Top Greenstalk Planter Mistakes Solved| Part 2

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

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[@heatherj3030]

What great video! I'm in Bakersfield, CA, and we get up to 115°, but dry heat. I've had my greenstalks for 3 years now, and watering was a real issue with our hot, dry climate, but this spring my dad came over and put in a watering system for my garden. We ran pvc pipes going straight up, and about a foot higher than my greenstalks, added a right angle pipe outward towards the greenstalk, and another pvc elbow pointing down towards the greenstalks watering tray. We attached the the whole pipe pointing upwards to my cattle panel fencing next to the greenstalks for stability. It's all on a timer now, and for summer time it goes off for 1 minute twice a day. That fills the tray and keeps everything watered. I'll cut back to once a day when we get out of the 100° days. One thing I love about my watering system, is that it's able to spin without interfering with the pipes, because they aren't touching the greenstalks. Also, that they pipes are up high enough that any plants growing in the top tray do not get in the way of the pipes. I hope this helps. I didn't care for Greenstalks watering design, because you have to detach it everytime you want to spin them. That's a small thing, but I definitely feel blessed that my dad built that for me. It's simple, but works great!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Your father is a rockstar. That was so sweet of him. It sounds like the perfect design.

[@heatherj3030]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Thanks! He's in his mid 70s, but not much slows him down! 😁

[@lyndysimpson1272]

Hi can your dad and you do a video on how to do the watering system❤

[@SonofSun100]

I do exactly as you indicate. Use the water reservoir. Water the pockets directly. I also enlarged the holes on the main and secondary reservoirs slightly. Central FL here. No way dead of summer can the Greenstalk watering system meet our needs. I grow peppers and dwarf tomatoes in my regular ones and leafy greens in the leaf ones. Love my Greenstalks (10 total).

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I love mine too. Even with the watering challenges, it’s much better than other containers. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@triciah5219]

I've had my Greenstalks for a few years now and live in central Florida, everything you said about it I noticed the same thing and have had to adjust accordingly also. I thank you for being the one of the first KZbinrs to tell about it all truthfully. Also thanks for the soil tip and where to get it.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@triciah5219absolutely! No product is ever perfect so I think it’s important for people to hear the pros and cons and then make the best choices for their specific garden. Thanks so much for watching

[@amyhood6562]

I’m in coastal SC. For what it’s worth I leave mine up on their spinner base for tropical storms and they haven’t tipped. I do dismantle them and put the levels against the back of the house for possible hurricanes.

[@creativelysustainablenow]

I have had my Greenstalk for nearly two years, and while I love it, I have encountered many of the same issues. I got the spinner base which works well for me - my patio is pavers and the roller would not roll over it. I take the tiers apart and set on the ground if a hurricane or tropical storm is coming, but putting the top tiers back full of wet soil is HEAVY! I've also found that as the potting soil gets wet, it settles and I usually need to add more during the year to keep it filled so the seedlings get light. I will definitely try to Promix potting or garden soil - thanks for that tip!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are so right. They are beyond heavy

[@rickvbeck1]

I have taken the stacking units from dollar store and I drilled out the holes to a quarter inch and put the screen inserts that I use in my regular pots. This seems to work fine. Central Florida zone 9 B

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Nice. I love DIY projects.

[@ephemerallyfe]

Petrina, I have two greenstalks (one five-tier, one six-tier) and they survive tropical storms just fine using the spinner base. If we expect a category 2+ hurricane, I'll disassemble them and park them against the garden fence. My main downside is that the automatic watering system defeats the ability to spin the base easily, and that (like you stated), watering from the top down does not assure equal amounts of water make it to each pocket. Still, I am overall happy with them for growing herbs, strawberries, and the occasional lettuce. I would not recommend them for growing "regular" veggies like tomatoes, cukes, etc.

