SquishyTheSlime]

I am going to try this but think I might use some pvc in the middle and drill holes in it for watering and maybe even worms. Think it would be too small to add kitchen scraps, but who knows! Thanks for the great idea!

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I’ve always had that idea in my mind to try but I’ve never actually tried doing it!

[@lindakitts4304]

I opened the drain holes with a knife. Real easy

[@janetwhite2039]

I got just 2 of these,poked the little holes in the bottom underneath on the sides,put flower seeds in them.

[@tomcampbell4682]

I bought ten, used a hole saw for the center hole, you don't need to drill the drain holes. I used a drill bit and just poked them out. Using a green fence post as the stand. They are kind of thin but for 1.25$.... Not sure what I'll be planting, maybe herbs, definitely could grow salad greens.

[@marielenalinartes-arauz7187]

Is a good idea thank you for sharing 😊

[@lorettaacton9374]

I think would be cute to put a solar light of some kind on the top of the rod

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

That would be awesome 👍

[@TeeStuffTreasures]

Plant succulents!!! Great idea... thank you for sharing.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I am trying strawberries and herbs in these towers this year, thanks for watching 👍

[@xXIronPeachesXx]

You can make 5 tier ones like this with fabric grow bags and rope, tie them in threes around a broomstick or other pole and make the bottom three the big fabric pots if youre worried about tipping, tie tightly and they work fabulously, also works with regular pots if you know how to tie around them (the fabric ones have handles though)

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

That sounds really awesome

[@JCC_1975]

Take some resin and "paint" it on the outside of them. It'll make them last for years. There are a lot of things you can grow in them. You can also take 2 litter soda bottles and cut the top and bottom off them and make that small space deeper. Enjoy your garden 💜

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

That’s a great idea

[@Ricosyard]

Great idea man thanks for sharing this new subscriber looking forward to your content

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Thank you for being here!

[@christinerobinson9372]

I ordered from Family Dollar, 24 to a case for $30. Waiting for delivery to the store. They were supposed to be in yesterday. We have had some bad weather, maybe slowed delivery to store down a bit.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I just ordered another case from dollar tree to make more tower gardens! I’m having them shipped to my local store as well

[@Miss.C.]

How did yours work out? Were they the same quality as Dollar Tree?

[@poollife777]

So.

[@gwenmangelson]

I like the Rebar- watched a gals video on this and she used a t post and my first thought was REBAR and here you are! good deal whats your plan to water this consistently?

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Thanks! The garden towers are right by the hose so I’m planning to water with a water can in the mornings and evenings

[@kimking3390]

they already have drainage holes, you just have to pop off the 3 little saucers on the bottom.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Yeah, I think I showed that in the video. Some of them I had a harder time popping out than others

[@rrt401]

Hope to see an update video on this soon!😊

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I just made an update video of planting strawberries in these! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWaXcmqqecutf9U

[@kathydills4050]

I used an old metal stick lamp pole 1" and my husband traced around it and used my woodburner knife to cut perfect holes. I stacked 6 with room for more. You can add a adjustable clamp under them for the height you want.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

What a cool idea to use the wood burner knife! We have one too maybe I’ll try that in my next garden tower 👍

[@elsieroach924]

Just use a sodering iron to make the holes. Hugs

[@1smokeaway727]

Seems to be a great project. My question if you come back thru here is are you worried about draining to much water or ferts from the top pot to the next level under it and over feeding all the plants below?

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I’m going to learn a lot about them this year because I didn’t grow anything in them last year. I can already see how fast they dry out so they’re going to need frequent watering…

[@casperinsight3524]

@@onceuponatinyfarm Maybe a companion drip watering system of some sort ....

[@kathymachen8342]

Water loving plants at the bottom

[@edsutton276]

use a soldering iron to make holes

[@texaschick6153]

They were just find. Make sure to keep up with the watering though because it will dry out quickly

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I’ve realized that too I’ve been having to water them constantly

[@gardenmama1393]

​@@onceuponatinyfarmfirst your name makes me smile, I use two litter bottles for my plants but for these planters I am going to try the 16 oz bottles with holes to drain slowly.

[@moshkateer6908]

Everlasting Arms?

[@JoAnnWalker-yn8xs]

does anyone have an idea on how to use a wicking system for watering? I was thinking of using one to hold the water for the one on top but not sure I could make it work for multiples, thoughts? pics would be nice if you know how to do this ~J

[@doreenstrickland6585]

i tried these last year but they dried out really soon. I'm working on how to get a drip type system in these.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Good to know! I got them last year but didn’t actually get to planting anything in them. This year I’m trying all my herbs in these pots for a huge variety of herbs in a small space. I’ll have to make sure to stay on top of watering.

