How to Build a Sustainable Grow Tower - Grow 40 plants in 4 Sq. Ft.

[@juliehahn9727]

Hi Luke. I did this a few years ago on a smaller scale. I planted Roma tomatoes in the holes and basil on top. It worked beautifully. However, one suggestion I have for those planting tomatoes or even peppers is to not use the bag on inside. Cut holes about 1" diameter, fill the bucket to 1st set of holes and insert plant. Continue in that fashion as you go. And remember to take into account the room needed for the roots to grow. Enjoy the garden tower method. It's great for patio gardening.

[@LarryJackson007]

Thanks Man!!!! Beats the heck out of paying $500!!..I will absolutely make me a few tower buckets!!

[@flowergirlinWard17]

Actually I do have a couple tips. Even a system like this needs to be at least 3 feet off the ground to prevent rabbits and ground squirrels. If possible, have at least 2 feet of smooth, bare sides to prevent animals from climbing up from the ground. If the tube has no bottom hole, do put down some 1/4" galvanized wire screen to prevent voles and moles from digging up into it from the bottom (moles will go after your worms and grubs inside the compost.) Do read the plant requirements list and place plants requiring full sun on the south and west side of the tower, (tomatoes, peppers, strawberries), and more tender plants needing some shade on the north side of the tower. (some lettuces and green onions do better in part shade.) Deer and rabbits don't usually like strong-smelling plants such as society garlic, rosemary, and lavender, so underneath or around the towers do plant the strong-smelling plants to deter their interest. I also use bits of shedded dog fur wrapped up in cloth mesh tied to my plants in my containers to deter deer and rabbits. Do some homework on the plant varieties and try to select plants for your geographical location and weather conditions. Spring and fall are the best time to grow lettuces, broccoli, celery, spinach, sweet peas, cauliflowers and cabbages, summer is best for tomatoes, peppers, and squashes. Get a good schedule of vegetable plants and when to grow and harvest them for better use of these containers. Do invest in "heirloom" varieties when possible to keep the seeds going. These also work for flowers, too. I think we might look into these as a fair project for the 4-H kids.

[@codybarron2530]

Have you planted garlic in one of these? I was thinking a 55gal one.

[@terricoe7766]

Thank you

[@ruthcock6482]

I have used this method to make hanging baskets with flowers. I used a smaller pipe for the basket with a pipe cap an the bottom. A pipe filled with gravel for watering down the middle with fewer holes in it. I fertilized from the top with the water. I had to water often. Then i hung it up with chain. Very beautiful when flowers matured.

[@jmrichsonsr]

Do you have an updated video about results? How did it produce for you? Also, did the worms survive? It looks like an awful lot of moisture for them to have any oxygen. Great Idea you have if it actually works. Thanks.

[@pascalxus]

yeah, i was thinkin the same thing. does this last a lot longer than just a soil mixture? i don't want to touch worms.

[@janiceb4679]

I love MI grass. It is so soft and fine, like carpet. And bright green!

[@sharadbabushrestha4478]

Thanks, it is really beneficial to the people in the city area who don't have enough space for the garden.

[@hart796]

Awesome design with senter worm bin...gonna give it a try this year!! Herbs, lettuce, strawberries. TY VM!!!

[@malka-deenalewis3821]

Do you have an update of this? Would love to see what happened a couple months later

[@chuckfaber7521]

Instead of cutting out an x in the plastic why not just cut the top of the plastic in a semi circle and stretch out the plastic to plant? It might reduce soil loss and look better.

[@master6676]

Run the drill backwards with the hole saw, then they don't get stuck so bad but they still cut pvc no problem.

[@grits8284]

A tall laundry hamper would work without having to do all that work.

[@scottbiz1127]

Great idea! I was thinking about that.

[@sneakyomni]

I've done that. It does work, but man is that hamper heavy after it's all said and done. Put it together where you want to keep it!

[@sandyamaral111]

Yes!!

[@lisakukla459]

I've done that with strawberries, and after two seasons the hamper is now so brittle. It'll probably disintegrate this winter. Next I'd like to try a tower made from wide fence pickets. Maybe put some drip line down the center with a quick release.

