Top GREENSTALK Planter Mistakes - Successfully Growing in a Greenstalk

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Get $10 off your Greenstalk Purchase of $75 with below link 💰 lnk.rise-ai.com/rP63qWdcpbMfDVb

[@glort4671]

I tried but it just sends the coupon from me to me.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@glort4671 I’m sorry. I didn’t understand. If you would like, feel free to email me at [e-mail] and I can try to help.

[@glort4671]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a It finally worked. Thank you.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@glort4671 oh good. Maybe Greenstalk was having a technical issue. Thanks for your patience 💚

[@kellyober9580]

I keep trying but not getting any discount. Not sure if there is a certain amount needed to be spent? Thank you for this helpful videos. Greatly appreciate it!!

[@brismith70]

I have successfully grown strawberries in my 2 leaf planters (84 plants) for 2 years. Last year, we ate strawberries all summer and still froze 10 gallons and made 15 pints of jam. Then again, I have the opportunity and inclination to obsess all over my planters

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Lol, that sounds amazing. Maybe they just want me to fuss over them more 😆

[@tiffanykerwin2810]

I would love tips from you

[@carollanda5613]

I’ll take any tips and advice, this is my first year using this planter!

[@2skyland]

@brismith What kind of strawberries did you grow?

[@brismith70]

@@2skyland I grew Albion strawberries. I ordered the bare roots from online and planted them as soon as the danger of frost had passed.

[@joytotheworld2100]

Thank you so much for your honesty. I had a horrible 1st year with my green stalks. I thought I was a bad gardener, but now I know I'm not alone.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are not alone, lol. It’s a little tricky at first

[@SoThatsGoot]

I'm glad I'm not alone either. This is my first season with mine. I'm trying to grow cold weather Greens in it, and they've barely grown. Thank you for this video!

[@TravelingwithJenny]

Mine has grown poorly too, and it is on level ground, is on a spinner, and has full sun. I regret buying it. I used awesome soil.

[@sjs9354]

I wouldn’t want to use the GreenStalk without the spinner mover. We have too much iffy weather with days of rain, storms, and hail. Couple weeks ago we had 130 mph winds. One neighbor found another neighbors full size trampoline beside his gazebo. I just wheel my GreenStalk baby in the garage.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I upgraded to the new spinner bases and love them so much. I’ve upgraded all of mine

[@ebradley2306]

I turn my green stalk everyday. In the morning I get a coffee, walk outside to check the garden and give the green stalk a quarter turn. Works well for me.

[@PorchGardeningWithPassion]

I will be doing something similar on my lunch break and when I get home from work.

[@LierinEdana]

While I've only started researching these planters, your video is the only one that actually addresses the list of problems that I saw the first time I looked at it and watched all of their videos ~ out of about a hundred videos I've watched. Thank you! Just about everything you mentioned were issues that I was concerned with. My main plan for using these would be for herbs, so I think it should be fine. I also have no problem running one of my drip hoses around the planter as a more stable watering system during heat spells or dry spells. I already have a fairly extensive raised tote system that I grow vegetables in and was looking for something compact for herbs. Since I have both SLE and RA, cutting down on both bending and ground work is theoretically always a plus. I just didn't want to invest in the cost of these without first knowing what the drawbacks might be. I've been gardening for almost 60 years on and off, and in many different climates/states but new methods like this tend to intrigue me.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad you found it helpful. Even with some of the challenges, I love my greenstalks for so many reasons. These slight adjustments helped me out a lot.

[@JonesteadFarm]

Thank You for giving details on greenstalk issues and how to fix them. I love this vertical gardening concept because I have mobility issues. I bought one, had issues, emailed customer service for help and got a short, curt reply that didn't help me at all. I still love my greenstalk. And now I can use some of your troubleshooting ideas because you are honest about some of the issues it has. Thank you!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad it was helpful for you. I’m big on giving the pros and cons with products.

[@abbyritchie8433]

Thank you! I have 3 green stalks and am going to try your watering technique! For me, I have the wheels and spinner base on all of mine and I honestly wouldn’t even purchase a greenstalk without them. Sunlight is definitely an issue for me on my property so being able to spin it is extremely important! And with the wheels on the bottom, I was able to bring my green stalks into during the hurricanes and during threats of frost - this allowed me to grow tomatoes and peppers straight through the winter in centra florida!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I do like the bases for moving them for frost. That’s a good point.

[@kristicole7949]

I’m so sorry to hear that the strawberries didn’t work! I planted them for the first time back in late January and they are pretty much trying to take over the whole thing. We are actually getting to eat our strawberries now rather than feed the birds and iguanas:)

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad it worked for you. Since I changed things up, I haven’t tried them again. Maybe I’ll test it out one more time with them. I’d love to grow strawberries in them.

[@janicehutchins5178]

If you have a problem with your soil drying out too fast, add vermiculite . It obsorbs and retains moisture and should work well in the green stalk planter. I use it in my planter totes with great success. My mix is one part compost, one part peat, one part vermiculite.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for the tip 💚

[@deko2485]

Also, mix your soils and amendments together first before adding to Greenstalk. Mix in the fertilizer too. When filling with water, I place my finger in teh hole until all is full then release my finger to water. Be sure teh holes in the water troughs are lined up with the cubby's of the planter. This way you will get optimal watering evenly.

