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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
@@Eli-Fremont a little high on yourself don't you think? Who died and appointed you TH-cam 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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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 :-)
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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 ?
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.
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.
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.
Hello, I enjoy your information on the grow tower.I live in New Jersey, and my questions are (1) will the worms winter over in this tower system? (2) Do you put drain holes in the plastic bag? And (3) where do you get your worms? Thank you..
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?
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.
@MIgardener I am new to gardening and researching all kinds of different grow methods. This seems like it would be great for growing root vegetables, specifically, my family and I eat a lot of potatoes, onions, and carrots. Do you think these would do well in this kind of tower? Also, how do you water your plants in this and how often? Lastly, do you have to empty out the soil ever?
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?
Newbie gardener here. Is that enough room for all of the roots to grow? Won't the independent root systems compete with one another with so many plants? Also, how much do I water and when do I water? Thanks.
nemesisbreakz There is actually plenty of room for the roots to grow :) I watered it 1 time every week and that was ample. I also watered about 1 1/2 gallons when I did water.
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?
Hello, I cannot find the end result of this amazing grow tower you said you've done (comments below) - the one with the mature veggies ..., could you post a link please??? I've been all through your videos and am going nuts with curiosity :-) Thanks in advance
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.
how does this drain? I would drill drain holes on bottom and also make sure that soil is WELL packed before planting. No sense in getting food grade container if you are using a garbage bag which is toxic, wouldn't weed cloth work better? I do however like the worm tower idea :)
So, do you worry about using the black construction bag to hold the soil? Will the chemicals in it leach into the plants, especially once it rains on it or gets watered?
I think this would go great on my patio. Quick questions. Do you plan on rotating it so that the sides get equal sunlight? If not what plants do you recommend planting on the side with less sun?
it WOULD go great on a patio for sure. the sides already do get almost equal sunlight, but yes, you can totally rotate is hourly, or in my case I give it just a little twist every day. I think they will be fine.
My Strawberry plants are very small and are already fruiting and flowering. Should I remove the fruit and flowers to allow the plants themselves to grow more? Or should I leave them and allow them to do whatever?
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 :)
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have you planted garlic in one of these? I was thinking a 55gal one.
Thank you
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.
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!
Thanks, it is really beneficial to the people in the city area who don't have enough space for the garden.
I love MI grass. It is so soft and fine, like carpet. And bright green!
only leafy vegetables grown like this or can we grow tomatoes, egg plant etc also.??
Thanks Man!!!! Beats the heck out of paying $500!!..I will absolutely make me a few tower buckets!!
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
Do you have an update of this? Would love to see what happened a couple months later
is it 15 gallo or 5 gallo drum..what are the requirements if we do it with a 5 gallon bucket.
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!!
Awesome design with senter worm bin...gonna give it a try this year!! Herbs, lettuce, strawberries. TY VM!!!
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
These are great space savers! Great for balcony gardens! Mark SM
I had CharmCity BalconyGarden In mind with this one for sure. :) Thanks for watching Mesilla!
Nice! You're welcome!
***** aww, thanks Luke. The tower is beautiful. Much cheaper than the commercial one and I like the idea of having worms in the middle!
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.
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!
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
***** 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!
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.
@@Eli-Fremont a little high on yourself don't you think? Who died and appointed you TH-cam 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!
Do the worms overwinter in these systems in cold climates?
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.
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.
Hi, Luke, do you still use this grow tower? A lot of us would love to hear, if so!
just did this for my raised garden bed... I'm wondering if this is still working for you.
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.
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
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.
Want to give it a try but with burlap bag instead of plastic
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!!
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.
Still waiting the update :(
how did this work out?
Same.
It has been 6 years. do you still use this, and does it become root bound? Thank you
Run the drill backwards with the hole saw, then they don't get stuck so bad but they still cut pvc no problem.
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.
A tall laundry hamper would work without having to do all that work.
Great idea! I was thinking about that.
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!
Yes!!
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.
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
Most self sustaining gardener I've ever seen. Thanks for the instructions. Just one question : Wahat about watering?
Do you still use this planter years later?
Please make follow up video... was thinking about doing this too. But How well did it work? Would you make any improvements?
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 :-)
Lofty Loy: All good ideas to me, specially the rollers.
how fast does the composting process work? how often can you add compost on this?
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.
Seeds are likely to wash out before the can establish roots. Start plugs in trays and transplant.
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.
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?