[@lalithaganesan3372]

You’re inputs and analysis are top notch!!👏👏

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I appreciate that! Thanks so much for watching

[@littletechgirl2]

Consider getting actual concrete pavers to put under your GreenStalks instead of the wood. I notice one of yours is warping. That would make a huge difference in it being level or not. I use cheap concrete pavers on my mulch, grass, or rocks. The Original actually has 10" pockets. The Leaf has 7" pockets. The Promix is great. I use it for everything. And can usually stock up on it at Walmart at the end of the season for only $3 each! I look for more every year since I keep adding GreenStalks. 😅 As for fitting the grey disks in right, just keep the soil a bit lower in the middle. :)

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks. I’m planning on moving the one on the rocks soon. The ones on the concrete slab still seem wobbly though. I’ll try swapping the bases and see if that improves

[@judyweber9855]

I have also used greenstalk, central florida here. I have them on the spinner/roller combo just so I can move them to protected area during hurricane. I have actually mixed the size pockets depending on what I want to grow. I have three systems and in all of them I have mixed the levels. I always mist the pockets multiple times daily when trying to direct seed and have generally had good success. I agree, once daily in the height of our summer season is not enough depending on water requirements for plants. I will individually water the pockets of high water plants.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Watering in Florida summers is always a challenge 💚

[@conniecrites5148]

I water each pocket with my hose first and then fill the reservoir. I have mine on the rotating base with wheels. I move mine around with the summer and winter. Hurricane Debby is coming our way atm so they are strapped down to the railing of our porch. I'm in Lake City, Florida.

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

Hi Patrina, I’ve had to hand water each of the pockets on my green stalk too. I only have one with the swivel base. It is dedicated just to my strawberries and filling the top reservoir just didn’t keep the soil damp enough in bottom tiers.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I love growing strawberries in these containers too. The promix soil helps retain moisture but it’s still a mission to get them deeply watered

[@kelliwebb2870]

I have always watered mine in the pockets as well besides the top. I live in Southwest Florida and the water reservoir does not do it for me. My greenstalk is old but I still use it all year round. I love it. I bought another one this year but I haven’t had a chance to fill it yet. I will wait for Debby to leave the area and then I will figure what I want to put in it.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I have another one too that I haven’t filled. Apparently I like collecting them 🤣

[@kelliwebb2870]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a lol.

[@KnittingmommyArts]

I'm in S. FL. on the eastern side, but not right by the coast. Haven't had an incident with my Greenstalk tipping in the high winds yet. I do have them all on the spinner bases and they seem stable, both styles. I haven't had any fears of them being knocked over. So far, they've survived 40 mph winds with no issues. I haven't had them during a really big hurricane as I got my first one the May before Hurricane Ian hit in '22. While my area did get some really high winds that year, we were nowhere near the major areas hit with that one. I'm not sure I could have said the same if I'd had the Greenstalks when Hurricane Irma hit a few years earlier because that one did bring down a tree and part of my fencing. We were really lucky that year because some nearby areas got a lot of damage. But so far, normal high winds from tropical depressions and the usual fall storms haven't been an issue yet. One tip I can give so you don't have to water pockets daily with seeds that seems to work is to cover them with plastic deli containers. The short 8 oz round containers fit almost perfectly in the pockets. You might have to wiggle them in a little, but they create a mini greenhouse inside that does keep that area of the soil moist if you're watering the rest of the Greenstalk just through the top. Provided you watered well when you first planted them. I've had great success using those containers with all my seeds, no issues with germination and it protects the seedlings those first few days when they are just popping up and keeps the soil moist. I take them off once the seedlings hit the top of the container. You can use the taller containers, but they are more difficult to fit into the pockets without a lot of work. The 8 oz containers are just about the correct height for an easier fit and they are flexible enough to mold into the pocket which isn't quite as round as the deli container. YMMV but give it a try.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

OMG that genius! I’ll definitely give it a try

[@terrialice6139]

Excellent advise, thanks!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks so much for watching

[@robyndudley9684]

I finally blocked the center hole and allowed the water to soak through each tier into the next. I have to fill the top reservoir about 3 times until water flows through the bottom. During the heat wave in CA, I thought my plants were getting enough water. They weren’t.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s so hard keeping things watered in hot climates. Glad you found a work around

[@CrabbyCatandCoffeeChat]

I have a mix of both the deep and the leaf tiers on my towers and it seems pretty stable to me. And we get lots of high winds here too. Maybe try intermixing the two tier types? Great and informative video. Thanks!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That’s a good idea. I’ll give that a shot

[@maypupo1016]

I am a new grower. I installed my first raise beds in May. Years ago I tried growing tomatos and cucumbers in pots but it was a big failure. This year following your advised and tips I have had abundant production of okra and eggplants. I am very thankful for your shared knowledge and experience planting in Florida.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That is awesome! I’m so happy for you.