[@soccerchic4773]

So you mix vermiculite into your soil?? I’ve only ever sprinkled on top!!

[@Voodoorai]

Omg! I'm so glad I saw your video. They're running a crazy sale and their $169 planter is only $98 and $229 for only $178 plus all the bits and bobs are on sale too. I would have bought the wrong one without this video though. I live in a four-story condo and we have no yard so I want to grow on the rooftop. Your info about the height (I'm 5'1"), heaviness, watering tricks, planting tricks and instability was the info I needed. Luckily since it's a rooftop it gets full sun without rotating and I go out there everyday during my lunch break (when it's not too hot here in Texas). So I can do whatever is needed. And I do have a shaded area if I need it. I also have a water hose & storage up there too. Carrying all the potting soil and such up to the rooftop will be fun. Haha I'm glad I have a partner willing to carry it all up there for me. I'm about to go on a deep dive with all your other videos. Thank you for the information!🌿🌼🌾🌞

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Congrats on your new rooftop garden! That’s so exciting. I’m so happy the video was helpful.

[@2021-j2d]

Thanks for the disc code. Guess I’ll be watching this video again & again now that I’ve also ordered the Greenstalk. I’ve been looking at them but kinda bamboozled as to how the plants can fit and thrive without shading one another. I suppose I’ll soon find out. My son just told me today that he’s glad I started this gardening “hobbie” and that it’s obvious I’m enjoying it. The (adult) kids humored me with the raised beds, etc for Mothers Day. 😊 I’m glad that my interest seems to be entertaining them.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Haha! My family thought it was strange when I started but now they are always raiding my pantry.

[@stephaniegee227]

Great video! We recently bought our first Greenstalk, the smaller Leaf version. I wanted something just for herbs and greens near my back door, and I was hoping that it lived up to its hype. Thanks for your very honest review. Whenever I see a review of any plant or gardening device that claims to be E-Z to use, I hesitate. I very rarely have that much success with anything the first time I plant it or use it. I did learn quickly on my own that with the Greenstalk spinner base, you really need the bottom to be level. And now I'm wishing we'd drilled those drip holes a little bigger, but that's something we can fix in the fall if necessary. Anyway, new to your channel. Can't wait to see more!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad you enjoyed. I’m really a stickler on giving the pros and cons of a product. 💚

[@stephaniegee227]

@@JanineMJoi We just bought our second Greenstalk. We had to make sure it was level. So far, we've more than made back our purchase cost on herbs, but we use a ton of fresh herbs to cook.

[@fromsunrisetosunset1192]

Thankyou for your video! Happy to have found your channel today! I’m in Florida too, in zone 9B/10a, and it’s tough finding other Florida gardeners near, or in these zones. Vero Beach here. Lots of humidity and strong heat in the summer! But I’m thankful to be able to grow most of the year!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Welcome neighbor 👋. I do love growing all year round too. It’s such an amazing experience gardening in Florida. A bit challenging but very rewarding

[@gloriaincalifornia1911]

Best video on this subject that I've been. You answered all of my questions. Thanks.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TrulyBlessed_1111]

Thank you for a very informative video. I'm just starting out my green stalk journey. Your tips are going to come in handy as I am a beginner and I live in Florida too. Just subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to learning from your videos. Continue to stay safe, healthy, and blessed!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. Happy Gardening 👩‍🌾

[@yas-FL]

New subscriber here. I really like your review of the original GS. Straight and to the point. I also have the original GS with mover base. This was my first year with it and I can relate with the drying out issues. I will try your tip and expand the drip tray holes in the next couple of weeks. I also water the top layer with a hose and then water via the basin. When I first got it, I only watered via the basin and I would have to water every day because the pockets were so dry (central FL, zone 9b). I did grow lettuce, carrots, toy choy and flowers successfully. I didn't have a lot of success with brocollini. Lots of leaves, but no brocollini. I don't know if it was because of the temps or something else. Will try again this fall.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for the add! My broccoli struggled too but I figured I started them a bit late. Increasing the drain holes was a game changer for me.

[@p4h10oso]

Eat the leaves?

[@yas-FL]

@@p4h10oso definitely!

[@ima40schic]

I followed the guidelines pretty much and have had great success. I'm in 7a, and we get hot summers. I water every day until the water comes out the drain tube. I spin mine half turn every day to make sure every pocket gets equal sun. Glad your method works for you, they are yours and you can grow in them how you like. But I'll stick with the method recommended from the manufacturer. I have 4 and grew a ton of food this year.

[@littletechgirl2]

Same. I just set up number 10. I have never had to widen the holes. Works just fine without doing that.

[@mdoreneb5315]

Thanks for the honest report. I am in the hot climate of AZ. The first year I used this, I was not happy with it. I found that the water did not water deeply over all the levels. I also found that watering deeply on the top layer worked. I also water the side pockets in order to keep the plants alive. The heat here is intense. That may be why there never seemed to be enough water for all the levels. I have found that herbs and salad plants worked the best. This year I have some tomatoes plants in the pockets. not sure how they will produce. I do like the turning tabel. Makes it easy to water and harvest.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I think us folks in hot climates have a tough time with these planters when it comes to watering but I’m learning ways to make it work too.