[@ryanarmishaw3305]

Dude?! That is awesome!! Just stumbled onto your channel a few days ago and I am BINGE watching! I converted my whole backyard into 4x8' planters last year, and I kinda stumbled my way through the remaining grow season. But I'm super excited for this year of gardening! Gonna start from seeds, and your channel has been invaluable. Thank you so much.

[@ΜΙΛΤΙΑΔΗΣΧΡΥΣΙΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ]

Hello, how did it worked out for you? I am starting to setting it up and i would like some experience info for, mostly, the mistakes to be avoided.. thanks.

[@JustSewTrish]

I love this idea. Tangi is going to turn me into an MI gardener in FL. once I get my self situated, I will be ordering.

[@LearnToGrow1]

These are great space savers! Great for balcony gardens! Mark SM

[@MIgardener]

I had CharmCity BalconyGarden In mind with this one for sure. :) Thanks for watching Mesilla!

[@LearnToGrow1]

Nice! You're welcome!

[@CCbalconygarden]

***** aww, thanks Luke. The tower is beautiful. Much cheaper than the commercial one and I like the idea of having worms in the middle!

[@elainesgardeningandc0oking53]

I have an old water purifier tank outside, and plan to use it for your plan!! It stands about 3 1/2 feet tall!! GREAT VIDEO !! Thank you!!

[@crystalhuff6811]

Hi, Luke, do you still use this grow tower? A lot of us would love to hear, if so!

[@MrSmerk14]

just did this for my raised garden bed... I'm wondering if this is still working for you.

[@carenwilson4902]

You can use an inexpensive standing laundry basket with holes if you don't have the drill attachment for making larger holes, and then you just have to make the compost tower with a regular drill but and PVC piping.

[@martysgarden]

Really well made video, I really like your version of the Worm Grow Tower. I will be sharing this on my websites for sure. Many Thanks Happy Gardening Marty Ware from Australia

[@SansaStarkofWinterfell]

This is brilliant Luke! I can scrounge around on the family farm and find things to make this. Thank you for this idea.

[@MIgardener]

+Sansa Stark Awesome! Let us know how it turns out! :D

[@troyyarbrough]

I would really like to see a follow-up video on the grow tower. I tried using a grow tower for strawberries with mixed results. Some of my plants thrived while others (about 40%) died after a month or so.

[@kellievanes6924]

I love this! I don't live in the city, but this is so creative and fun, I am going to build 2! I ordered strawberry plants. Thanks so much!

[@melindalancaster9648]

this is a great idea. i like the idea of the conpost in the center

[@Greenr0]

PVC leaches toxic chemicals to the soil and can contaminate ground water as well, especially when heated, like during composting. Use corrugated perforated HDPE drainpipe. Pack soil around to make it straight.

[@pambarmby8247]

I love this idea - I have been researching self watering buckets, most of which just plant in the top, and most use the reservoir system of self watering. I love the idea of self fertilising/composting too. So just to check, I need drainage holes in the bottom of the bucket to make sure it drains and the worms dont drown, and a cap or a cover on the pipe to mask the smell and stop fruit flies laying eggs. I presume I can use worms from my compost heap? Very impressed.

[@BodyCulinary]

Much appreciation for the video. Will the plastic bag leech anything toxic into the soil? Thank you.

[@carlvella]

Ink in the plastic might

[@oneministries4878]

Thoroughly soaked with PFOA’s, yes we are all going to die, it’s only a matter of time

[@Tessa-hg4hn]

Use garden fabric

[@madayaleeburke1049]

Thanks so much for sharing! Perfect way to grow more in many balcony garden

[@andreabobandrea8307]

Thanks so much for this video. It's really a great idea. I do have a concern though; It's the same concern I have every time I see someone using plastic containers to grow food in. Is that safe. I worry that the harmful chemicals in the plastic could contaminate the food. Is that possible, I've always wondered

[@terryi8892]

That's a really useful idea to grow food in a small space . Thanks .

[@josephmyers1492]

Most self sustaining gardener I've ever seen. Thanks for the instructions. Just one question : Wahat about watering?

[@stormsmyst]

Hi Luke, this is so awesome. I can't wait to give this a try =) Please do keep us updated on how it grows out! Thanks for the video!!