This is brilliant Luke! I can scrounge around on the family farm and find things to make this. Thank you for this idea.
+Sansa Stark Awesome! Let us know how it turns out! :D
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.
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!
Great idea!
Just one question keeps nagging me: how often do you water? Or how do you decide you need watering?
My question as well.
Much appreciation for the video. Will the plastic bag leech anything toxic into the soil? Thank you.
Ink in the plastic might
Thoroughly soaked with PFOA’s, yes we are all going to die, it’s only a matter of time
Use garden fabric
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?
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 ?
Then I lose direct light so how do I overcome that problem?
Do you got to winterize it if you plant strawberries.
+Jamison Brooks We don't do anything, just leave them in and they will overwinter just fine.
this is a great idea. i like the idea of the conpost in the center
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.
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.
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.
how does this hold up for winter with herbs or is this something you only would put plants that will die after winter hits
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.
That's a really useful idea to grow food in a small space . Thanks .
How do you keep from drowning the worms when you water?
How is watering? Now ,Uc water do you use when there is no drained?
How do you water this? Is overwatering a problem?
Thanks so much for sharing! Perfect way to grow more in many balcony garden
Hello, I enjoy your information on the grow tower.I live in New Jersey, and my questions are (1) will the worms winter over in this tower system? (2) Do you put drain holes in the plastic bag? And (3) where do you get your worms? Thank you..
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?
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?
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.
Hi Luke did the container have a bottom to it?
@MIgardener I am new to gardening and researching all kinds of different grow methods. This seems like it would be great for growing root vegetables, specifically, my family and I eat a lot of potatoes, onions, and carrots. Do you think these would do well in this kind of tower? Also, how do you water your plants in this and how often? Lastly, do you have to empty out the soil ever?
Hi Luke, are you concerned with using PVC and the plastic bag? Are these food grade?
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?
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.
I would love to see the system after a month or 6 weeks of growing! Do you have a pic!
will you please comment on which parts, if any, are food grade and safe for consumption?
Would you have to bring this indoors for winter months if you were to plant strawberries in it?
Nice video, but how are you watering it?
I love it the simple and easy way you did it. Thanks
Newbie gardener here. Is that enough room for all of the roots to grow? Won't the independent root systems compete with one another with so many plants? Also, how much do I water and when do I water? Thanks.
nemesisbreakz There is actually plenty of room for the roots to grow :) I watered it 1 time every week and that was ample. I also watered about 1 1/2 gallons when I did water.
MIgardener | Simple Organic Gardening & Sustainable Living j
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.
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?
Anything grew on it? And what you do at end, after harvesting?
Hello, I cannot find the end result of this amazing grow tower you said you've done (comments below) - the one with the mature veggies ..., could you post a link please??? I've been all through your videos and am going nuts with curiosity :-) Thanks in advance
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.
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?
i put about 150 worms in. you can definitely buy that many.
@MIgardener did this work/hold up? 😊
how does this drain? I would drill drain holes on bottom and also make sure that soil is WELL packed before planting. No sense in getting food grade container if you are using a garbage bag which is toxic, wouldn't weed cloth work better? I do however like the worm tower idea :)
Luke, how do the plants on the north side of it grow? Are they getting enough sun? Or are you rotating it?
So, do you worry about using the black construction bag to hold the soil? Will the chemicals in it leach into the plants, especially once it rains on it or gets watered?
Your grower is brilliant and at 1/10th of the cost of a premed planter of smaller size. Thank you.
+Patrick Smith hank you!
I think this would go great on my patio. Quick questions. Do you plan on rotating it so that the sides get equal sunlight? If not what plants do you recommend planting on the side with less sun?
it WOULD go great on a patio for sure. the sides already do get almost equal sunlight, but yes, you can totally rotate is hourly, or in my case I give it just a little twist every day. I think they will be fine.
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.
How wide is the core for 55 gallons? How often do you feed the worms? Do some worms get out of the core?
My Strawberry plants are very small and are already fruiting and flowering. Should I remove the fruit and flowers to allow the plants themselves to grow more? Or should I leave them and allow them to do whatever?
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 :)
Charles O’Daniel wonderful but your audience a little immature they should be able to figure out their
Own solutions for potential problems.
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! :)
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.
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
You are awesome young man.
Hi Luke, Do you have a follow up on this grow tower?
Very nice.
Scarlett
Love this idea...i think u can use hamper baskets or old hampers
Do you add any water to the center?
Any update on how this tower system worked?
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?
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.