[@pannellclara]

this is the best advice i’ve found for these planters! thank you

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You're so welcome!

[@sharonstokes5214]

I appreciate this video. I was about to put this system on facebook market place. I am dumping the soil and adding these amendments to retain moisture. We are in similar climates.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Let me know how it goes. I think you will be pleasantly surprised

[@janegerow5974]

Interesting. I got three in April and they are doing amazing. I got quality soil. The right plants and I water and turn them daily. I want more!!!!!!!!!!.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That's great!

[@Wellnessuntamed]

Beware of marshmallow in your garden beds. I have some. It’s very invasive. I’m glad I have it but, at least here in Illinois, one plant in season one will turn into a jungle in season two if you’re not careful. It’s also pretty tall. Maybe the green stalk will keep it at a smaller height since it would have limited root space. 🤷🏻‍♀️ just what I learned from my experience with that plant. I appreciate your review of the green stalk as mine should be arriving any day!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It definitely does keep it small and contained. Good to know it’s a spreader. I’ll keep it out of the beds

[@naturegirl2873]

Thank you for making this video! It was extremely helpful!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yay 🎉 I’m so glad you enjoyed

[@tarawalker7193]

Thanks so much for this! I've seen many vids for this unit, but you provided info I really want to know.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yay! So happy to help

[@PorchGardeningWithPassion]

Excellent review! 👊🏻🌻👊🏻

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks so much 💚

Thanks for your sharing, the watering method is an amazing tips, we live in 8A and it's hot summer as well

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are so welcome. Hopefully it helps. 💚

[@lexkek5625]

I have a similar experience with strawberries. Most of mine just died and I thought they were going to make it. Only three of them survived and those are some plants right there. I'm trying my best to keep them alive. I had to order more plants and bareroot strawberries to replace the dead ones. I'm experimenting with sugar baby watermelons and miceo dwarf tomatoes with my greenstalk this season.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m planning on trying strawberries again but this season I’m trying squash. So far it’s doing pretty well. I got their support recently and that seems to be doing the job.

[@leakindt653]

Thank you so much for this. I am a pretty seasoned gardener and I am struggling with mine!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are so welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful

[@AnnieDog-arfarf1]

Thanks so much for your excellent video. I hope I will be able to avoid a lot of the 1st-year problems.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad you are finding the video’s helpful 💚

[@Joseph-xi8zp]

Thank you for this vid but also having proper captions! Currently researching the greenstalk to see if it fits for me.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ronyhasmith9536]

I'm excited to find your chamnel. I live in Florida so your tips are very helpful!. Thanks😊

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Welcome neighbor 👋

[@susanwalkergirl]

Thank you so much...this was a very helpful video. Just planted ours up with bareroot strawberries. Hope to have better results, but if no...I'll move along to other plants.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

If you have good success with the strawberries, let me know what you did. I would love to grow them in the GS.

[@susanwalkergirl]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I sure will.

[@jlseagull2.060]

By watching how you do with a greenstalk, it is obvious this kind of design is not for me. Thanks for showing! I have been on the fence if I would buy one.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

My pleasure. I think it’s important to show the pros and the cons of a product. 👩‍🌾

[@evquinn2156]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I’m not thrilled with mine. The watering tray does fit correctly.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@evquinn2156 that sucks. Maybe reach out to them and see if they will replace it?

[@sharrilswindle752]

I watch on my TV but I can't like from there or comment so I use my phone and do that part like ,share and subscribe, glad I found you ,I live in a forest ,I'm in 9a also these trees ,yikes with the allergies..I have but 3 trees in my yard ,I inherited the property from my dad so he didn't care for shade much ,I have full on sun everywhere and this summer looks to be one very hot one! We are already hitting 90s, this is the fall and summer state, no spring no winter anymore, we had some hard frosts this year and 20s weather but the heats this sun just fries everything.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yeah, I’m shocked with how hot it already is so I don’t think that’s a good sign for our summer. Lol. I’m told that a fire bush grows super fast and would give lots of good shade in case you want to put one of those in.

[@annelewis8843]

Great video! Thanks for the good advice. I just bought a greenstalk and appreciate your tips. I also love the color of your shed! Can you tell me the paint color?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s actually not painted. These are the color of the panels from the kit we bought. The brand is called Lifetime storage sheds.

[@greengardenideas]

Welldone Mam ! your job is great ❤

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@gardening4zone970]

Thank you for your honesty

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Absolutely 💯

[@liamthompson9090]

It's tough to keep it properly watered without a lot of attention. You could set a sprinkler, on an automatic timer, nearby.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That’s a good idea. They are tough to keep watered, in my opinion.

[@Mracelocates]

Marker 10:30. I imagined I saw a blueberry-like woody plant. Do my anxious eyes deceive me? Tell me it ain't so! btw come on up to WA state where watering is NEVER a problem. lol

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Haha. You would think Florida being a tropical climate, watering wouldn’t be a problem but not so much. No, not a blueberry. I think what you saw was my pineapple sage.

[@NaturallyUnbridled]

Helpful! Thanks!