[@MIgardener]

I will definitely do an update. I am expecting like anything to possibly lose a few plants just due to transplant shock, but I see no reason why this won't work. Grow towers are nothing new, I am just adding a vermicomposting core to it.

[@parkalan]

Still waiting the update :(

[@kateshelton8322]

how did this work out?

[@theresaz2023]

Same.

[@petro062]

I had a proboem with white barrels. They decompose in the sun. I'm gona try a blue one too. I know black gets hot but last forever. Maybe paint it till the plants cover it. I know it don't stick to polyetholine.

[@sandilyncabreiraakamerelou9424]

Aloha Luke! I know this is a very old video, but I was researching Garden Towers. How did this work for you? Also, did you end up with too much water on the bottom? Did the worms live? How long did the plants live? I have seen mixed reviews, and would like to know before I try it. Thanks!

[@chrisdupreez6281]

this is great idea and concept thx. this is how I'm gonna build mine, with following changes. 1. drainage hole to recover water/(vermiculture) and bit of height from the ground to put a bucket underneath. 2. small sticks/branches around centre tower (hugelkultur) 3. lesser but bigger holes n centre tower. (15mm spade drill bit) 4. 40mm - 60mm (diameter) x 15cm in lentgh pvc pipes cut with a spear type angle (inside) inserted at a angle for the planters.

[@scottwilliams4455]

Want to give it a try but with burlap bag instead of plastic

[@loftyhoy480]

Yet another good video. I too am looking at ways to maximise my yield in a small space, I have a couple of concerns or perhaps suggestions that may or may not work, would appreciate your thoughts. Firstly, why no drainage holes in the bottom, I think about half a dozen holes would prevent any buildup of water and root rot. Secondly, I live in the northern hemisphere and we dont get sun light from the north, so perhaps a small frame with some castors attached would make it easier to turn and maximise sun exposure.. and lastly, the garbage bag seems just wrong, why not line with a landscape fabric, it might not be as cheap but it should be better to spend a few extra pennies in the build stage and get it right for many years of use. Thanks again for a tutorial video. Keep them coming :-)

[@cherylfitch2693]

Lofty Loy: All good ideas to me, specially the rollers.

[@larrytroyan4229]

how fast does the composting process work? how often can you add compost on this?

[@jimclaire7996]

Can you plant seeds or just plants? Great idea. Thank you for sharing a nice concept. It does seem to be a great use of space. God bless America, America needs more people like you.

[@christal2641]

Seeds are likely to wash out before the can establish roots. Start plugs in trays and transplant.

[@CaliKim29]

Luke, where to you come up with all these ideas? Again, wonderful use of resources and it will be fun to see this with the plants full grown - bet it will be beautiful!

[@MIgardener]

I honestly think of a problem that need to be solved, and how we can fix that problem. Growing vertical is the way of the future. You should make one! they are looking amazing even after 3 days, and showing no signs of transplant shock either

[@CaliKim29]

***** I may just do that this summer. I think it would be a great way to solve my growing lettuce in the heat problem. Thanks for sharing!

[@hightechredneck3]

No No so his answer was in respond to calikim's question about all his ideas in general. While this growing technique has been around for a while, I'm not sure that it involved the same materials he used, which happens to be one of his things he does, finds ways to recreate something but on a smaller budget.

[@jeffd5907]

@@Eli-Fremont a little high on yourself don't you think? Who died and appointed you KZbin Wannabe Police? Snowflakes like you are such an embarrassment to humanity. FYI, he never said he was the 1st to come up with this idea. Get over yourself thinking you are "Captain Correction, Protectorate of the Internet". Grow up!

[@amyjofarnum3768]

Do the worms overwinter in these systems in cold climates?

[@macmund]

thanks that is a simple setup. But will not the worms drown if you irrigate it with water? How is it doing now? Any changes your recommend. ? Saw a similar system but has a faucet drain in bottom for the excess water and can be used again to water the barrel.

[@edgarmiranda4917]

I love it the simple and easy way you did it. Thanks

[@angelahopson9604]

How is it working as far as drainage?? You didn't add any drain holes at the bottom. Does the bottom plants have an issue with the roots being to wet?

[@LettyAllado]

Angela Hopson yes how does it drain?

[@PrasadGardenZone]

you have to make drain holes at the bottom.