[@doreenstrickland6585]

I tried to do the wicking by cotton rope into each compartment but wasn't as faithful at watering as i could have been. Also put holes in each container so top watering would drip to the lower levels. I'm sure something could be worked out.

[@andreagreen1467]

I've heard that it's best to just not poke all the holes out because they dry out so quickly.

[@nickiekovaleski2734]

What are all the things that you would reccomend for us to grow in these planters ? I was thinking lettuce,and Strawberries but I'm not sure about what else to plant in them

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I’m doing strawberries, lettuce and herbs…I think flowers would do well in these too

[@itslowtide4690]

Being that the center of each pot, where you drilled out for the center stake support, so thin… Any of the pots break in that location as it bumped against that center support stake?

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

The only time they broke or cracked is when I went a little too hard with the hole saw making the hole. But they are thin and will crack easy

[@itslowtide4690]

@@onceuponatinyfarm right. I got a box of them but wondering what can I really do with them aside from lettuce, herbs, strawberries, flowers? Seems fitting for little stuff.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

@@itslowtide4690​​⁠I honestly wouldn’t do much other than lettuce, herbs or flowers. I don’t think these worked as well for my strawberries because they dry out so fast and they need lots of water.

[@itslowtide4690]

Thanks for the honest information based on experience, which is sooo valuable. It has me rethinking now!!!

[@ettateel4979]

How long of rebar did you use

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I think it was 5 feet tall

[@kimberlypettway9692]

What type of tool thingy did you use to cut middle hole?🤣

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I used a hole saw bit slightly larger than the diameter of the rebar

[@barbarab202]

Anyone know if the Dollar Tree stackable planters (that look like three pots on each layer) are food grade? The bottom only says "R2". There is no recycling triangle symbol.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I sure hope they are food grade it should be illegal for companies to sell non food grade plastic for planters

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I sure hope they are food grade

[@lynnclendenin2988]

Plastics numbered 2, 4, and 5 are food safe.

[@Mike-hb4pc]

How would you water this thing without over watering the lower levels? I could set up a drip system, but man, that would be a lot of drippers. Just wondering what others have done...

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I’m still trying to figure out the best way to water it. It dries out very fast so the latest towers I made I only poked a single hole beneath each to help them hold moisture longer. I’m also going to be placing my newer towers to an area where I already have an overhead sprinkler system on a timer so I won’t have to worry about watering.

[@missterry428]

Someone here in the comments say to use coffee filters before you add your soil

[@kathymachen8342]

Perhaps smaller drainage holes in the upper ones and larger holes in the bottom ones

[@donnaguyton153]

Do they need to be food grade plastic?

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I would like to think these are food grade and you wouldn’t want to grow in non food grade plastic as they can leach forever chemicals into the soil

[@steveman223]

am I missing where the link is located?

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I meant to put the link in the details of the video but it looks like I forgot to do that. Here's the link: www.dollartree.com/stackable-3-pot-planters/302624?storeId=4484&inStorePickupZipCode=17901-4106&preferredState=PA&alternateStore=true

[@steveman223]

@@onceuponatinyfarm thank you for the follow up!

[@devinnerenee2353]

What plants are good for the towers

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Lettuce, flowers, and herbs

[@chrishaws7680]

Put your straws berries in them!

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I did! They didn’t do very well because they dried out so quickly. This year I’m trying strawberries in the Greenstalk planters so I’m hopeful they’ll do better

[@tassiegirl1991]

@@onceuponatinyfarm you answered a question I just left today so I won’t use for strawberries thank you

[@livingbyfaithhomestead]

Do they not need drainage holes?

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

They do-they have little tabs on the bottom of each pot you need to poke out for drainage

[@Metqa]

Depends on how arid your zone and how thirsty your plants are. Too many holes allow air flow that might dry out your soil on hot days you only need a hole to let excess water drain out . Water can drip through a single hole and will find its way to the lowest point. There is no need to make the container into a sieve to allow drainage. Consider hanging planters that use only coconut fiber to hold the soil. Tbey require lots and lots of water just to keep the soil moist enough for the plant to live because evaporation is happening from all sides. You don't see many small hanging baskets outside. They are all large to take advantage of the volume of soil to hold the moisture. These DT containers are tiny and hold maybe 2 cups tops. If your soil is not spongy, you'll be watering excessively and that will wash out your soil's nutrients. One hole is probably plenty unless you have a rainy season or live in a rainy zone.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

@@Metqa I think you’re right next time I buy these I might only like one single hole so they hold more moisture

[@jessicamenard9265]

Wood burning smoldering tips work better.