[@sydohbaby]

My greenstalk is not wobbly what so ever. It hardly even flinched during my monsoon season.

[@scrapzwtf]

I’m in SE TX. My Greenstalks dry out bad. I will try removing the reservoir to water.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Let me know what you think

[@onemoredoll5791]

I havent had too many issues at all with my original 5 tier. Not at all wobbly and amazingly able to withstand Santa Ana winds. My strawberries from last year I trimmed them up and added granule fertilizer and worm castings then watered them in with a water soluble fertilizer. I also have parsley in mine. I water every single night and even some to the sides. Its super hot and dry where I live. I do have issues with the bottom tiers not growing like the top tiers. Also the wheels are useless. I cant budge it once its filled.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m thinking about trying strawberries again now that I got the hang of it. My parsley really loves it in there

[@wendy4ronpaul]

The extra tears you can use for Seed starters..

[@glort4671]

Hi Petrina, I'm trying to order one on the website, but the link below does not apply the 10.00 dollars off?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

When you clicked it, did you get the page that asks you to enter your email address? Once you submit it, it sends you an email with the code. If not, you might need to clear your cookies and cashe. I just checked it on my side and it’s working. Maybe try again

[@Divaemanuel]

Ok, I just ordered. Do tomatoes grow well in this?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

They do grow but not as good as in ground or a raised bed. I did have good luck with a patio variety which was designed to stay small.

[@dlw3156]

You could use the extra tier for herbs or another vegetable you like. 😏

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I recently bought an extra base, so I’m thinking I will create a whole other one with my extra tiers. 👩‍🌾

[@Itried20takennames]

I think the GreenStalk would work best in a free-standing area with full sun on both sides…in other words, not next to a wall. But not everyone has that option in their yard.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I completely agree. That would be most ideal.

[@Itried20takennames]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Thanks. I later saw that you did cover exactly that point in your video. But I left the comment just to help with the YT algorithm.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@Itried20takennames I appreciate that. Thank you 💚

[@ally65432]

I don’t use all the tiers either

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s just easier since I’m so short, lol

[@lauraquigley6403]

I wish I had room to grow then I wouldn’t need a green stalk. I can’t get my second one on it is a 7 tier. It is wobbling & I thought it is the waterer it isn’t wobbly until I add it? Has this been your experience?Thanks! I just subscribed.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Mine is a little bit wobbly which is why I just add 4 of the tiers. Double check that the tiers are seated correctly and that you are on a super level surface.

[@lauraquigley6403]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a it is only wobbly with water container added.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

The top water tray, right? Is the whole thing wobbly? Or just the water tray? My water tray has always been wobbly but adding it doesn’t make the whole thing wobbly. If you take the top tier off and add the water tier to just 4 tiers does it do the same thing? Feel free to shoot me an email if that’s easier and we can troubleshoot [e-mail]

[@lauraquigley6403]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a no first is on spinner then if I had 2nd it is fine without waterer. If I add waterer it topples over. I can’t add just second level.I called green stalk they said to send a picture which is great but of what the second tear toppling over?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@lauraquigley6403 could you email me a picture of it set up without the water tray? I feel like something is missing. When you say water tray, are you talking about the big one at the top or the ones in between each tier?

[@abigailarmstrong6280]

Isn't there a 4 tier planter

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m not sure. I think you can buy the individual tiers. I’ve seen 5 and 7 tiers across the original and leaf. Lots of people interchange them which is a cool ides

[@abigailarmstrong6280]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a oh okay also I'm not sure but I've heard that some greenstalks wobble because the tiers haven't been clicked in place, maybe that's why yours wobble.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That’s true. I did talk to GS about it and confirmed the locking. I’m trying their newer ones now and I don’t seem to have the same problem.

[@blacklight3330]

I have one and I gave up on it. Kill all my plants. The soil dries up too easily and the pocket stunts root growth. Water alone doesn't make your plant grow. It needs nutrients from the soil and this prevents it. Better off buying a big pot for each single plant. Don't waste your money unless you're willing to put in double effort then regular gardening.

[@lmphashby]

Im not impressed with greenstalk vertical growers...have two with all the accessories...what ive learned is your extremely limited with what you can grow in them. Useless for tomatoes cucumbers broccoli large radishes like daikon or any root vegetable..because the process of removing root vegetables are extremely difficult and physically intensive. Also if you dont have them in complete sunlight only a portion of your items will grow...the bottom container will suffer most. Additionally mine fell over became the weight over time compressed the paver and unbalanced the grower...it fell completely over! What a disappointment disastrous disaster!... also depending on what you put in them these things get extremely rootbound....which eventually forces you to redo them....these suckered are extremely heavy to move and pick up after you fill them....all this to say....imo its only good for herbs.green salads only!!!for foodbased .nothing more...garden beds are the way to go if you want to truly grow vegetables....

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Recently I switched to their leaf models because of the weight you mentioned. They can get so heavy.