[@vida-zoe.itamarsantos270]

Plastic is no good. No breath for the roots. Quere os tia Food for tia warms?

[@vida-zoe.itamarsantos270]

Where is the food for the warms?

[@gardeningtipswithphil2244]

Really cool tower. I have experimented around with more basic and smaller towers for balcony and patio planting including hanging towers but have found them very thirsty. Haven't done a self watering tower as yet but it is on my to do list.

[@CubeRootFarming]

I will try this to a 5 gallon water container here in the Philippines, will post the finish product in my FB page and in my youtube. Big thanks for the idea.

[@BetterDeadThanRed99]

Lots of people in the comments here (including myself) would very much like to see a follow-up video before attempting to build something that doesn't live up to its expected potential and has to be deconstructed in a few growing seasons.

[@comptonstudios]

i made the exact thing,but with a 45 gallon barrel,and put it in our shop with grow lights above it.My greenhouse for the winter.

[@Sandra-nx3pl]

I like it thank you ..i will try for my herbs...and small space,very cool..!!

[@lindaboone3143]

do you recommend used this type of holes for starting from seeds? I have seen the one where you cut a line & heat it to pull out pockets, would that be better for seeds? also I have a 55 gallon availible what size of tube should I use in the middle? thanks so much, Linda

[@PrasadGardenZone]

is it 15 gallo or 5 gallo drum..what are the requirements if we do it with a 5 gallon bucket.

[@margaretd3710]

Luke, how did your grow tower work out? Are you still using it? And since you had worms in the inner tube, did using it for watering negatively affect the worms?

[@ricgray9259]

I have had a worm farm made from storage bin for a couple years, now I have a use for them, once I get things settled. How I feed them is save scraps of food, not meat, just veggies, fruit and egg shells in the freezer in a #10 can. Once full I Vitamix this with water and feed my worms what my son and I call worm smoothies. If poured in the middle the worms will leave if flooded and come back when it dries out some. I think trash can would work and PVC is low cost. Only tool needed is a drill, a 1/4 bit and a hole saw. Less than $30 if you need to buy the tools.

[@MIgardener]

this setup cost me about $6 exact.

[@eliz0891]

You could glue the center composter to bottom and cut out the center of hole so you can push through the compost and refill with new compost and use old compost. Of coarse you would have to build a frame above the ground to sit the garden tower on so you can catch compost going thru the bottom. and also catch the compost tea and empty on the top of tower.

[@pammondejar7752]

Do you have to remove some of the top compost before you put in the subsequent batch of blended food scraps for the worms below? Or it doesn't really matter because they'll crawl up anyway?

[@squirrelattackspidy]

Bunch of questions. Where do you get the composting worms? So you put food scraps in the whole. How does the food mush and stuff go down? Do you wait for the worms to eat the stuff? Do you put the water in the tube hole? How do you know if you put too much water in it? How often do you add water? Can you use that grower thing indoors? Do you spray the plants with insecticide?

[@123loveyourland]

This is so cool!! And I was just looking at one online that costs nearly $300. I think I'll make my own for starters. Thanks, Luke! :)

[@theodoreparkin982]

It has been 6 years. do you still use this, and does it become root bound? Thank you

[@BenTvHowman]

Awesome idea. Shout out from Melbourne Australia

[@jmajick4415]

If you drill your holes in reverse on plastic, the cutout doesn't usually get jammed up in there. Oftentimes it falls off when your pulling the hole saw back through the hole.

[@mariabusse7851]

Hello Luke, in Missouri it gets over 100* for weeks at a time and the HUMID ....I think this is a great idea...I'm going to use a use a Laundry basket.....with the black trash bag ....would it cook the worms or steam them... If not why. Thank you Luke for another great video

[@cynthiasnyder6425]

How do you keep from drowning the worms when you water?

[@cindyhatch7]

This is so great and I want to make a few. You used food grade pipe, but what about the plastic bag leaching chemicals? Anything else safer to use for that?

[@eileencritchley4630]

Best to forgo the black plastic bag. Simply put in soil to the first hole then pop your plant into the hole. Add more compost till the next hole and repeat until you reach the top of the container.Also in order to conserve water put the tower up on some bricks inside a larger basin then any excess water can be collected in the water basin in order to be reused.