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

Let me tell you that you are in the right place. I started gardening in May ‘23 so I’m beginning my second year. Patrina along with Jacquline/Wild Floridian and Elise/Urban Harvest have held my hand every step of the way. These young ladies are genius and oh so kind and patient. Happy Gardening. 🌸 🪴

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@user-gh8sl7iu3yyou are so sweet. And I agree! Jacqueline and Elise are the best ladies 💚

[@jeankappelmann350]

FYI, full height original and a full height leaf, one on spinner base with wheels and one on wheeled base went through Beryl direct hit with no problem. They were in a semi-protected area off of my garage, but my cranberry hibiscus in a #10 nursery pot in the same approximate area (6 feet tall) fell over.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Nice! One of these days I’ll figure out the trick to stability. Thanks for the info

[@jeankappelmann350]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I agree with the height being a problem and will be taking top row off all full height GreenStalk’s. I’m 70 and shrinking!🤣. Climbing on a stool to water is not ideal. BTW, I started watering individual pockets last summer with the spray on about half force. Also, hate the wheels on the GreenStalk. My patio is stamped concrete and I’m afraid those plastic wheels won’t hold up. Once placed, I don’t move the GreenStalk’s much, so I’ve gone to strictly spinner bases.

[@tammyohlsson7966]

Going on three years with my green stalks. Love them! Mine are on spinners and wheels. Just survived a cat 1 with no issues. They were moved close to the house. This summer I tried cherry tomatoes. That I wasn’t impressed with. I have the racks but it still wasn’t great. Guess I need to try some Pro-Mix. Blessings!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I think the variety is a key factor growing tomatoes. I usually grow the dwarf/patio varieties and those do a lot better.

[@damitawren3595]

Thank you so much. I just ordered this product and THEN I found this video. I live in Florida and I appreciate your insight. I can't wait to get my Greenstalk planter!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful! I think you will love them.

[@gailmajorpoole6443]

Thanks for this video. I’m considering purchasing a greenstalk planter for my garden and I’m gathering as much information before I buy it. These are not cheap! Happy gardening!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

No they are not lol. But if you wait for their sales (get on their email list) and stack my discount link it’s a bit more feasible. Also, check out your local Facebook marketplace for people selling theirs.

[@gailmajorpoole6443]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Thank you for the advice.

[@eroggero]

Will have to try a different mix, I have heard a lot about pro mix but did not know where to find it, will check it out at Walmart. And I do have the original one as well with a mover might change it out. Will see how it does this weekend with the storm coming in… thanks for the update

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

My pleasure. Stay safe 💚

[@Chocamatoes]

You’re like a scientist. Thank you ❤

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Haha. That’s what I wanted to be as a kid. 🤓

[@SpaceCoastHarvest]

great video!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@juliannegill5486]

I hear you on the watering holes in the greenstalk! We have had ours 3 years here in FL, but found they are incredibly stable even in high winds. Thanks for the tips, convo with GS, and soil recommendations.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

My pleasure! I’m trying a few things this year to see if I resolve my stability issues.

[@Tommygrl1327]

The tip on mulch from your previous video helped me a lot. Was not having much luck without mulch but with it much better. Might consider changing soil next season!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad to hear that! Great job!

[@astatine0085]

we have the red-version of that potting soil - and it's my favorite soil. our walmart has it on 'sale' for $1 more than last years' price (13.99, on sale for 14.99) since they jacked it up to 19.99 this season.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad I bought a bunch of it earlier this year. I didn’t realize they raised the price.

[@astatine0085]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Yes, I bought a bunch last year, because I had a feeling it was going to go up in price. But, I didn't think it would go up THAT much! Luckily I grabbed a bunch of them when they went on end-of-season sale.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@astatine0085 thanks for the heads up. I’ll have to keep my eye out for that sale.