[@francescarose4677]

This is the most honest and realistic review of Greenstalks that I have seen. Thank you so much for sharing your challenges and your workarounds!! NEXT season I'll have Greenstalk success. 🙂

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yay! I’m so glad it was helpful 💚

[@ingekaivola4685]

I used a soldering iron to make the holes bigger on mine. I also bought the GreenStalk that was 3 of each ... leaf and original. Then I ordered 1 extra of each. That gave me 2 towers that are made up of 2 leaf and 2 original. Also ordered an extra water tray and extra gray watering trays ... Basically creating custom GreenStalks that are not too tall for me.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That is such a great idea! I might have to steal that idea from you.

[@noelleparris9451]

I think the spinners are worth the money because (as you said) finding a level, stable spot to put the tower that gets good sun on all sides is difficult for many of us. At least for me! I love my towers and recommend them to friends.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I recently switched to their newer turntable looking base and it’s so much better. I’m replacing all mine with these now.

[@noelleparris9451]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a yes, they work greatm

[@doinacampean9132]

10:15 - another option is to plant shade plants in the shaded half.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Great idea. I hadn’t considered that 💚

[@firequeen2194]

Well there you go, making sense! Awesome suggestion! Chefs kiss 😚

[@jamenne]

💡💡💡 What a great idea. I am ashamed I didn't think of it myself.🤣

[@cookingwithgreatness1722]

I'm in Florida and oh man I'm getting a fight growing in my green stalk hence I came to search for help. Thanks so much! Still watching while commenting but already feel like I got great advice 🙏🏾 I'm still hopeful

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yay! So glad it is helpful 💚

[@annc.1400]

I just moved to Florida and just bought my first Greenstalk, is there anything I need to know?!

[@lauranonamaker2610]

I live in Central Florida. I water twice a week. I leave the tray in place, water until water comes out the tube. Move on to the next Greenstalk. Repeat once. I love the turning table with the rollers. I have mine in full sun but I turn them daily or on alternate days to even out the sun. I am the same height and after tumbling two seven tier ones, once for Nicole and once for Ian, I separated them and made a third one. Lucky for me the turntable and roller set were on sale. So, mine are 5, 5 and 4 of the Leaf tiers. The tiers ARE heavy. I have successfully grown cherry tomatoes, indeterminate tomatoes, lettuce, chives, herbs, squash, beans and cucumbers. I did not stake or support the tomatoes. Shading is a problem if the plants higher up get big and branch out like tomatoes do. So I plant lettuce which likes things cooler. My squash overwhelm the planter, they are huge and after my cucumber seedling became fairly large I moved it out into the yard. I put peppers into planters I already had. The only root crop I tried were beets, garlic and ginger and they all died. I have some fabric bags that I think are better for root crops. My broccoli is growing but I think it was planted too late in the season. Ditto for my strawberry plants, plus they had already started to fruit. I put fertilizer in the top and then water the top tray. It works for me. Some of my watering is via sprinkler so the individual pockets get water as well as the centers. Also after transplanting, I add extra water to those pockets and sometimes extra nutrients like aloe Vera juice or canned bean water. I do empty debris from the tops often.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Sounds like you have a great system down for your Greenstalks!

[@christinebowman9195]

Everything you have said is true. I have had my my greenstalks for a couple of years and I have learned the same things. This year I moved them to a better place and I just figured out this year that I should probably make those holes bigger. Then I watched your video and found out you did it too. Nobody else has done that. I have bought more greenstalks since my first one and after I get them all set up I will have 18. I love them. No weeding. Lol

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

After I got the hang of them, I’m in love with them too! I’m up to 6 now.

[@heart_beat_s354]

😮 18. Bruh. Wow.

[@Mike-hb4pc]

You make some great points. I just received my new 5-tier Leaf, and I thought to myself as I was going through the parts and pieces that the watering holes seemed (to me) a little small and might get clogged up. An lo and behold, you experienced that exact problem! I think I'm going to drill out my holes slightly before I put it all together. I'll have mine on my tiled patio and I have a spinning platform that I'm going to use to mount the thing on so turning it from time to time will be easy. Thanks for all the tips and tricks.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Drilling out the holes a little really helped mine a lot. Glad you enjoyed the video 💚

[@JanineMJoi]

so you didn't buy their spinner? what do you use?

[@Inga464]

When I set mine up this week I placed them on a wheeled base made of metal not plastic with locking wheels. I placed a single layer of coffee filter over the holes so as not plug the holes with dirt. I have planted herbs, lettuce ,beets ,turnips,beans,peppers, strawberries,mini tomatoes. I live in southern Illinois. I purchased 2 original and 2 leaf models. Used the miracle grow water control potting mix . Will see how it turns out

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

The coffee filters are genius!

[@Inga464]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I lost one of the towers 2 weeks ago when we had the damaging winds. It got knocked over. I couldn’t fit the plants back in because it was a tangled mess. I put them in my open compost pile where the plants are continuing to grow! The currant tomatoes and beans are ok! Will now replant that tower with winter things like bokchoy,lettuce and maybe a ton of basil will grow before the frost. My boy’s restaurant would appreciate that!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m sorry that happened but it sounds like you are making lemonade out of lemons. Great job!

[@intuitiveinspiredart4366]

You can't just rotate it once a week... when you water it? In my hot dry climate, I would never consider the leaf. Less soil means it would dry out even quicker.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I actually never rotate mine but I believe Greenstalk suggests rotating every day or every other day if you do plan to rotate.