[@samanthanicholson9015]

How do you water this?

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I’m just hand watering right now but I’m putting my new towers in an area already set up with sprinklers

[@katherinerustad4608]

Maybe straw berries

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I just filled them with strawberries!

[@ruthwolf1958]

Does anyone know if these planters are BPA free? Are they actually SAFE for growing food?

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I sure hope so 🤷‍♂️

[@Dreamy-writer]

I just bought two and am looking at the label right now. It says "showcase your flowers or herbs. Accommodates three plants. Can be used indoors or out." It says nothing about being BPA free. Dollar Tree usually does state when it's items are BPA free so if I had to say, it's probably not :/

[@ruthwolf1958]

@@Dreamy-writer After many many tries over many months, I finally got a reply from my most recent email to Dollar Tree via their contact us on the website. It says: "Thank you for your inquiry. All plastics, including bottles and cups go through extensive tests and pass all guidelines when testing against BPA. We do not purchase any Plastics that do not comply with EPA standards." However, I'm really not sure I trust this. It does not specifically address the stackable planters I specifically asked about and I still wonder if there are EPA loopholes to exploit. And as you say, there is no proper content marking on these. That usually makes me consider it a 7/other which CAN be imported from places that are not as concerned with BPA etc. And why are they selling something without a content marking? Even if just for recycling purposes. Personally, I'm considering returning the ones I bought or at the least only using them for ornamentals/pollinators and not a food crop.

[@blueheron7491]

I put info in the main comments, but I'm including it here, too- I'm worried that this container is not food grade. I've been researching this issue because I was considering using the containers myself. A recycling number in the bottom of the pot would tell you what kind of plastic it is made of - 1,2, 4, 5, and 7 are considered food grade. The pots at Dollar Tree have no number, so they are probably not food grade, and probably have toxic chemicals that would leach into the soil and be taken up by the plants. Sorry, I usually try to refrain from making negative comments on people's videos, but in this case, I'm concerned about health and safety.

[@shayinla1942]

Has anyone called DT customer service to confirm?

[@blueheron7491]

I'm worried that this container is not food grade. I've been researching this issue because I was considering using the containers myself. A recycling number in the bottom of the pot would tell you what kind of plastic it is made of - 1,2, 4, 5, and 7 are considered food grade. The pots at Dollar Tree have no number, so they are probably not food grade, and probably have toxic chemicals that would leach into the soil and be taken up by the plants. Sorry, I usually try to refrain from making negative comments on people's videos, but in this case, I'm concerned about health and safety.

[@ruthwolf1958]

I agree with you on all points. In the end, I decided I didn't even want to expose my local pollinators to potential nastiness, so I returned the ones I purchased to DT. I know they probably just sold them to the next person, and I am sorry to lose a cheaper way of doing more, but I'm just not comfortable with the risks either. I REALLY don't think DT should be selling unmarked plastics and don't want to support that. It also worries me that I keep seeing this in video after video and SO FEW people are discussing their food safety.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

After seeing the damage from the aftermath of that chemical spill in Ohio I want nothing to do with plastics at all anymore seeing how toxic they are in the liquid form

[@blueheron7491]

@@ruthwolf1958 I'm glad you're taking care of yourself.

[@loriwebster8574]

Wow, I hadn’t thought about that! Just bought a few of them! Maybe I’ll just do flowers… THANKS!!!

[@samal8339]

Thanks @Jules

[@read2gainknowledge]

I saw some today. Coincidence that this showed up on my feed. They're tiny, 😂

[@missterry428]

The have tiny stackables and the size that he has

[@poollife777]

And how is your cheap plastic containers holding up? I think the whole design is really dumb and it just throws shadows on the plants at the bottom.

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I am not using them for anything other than flowers moving forward because they dry out too quickly

[@devsdiary4348]

So 3k is cheap.... 💀

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

Not sure what you mean

[@jenbrazell7301]

Dollar tree sucks here.everythimg from there breaks in mater seconds

[@onceuponatinyfarm]

I’ve broken quite a few of these they are very thin and flimsy

[@classyog]

It's 1.25, what do you expect?