[@PrasadGardenZone]

only leafy vegetables grown like this or can we grow tomatoes, egg plant etc also.??

[@naturheilkunde-kanal9814]

Great idea! Just one question keeps nagging me: how often do you water? Or how do you decide you need watering?

[@marisacostoya3677]

My question as well.

[@AYWalton]

Any update on how this tower system worked?

[@shawhit3462]

This is a real great system and I love your videos!

[@MIgardener]

thank you for watching!

[@CityWideGardens]

Superb!!!! Need to start my search for food grade bins.....

[@vern8890]

When you water the worm tower do you run a hose at the top? How long? Seems like the majority of the tea would feed the bottom only and not the sides?

[@PinkChucky15]

Wow, that's great! Awesome for people who don't have a lot of space for planting :-)

[@MIgardener]

Thank you! I definitely had small space gardeners in mind with this build. I am glad you liked it!

[@sumafow]

Awesome! I will definitely try that for my fall garden.

[@heatherstephens9295]

They are easy to move around by using a box trolley. We couldn’t manage without one for moving potting mix bags etc around 😊

[@foley9871]

Do you still use this planter years later?

[@ManuelGarcia-xv2qf]

You are awesome young man.

[@kathraggio8932]

Hi Luke did the container have a bottom to it?

[@SunilKumar-ws3ll]

Good job .. you should put one old full grown tower to show final product after three weeks or so ... Very very easy and compact stuff

[@DIYSolarandWind]

I have to make some of these grow towers this year

[@kalmin]

Nice space to plant plants if you do not have a space for a garden. Lots of plants. cool use of other items to grow things.

[@marilyngandhi4213]

I can use a smaller bucket and a large soft drink bottle to do something similar smaller scale, thank you so much,

[@TheNotoriousBTG]

Does that work well for you? I've basically done what you've described and am waiting for my plants to get large enough before I transplant them.

[@AndrewMcclurePalau]

Please make follow up video... was thinking about doing this too. But How well did it work? Would you make any improvements?

[@pablorivera4230]

Do you use regular plastic trash bags or are they certain type of plastic bags? Do you know if the plastic bags harm harmful chemicals that the plants could absorb?

[@michaelsmart1954]

Hi Luke. That is a great grow tower! I have a couple of thoughts for modifications. If it can be raised off the ground, then you could cut a hole in the bottom of the outer shell just big enough for the central core to pass through maybe a couple of inches. This could be supported by several screws bored into central core that rest on the inside base of the grow tower. You can then put a cap on the bottom of the central core which can be removed from time to time to harvest the worm castings. You shouldn't really lose many worms as they tend to hang out close to the top of their food source. They could be thrown back in anyway through the top. Second thought. If you stagger the holes in a spiral pattern around the outside of the grow tower, you may have more vertical space for the plants to grow (but probably lose a bit of space either side of the plant). Cheers :)

[@chaz8882]

Charles O’Daniel wonderful but your audience a little immature they should be able to figure out their Own solutions for potential problems.

[@celestinnunes7111]

Hi I like your video. I like to know if I plant strawberry instead of those vegetables is it a good idea and do I have to put worms in the center.

[@nisigate]

I really like your system good job

[@Smalley172]

Great Idea! I can hardly wait to try this!

[@MIgardener]

Definitely give this a try! Post a video too if you feel comfortable enough. I would love to see yours at work!

[@melindalancaster9648]

Love this idea...i think u can use hamper baskets or old hampers

[@boboscurse4130]

What about the plants on the "back" of the tower that don't get sun? Do you have to rotate the tower? Also, without drain holes won't water pool in the bottom and create muck?

[@spygal11]

Will the plastic garbage bag be an issue? Won't it break down and get into the soil? And what about drainage? I'd like to try this, but I have those concerns.

[@MIgardener]

If you want you can drill holes in the bottom, but I have 2 of these and the one has never killed any of my plants. The water drains out the bottom holes if it gets to full, but trust me, in 3 years that has not happened one time.

[@MIgardener]

and I have never once had the bag end up breaking down. Plastic bags take nearly 500 years to break down into their polymers. But if you are concerned I have also used weed tarp and simply lined the inside. It is expensive though and a garbage bag works just fine for me.