[@crocketp]

I’m in Michigan and I’ve had to water the top reservoir plus a pocket or two in each tier every other day. So it’s not just Florida 😂. BUT I’ve hated the promix in my GreenStalk. The happy frog has been much better

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Sounds like it’s been a hot summer for all of us 🥵

[@susanpayne5592]

I ordered the 7 tier leaf planter in 2022. I’m 4 feet 11 inches tall… don’t know what I was thinking at the time. Strawberry plants have not grown well for me in the Greenstalk so I’m planning to try leafy greens this Fall and Winter. I’m in east central Georgia, zone 9a….will definitely remove a few tiers

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I finally had success with strawberries in the Greenstalk last year. I did a video on it and what I learned. Hopefully I can repeat it this year.

[@marilynearl6887]

I have 4 tiers high on my 3 green stalk because I am short. I have them on spinner and the wheels so I can move them inside the garage during bad hurricanes

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I think I’m going to add the wheels back to mine. Totally forgot about hurricanes 🤦‍♀️

[@opraha1113]

This is my first year with the green stalk and your tips really helped me. I live in TX so we have extreme summer heat too. So far my plants are surviving. I do the double watering like you suggested and watered each pocket AND watered from the top. My main issue is staying on top of fertilizing. I also have leafy plants and fruiting plants in the same green stalk and they need different types of fertilizer. Do you have any tips? Edit: Yay! I think I’m the 1st comment! 🎉

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Usually I lay the granular fertilizer like a mulch in each pocket and cover it with actual mulch. For liquid fertilizer, I will mix it and pour it directly into the pockets of each plant. Usually a separate day than the day that I’m actually watering so that it doesn’t get too mixed up.

[@opraha1113]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Thanks! How often do you do that?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@opraha1113 I usually put down the granular maybe twice a year and then I’ll do the liquid fertilizer if the plants look like they needed it.

[@annamontone8952]

I have been looking into buying a few of these. Thank you for all the useful tips. Also, around when within the year do they have their sale, because they are on the pricey side.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I typically see their sales around holidays so Mother’s Day New Year’s Christmas Labor Day. But they also have sales at the beginning of the season and usually at the end of gardening season. So I would expect to see one in fall. Hop on their mailing list and they will send you emails when they’re having the sales.

[@Sandy-ch1mi]

How to you secure your greenstalks during tropical storms and hurricanes?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

They’re usually heavy enough to handle tropical storms or category one hurricane so I don’t really do much for that. If it gets above a category one, I actually roll them into the shed that’s behind them.

[@Sandy-ch1mi]

Thank you!

[@sharonstokes5214]

I have invested a lot. At least Green Stalk tried to make you happy. Based upon these comments this product doesn’t operate as advertised. Hard pass on this product. Great video as always

[@juliannegill5486]

@HomegrownFloridaZ9a - just saw the pro mix (yellow and pink) on sale at Walmart for $13.98 & $14.98). I use the Oldsmar Walmart so unsure if everywhere or just there. Good luck!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks! I’ll check mine and see if they still have the sale

[@Jeannine754]

Pretty sure Gregory is a Black Racer, not a Garden snake, but who’s counting? Lol Your vid’s are very informative for us Flizards (Florida Lizards) Thanks kindly!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Haha and Thanks. I didn’t realize there was a difference between racers and garden snakes.

[@debmcl37]

Do you think the pro mix would be ok for raised beds?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It would probably be pretty expensive to fill a whole raised bed with it but what you could do is use it on the top 3-4 inches and fill the bottom part of the bed with some cheaper bulk soil (or leaves, logs, wood chips, grass clippings, branches)

[@debmcl37]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a that is what I was thinking also.

[@essencefarmstead]

Did I see that you were growing sweet potatoes in one of those planters?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I am. I’m doing an experiment to see if a Greenstalk produces as much as a raised bed.

[@katezink3496]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a can't wait to see how the sweet potatoes do for you in the GreenStalk. The leaves on yours look healthy. I only planted a single slip in both of mine just as an experiment and have my fingers crossed I get at least a sweet potato or two in each.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@katezink3496I’m excited for it too. It’s so much easier to harvest in a container 🤞

[@jenmv3483]

Does anybody know if compost works in these planters?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’ve used it in mine and it does well