[@cherisarton7075]

This was very helpful. I just got my first greenstalk and will be setting it up this week. I live in Maine so our planting season is later than yours in Florida. Looking forward to strawberries, peppers, and herbs on my deck.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I love Maine. We visited there in our RV last summer. Good luck with your GS. I think you will love it.

[@mistyriennett5902]

I have an 11x11 patio and I grow several types of sweet and hot peppers they produce wonderfully, I grow patio size tomatoes in my green stalks. My 3rd Greenstalk is herbs and salad greens. They all do wonderfully. I Love my green stalks this is my 4th year. I got one Greenstalk a growing season. I have run out of room. 3 is my limit.

[@janicemoyer854]

Oh boy. I’ve got a lot to say about this. 😂 I tried strawberries 2x and failed, I blamed the provider of the bare roots though as I strictly followed instructions and did a lot of researching first, including the variety best suited for me. I have 4 of the originals and I’m only 5’2” and use all tiers. I am not gonna waste growing space. I’ve not used compost but sounds like i should as they do need to be watered every 2 days for sure in zone 9b/10a. I will definitely do that when I refresh. But everything I have was started by seed, you just need to make sure the soil is good and wet before planting. I’ve got tomatoes, peppers, lots of different lettuces, herbs, onions, carrots and you know i love my spinach. 😋 I can do a half spin every morning when I walk the garden and do my check in. ( I believe you said a daily check is good, 10 minutes a day)😅 When i water i use my shower sprayer (lightly so the seeds don’t move) and spray all the pockets gently while germination is happening then water from the top. I continue that as they grow as the drip system I don’t feel gets close enough to the root system. Mine don’t wobble, hubby poured concrete disks and leveled the ground for me. They’re in my backyard so they get morning sun and afternoon shade. I hope that helps someone to start growing. ❤ I’m still in the process of building my lasagna garden but I wanted to start with something and we have a lot of food coming and I have to do a lot of dehydrating which I am okay with. 😘

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are a Greenstalk PRO! Great job. Have you ever had a problem with wind? That seems to make mine the most wobbly

[@janicemoyer854]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a i was worried with the 2 hurricanes last year so i just made sure they were very wet and no problem at all and no wobble. I don’t have the wheels because they are in their home and won’t be moved, just the spinner base. My only problem are the birds standing on my plant supports snacking on the tomatoes before I get to them but recently learned a trick of using an organza bag to cover them. Which is also a great way to save seed too from other plants. 😀

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@janicemoyer854 so maybe my wobble is coming from the wheels. Next time I take it apart, I might remove them and see if that helps.

[@vcastwilson]

@janice Love all your tips! I have 2 GS and I'm adding a third this year. I had a spinner on one tower (no wheels) and a mover base on the other. After ensuring tower is set on a level surface, and tiers are locked in properly, I only had to water very well to keep them secure in very windy situations. Wind gusts up to 65 MPH and sustained winds in the 30s.

[@lauranonamaker2610]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Mine are on a cement patio and it is a very very windy hilltop. I have never had them fall because of wind, while my 5 gallon tomato with trellis falls over frequently. They only fell when I was trying to relocate them without a ramp for a hurricane.

[@katiefischman4207]

Thanks for the helpful Greenstalk in FL tips! I’m about to set up my first one. Are you using composted manure with your potting mix or a different type of compost? This may be a silly question, but do you mix the compost with the potting mix? Or is do you layer it with the potting mix on the bottom and the compost on the top?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I used black kow compost but I plan on using my homemade compost next time. I usually do a layer of potting soil on the bottom, compost in the middle then topped with more potting mix.

[@mistyriennett5902]

For patio gardeners the spinner base and wheels are so essential.

[@doinacampean9132]

9:32 - I did composting in place, the plants did great, but the soil level decreased greatly. I also filled the tiers with sticks at the bottom, sort of a mini Hugelkultur, to retain moisture.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Awesome. I’ll have to give it a try

[@alicenakajima6014]

Can you still grow stuff while composting directly in the greenstalk trays? And if so do you add soil mix (how many inches) on top of the composting layer?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@alicenakajima6014 I haven’t done this in my greenstalk yet but I do it in my beds. Aim for 6 inches of soil above and below so right in the middle.

[@BecomingMoreSelfSufficient]

I am in Northern Florida! Yes they dry out ver quick😐I use 25% coco choir25% vermiculite & 50% moisture potting soil. I compost in place in fall! when I put transplants in I put nutrients in water & water every day for week. My trans plants are coming from my aerogarden seedling tray so they need lot of water in beginning. I grow herbs on the bottom, flowers, tiny tim tomatoes & chili peppers! In the winter container broccoli, collards, pansies!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

We must be twins because I start a ton of seeds in my aerogarden and I layer my plants in a similar way 😍

[@bluewolf4915]

Bought my first original 5 tier this spring, bottom 4 are strawberries and the top is Asperbroc. Growing great so far in zone 5B Upper Michigan. Will definitely be enlarging the drain holes next year. Going to get a 3 tier next year and make two 4 tiers. Thanks for the tips. 👍🏻

[@tamidavis3730]

Oh- that's a good idea with the 2-4 tiers!