[@ArtBeatKathie]

I was thinking these two things, also.To remediate these two issues I would a. use burlap instead of a plastic bag (or a fabric made from hemp, organic cotton, or linen). b. To create a drainage/overflow: Use a short (for this something about 8-10 inches deep) 2nd barrel or pot of a similar size and set the main container down into the shorter container. If the container is larger, use bricks or stones down inside to create a base for the main container to rest in/on. On the main container I would drill at enough holes to create drainage, as well as putting small stones in the bottom of the main container to give the water a place to go. You can also run thick, cotton cording from the bottom container, through holes in the bottom of the main container. This would allow wicking of fluid up into the soil. A bit more work but these two things would be what would fix my concerns. I don't care for the plastic barrel, actually, but with some sort of barrier it would be better to my mind (using tightly woven burlap, perhaps two layers, as the liner is the best option IMO).

[@kenjohnson3441]

Would you have to bring this indoors for winter months if you were to plant strawberries in it?

[@jamisonbrooks]

Do you got to winterize it if you plant strawberries.

[@MIgardener]

+Jamison Brooks We don't do anything, just leave them in and they will overwinter just fine.

[@marns1726]

wouldn't you have to rotate them in order to get the right amount of sun? i assume one side would be completely shaded. it would be cool if it was to spin on its axis or something giving equal sun

[@mimimom1237]

i would use a lazy susan I have on hand, but casters on a piece of wood should work well I think. :)

[@christal2641]

It depends on your latitude. Up on the 45th parallel (Minneapolis), we get VERY long days during growing season. Since you only need 6 hours of direct sunlight for full sun, and these barrels aren't that wide, onky the northernmost 1/8th will get too much shade. In the South, why not just plant shade tolerant herbs on the northside. I suppose you could set up mirrors (mylar screens) to maximize light on northside of tower.

[@imranmasood67]

can you put a cap at the bottom of the PVC for stabalization and the direct leak?

[@claygresham6906]

HELLO LUKE,GREAT VIDEO! WHAT AMOUNT OF COMPOSTING WORMS DID YOU PLACE IN THE TUBE? CAN YOU ORDER THAT SMALL OF AN AMOUT OF WORMS?

[@MIgardener]

i put about 150 worms in. you can definitely buy that many.

[@HongKong1842]

Does it become troublesome when you harvest the first round and place the second round into the holes? It's because the plastic bag is getting loosen and more mud is falling out?

[@MIgardener]

Chun Yi Chow I have not had any problems with that happening. The soil does fall out a tiny bit, but not a super ton.

[@reneefelts7232]

I would love to see the system after a month or 6 weeks of growing! Do you have a pic!

[@mariussmook8030]

Hi Luke, So I'm sure that this needs good light but also to be placed under some sort of cover, otherwise when it rains it will be swamped with too much water. So if I put it under cover in my patio then I lose ?

[@mariussmook8030]

Then I lose direct light so how do I overcome that problem?

[@kevinmorrill8347]

This is an amazing grow tower, using just a 15 gallon food grade plastic bucket or a larger plastic cylindrical container, potting soil, central core plastic cylinder, a hole saw bit, a small drill bit, electric drill, food scraps and earth worms, etc. Thank you Daniel M of Oregon for finding this amazing video. When I make my first one or more grow towers, i plan to take pictures and post some pictures online.

[@danielgilchrist9734]

That was an awesome idea and video. Have you ever tried a hanging one?

[@zubeidamohamed2916]

Hi Does he have drainage holes at the bottom of the tower Tha nks

[@MelissaBeesHomestead]

Whoa! This is so "do-able" :) I think I have a new project for this weekend! Thanks for the great video.

[@MIgardener]

please do it! and let us know how it goes :) if you really want to, share the pictures or video of you making it. We love those. Thanks for watching!

[@greggtaylor4341]

Dude, you're awesome!

[@MIgardener]

Gregg Taylor thank you!

[@donnapeers7735]

Do you put water in the compost tube? How much water? Or water it from the outside? The worms won't drown will they? It looks like a wonderful idea. Where do you get the worms? Sorry I am full of questions. Send me an answer soon. Love your ideas. God bless. Donna Peers.