How to turn old whiskey barrels into a vertical vegetable garden
Transforming discarded whiskey barrels into stacked planters offers a clever solution for maximizing small garden spaces. By utilizing vertical gardening principles, you can cultivate a diverse range of crops from late summer through the autumn harvest, provided you master the specific soil mix and drainage requirements needed for success.
Vertical gardening with barrel planters, such as the stacked design used by Ian and Jessica of Gardenscapes Uprooted in Yorkshire, relies on maximizing available space. These structures are often constructed by screwing two old whiskey barrels together. To ensure long-term stability and plant health, it is vital to set the planter on soil. This allows for drainage and enables soil microbes to colonize the planter's contents, which is essential for a living ecosystem.
The composition of the growing medium is critical for preventing the structure from sinking. A successful mix involves approximately 440 litres of material per barrel, using one-third topsoil and two-thirds compost. In a recent demonstration, this included a blend of homemade and mushroom compost, supplemented with 1 kg of fine rockdust and 0.5 kg of dried seaweed to provide necessary trace elements. Because much of this material can be dry, consolidating the mix by stepping on it during the filling process helps prevent large air pockets.
Planting can occur as early as August, with many crops thriving until October. The barrels should be drilled with five-centimetre holes, which are large enough to insert plug plants like spinach, lettuce, chicory, kohlrabi, Florence fennel, and strawberries, alongside herbs like sage and rosemary. While watering from the top is the primary method, the wood of the barrels helps retain moisture. However, gardeners must remain mindful of the structure's height, as it may be vulnerable to heavy winter winds. As plants reach the end of their cycle, they can be twisted out to make room for new crops.
Source: Growing Vegetables in Barrel Planters: From August Planting to October Abundance