[@jenniferlroberts5994]

Good video. I live in SC and it's hot and humid here too. I do not like the greenstalk. It is too much trouble and time consuming for me. The plants that have small root systems work better in those. The cups are simply too small for plants that have large root systems and they never seemed to get enough water. I've seen videos where people were trying to grow corn and tomatoes, things that have huge roots systems. I grew flowers in mine and they still filled the cups. Anyway, that's just me. I use mine with just two tiers now and scatter them around. They're way too expensive to not use at all.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I totally agree 💯. It’s a pricey set up so I’m just trying to find the best plants that can make it in there. One of my favorites is things like mint. Keeps it contained so it doesn’t take over and it’s just hard to kill 😂

[@veronicasforza4176]

Well - i wish in had see this when I bought mine when they first came out. Obviously I didn’t. It didn’t work and I ended up getting rid of it. However, I think I’m gonna buy another one. And try it again. Wish me luck. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Good luck! I’m planning on doing some new videos where I experiment with different soils and techniques very soon so keep an eye out for those.

[@hobbygardeninthewoods]

Hmm I water all my garden beds and pots twice a day. Early morning and in the evening . Watering once a week? Not sure you’re meant to me doing that with the greenstalk or any other garden device or regular garden bed. Esp in a hot climate. So that’s probably why things died :) does the greenstalk claim you only have to water once a week? I’ll have to look on their website but that doesn’t sounds right

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

No. It doesn’t claim that. I just prefer low maintenance gardening. Now that summer has hit, I water it twice a week now and it’s growing very well. The minor tweaks I mentioned in the video have made the maintenance much easier since I adjusted.

[@oreopaksun2512]

OK, Petrina, looking at GS again, as their Mother's Day sale is on, with great prices, and your affiliate bonus will stack on top of the sale price. Transplanting with stacks in place looks somewhat PITA. How often do you replace most of the plants in your GS? Are some perennials that you just top off the soil and prune in place? I know a $ store stacking planter is noway in the same class as a GS, but after bruising a bunch of plants and making messes in replanting, I was grateful that the layers were light and easy to completely disassemble and start fresh. Even so, I find that if a pocket dies, I just let that stay empty until I have to replant the whole layer. Do you maintain your GS any differently over the summer, or does it go into a rest mode? Finally, IF you had time to set up and maintain only one of your alternative gardening systems from scratch, would you opt for GS or Aerogarden. Thanks for all the great ideas.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Wow, these are awesome questions. I actually find it’s easier to transplant in place rather than taking the tiers apart since they are so heavy. I do lean towards perennials if possible. In fact, one whole GS is nothing but those. The other one, I rotate annuals. It’s not too much trouble to transplant into the pockets. I usually pull a little soil out, put the plant in, then top with the soil I pulled out. A little messy but not bad. For summer, I do continue to grow in it. This year I’m growing a bunch of different greens to see if I like any of them. I use my GS as an experiment a lot. One year I did a ton of different beans to see which ones I liked and then grew enough seed for the following season. The choice between the two are tough but if I had to pick, the Aerogarden Farm is my favorite. But I would pick the GS over the Aerogarden harvest since it grows more. It’s a hard choice though. I do like them both a lot.

[@leslietromski3395]

Love hearing your tips and tricks for Florida gardening. With our all season growing and hot wet summers gardening is a challenge

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks so much for watching. It can be a challenge but it’s totally worth it!

[@TheTamrock2007]

Very helpful, thanks! I'm in Pensacola and trying to learn to grow. My plans for this was greens, herbs, and flowers. Going to go check out your others videos now. New subscribers here.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for the sun! So glad you enjoyed the video 💚

[@conniecrites5148]

So far my strawberries are doing good. I usually spray the cells first to dampen them then fill the tray. If their really dry I fill it twice. I water pretty much every day in the hot summer months. Strawberries have shallow roots so you need to water them often.

[@wizpig64]

my first one just arrived today, glad this video came up!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Awesome! I hope you enjoy it

[@marlysmithsonian5746]

I'm in Tampa. Have you tried any tomatoes? My favorite was Early Girl in a bucket but that was crazy hard. It got over 6 feet tall and the squirrels got most of the tomatoes. I even had it against my cactus to try to avoid that!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yes! I have a video I did just last month on my top 5 favorite tomatoes to grow. Red currant is my current favorite but that changes every year, lol

[@nancycaldarola3090]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9adid you grow tomatoes in green stalk? First time planting in this. With all the rain my tomatoes plants are huge. Flowers but no fruits yet. I was wondering if I should keep in full sun in my lanai or move it to partial shady area. I’m in 10 a. I think this is tricky when you have other sun requirements in the planter like Swiss chard, spinach and lettuce? So glad you did this video I’m doing ok planted with all seeds except the Swiss chard. Wish I saw this before I planted you gave great tips. Thank you so much for these tips.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@nancycaldarola3090 I have grown tomatoes in the Greenstalk before but I usually pick dwarf or patio varieties since regular ones get super tall. During summer, most plants do well with some shade so it would probably be good for most plants. So glad you enjoyed the video

[@GreenLove1]

Great tips. A couple more that I will add to address the watering issues: (I would NOT drill bigger holes, sorry, but the best feature of the Greenstalk is the watering system). Check the following though - is you greenstalk perfectly straight/upright - no lean? Is the soil that you are using fluffy and absorbent (I always add perlite!) Or has it gone hydrophobic in places? And finally also make sure that soil has not gotten into the grey disks and clogged the openings...this sometimes happens if you are not careful when watering from the top. The automatic irrigation has been the best thing that I put in for the greenstalk. I did a DIY to save money! Thanks for a really great video!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for the tips 💚

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

Even better advice is to fill a tier, add the transplant, add the next tier and repeat

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Exactly, that’s a great way to do it when setting it up the first time.

[@SpaceCoastHarvest]

This is a great video.. I was thinking about buying two of these for strawberries this year and was planning on doing to 7 tier leaf ones. I'm only 5'2" too haha so maybe I should keep it to 4 tiers like you suggested! Wish me luck with the strawberries, haha I am thinking of putting a large stepping stone on my grass, leveling it, and putting the greenstalk on top of that. That way I won't have to keep them on a concrete or paver porch/patio

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful! The leaf is shorter than the original so you are probably good with 5 tiers on that one.

[@sonnyamoran7383]

Keeping it watered and the large price tag has kept me from purchasing. I'm just not interested in the guessing game with watering it.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I totally get that. It does have its cons but it also holds a lot of plants

[@ShhheilaASMR]

8:43 what a cute little lizard jump about on the planter on the right! SO CUTE!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I have so many lizards in the garden!

[@ShhheilaASMR]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I'm jealous! I love lizards! 🦎 so cute!

[@marikophillips190]

Thank you for your helpful review. I have done some composting in place and found that the waste you put in place will most abundantly feed your plants the following season, not so much for the roots to grab the first year. However the drippings from the compost in place will help fertilize the planters beneath them to a certain extent. Its great that you collect the water at the bottom and reuse. The people who buy the watering system and the wheels have a difficult time turning, unless they rig some extra hoses to each tower which allows them movement with the water pipes. Thanks again for a great review! I am thinking of buying two large towers while there is a sale and creating 3 smaller ones. 🙏🏻🌿

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful!

[@liasheehan1158]

I just ordered my first Green Stalk planter. Thank you so much for these tips!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

My pleasure. I hope you enjoy them!

[@libbysmithstudio]

I just got my greenstalk5 today. Would it be smarter to wait until we get past the viscous Florida heat? Planning for herbs, strawberries, and greens.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

They do require watering more often during the summer but if you start out with a soil like Promix or peat moss and you grow varieties that enjoy the heat, you could start now.

[@jamesdewart1772]

I’m not sure what part of Florida you live in, here in Sw if I don’t water any plant or young tree daily they die. Weekly watering and expecting it to last a week is a sure way to end up with no garden.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m in central Florida. Right now I’m only watering twice weekly and that seems to be working great. I do mulch my greenstalks and do my deep watering method and it works great 💚

[@cheryljones8875]

I actually thought about widening the water holes when I was taking the planter. I may go back and do that.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s really helped mine

[@sn232]

Your video shows you using Garden Soil not Potting Mix. I thought those were different? I remember hearing of a woman who would blend her food scraps, and water her plants with it. Not sure if it would work in the Greenstalk, or if it would sure in insects or other critters? Maybe try it in one tier just to experiment?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Good eye. I must have gotten my bags mixed up at some point. Definitely use potting soil not garden. Potting soil has more nutrients. It’s designed for containers. I’ll give the blended food scraps a try 😀

[@sn232]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a thank you! :)

[@123gyra123]

Why is one called "leaf"? I am planning on growing only greens in mine so should I use that one?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

The leaf is just the smaller one. And the original is the bigger one that has a bigger depth. If you’re just growing greens, a leaf would be just fine but if you wanted to grow something with a larger root system like tomatoes and peppers you would want to get the original.

[@neverendingharvest6413]

How long have grown in this green stalk?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’ve been growing in these for about 4 years now

[@vickiewest1199]

Great video. I bought an original and leaf greenstalks a few months back but have some work to do leveling the ground before putting out so waiting for spring to start. I live in a hot humid state but right now it’s freezing cold. I’m starting to get nervous about planting but these tips helped a lot!!! Because of this video I’ll be subscribing. Happy planting 😁

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad they are helpful! Good luck with your spring garden 💚

[@evquinn2156]

How I wish I had seen this before setting mine up. Thank you.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It took me a couple years to get the hang of it. Glad you enjoyed the video 💚

[@cookingwithgreatness1722]

6:47 whoa 😳 that's a lot of water 💧 (newbie gardener here). Looks like I'm underwatering my plants (in Florida) and will make a video showing my progress and ask for help/tips.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I think each garden is different. If your plants are happy and healthy, no need to change your watering schedule.

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

So much practical knowledge. THANK YOU!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You're very welcome!

[@rmwrmw4906]

I love your honesty abt your challenges! Thank you for these tips

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are so welcome!

[@lispottable]

This was the best greenstalk video I’ve seen. I’ve had many of the same problems as you. Thank you! I love the composting I place idea. I may try that too!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

My pleasure! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 💚