The Bright Green Vertical Garden Planter, GroVert, is a modular panel 8.5” x 18” including overlap areas or 8.5” by 18” of vegetation area. The GroVert consists of 10 cells in which vegetation is planted. It is made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), is UV resistant, and is graded for temperatures from -40 degrees F to 178 degrees F.

Each individual plant cell is set on a 45 degree angle and has a depth of 4” from the front of the panel to the back. Each cell also has notches in the bottom surface to allow for drainage and aeration. The panel is equipped with a moisture mat that allows the panel to wick water to all sections of individual cells, reducing the irrigation requirements.

Each panel has a horizontal support channel formed into the back to carry and disperse the weight evenly across the panel. This channel is configured at a 30 degree angle essentially using gravity for greater stability once mounted.

It is recommended that an Irrigation Tray and a Collection Tray (sold separately) be used for each panel. The Irrigation Tray slides easily onto the top of the panel. Water is poured directly into the Tray where it is slowly emitted to each the cells below. The Collection Tray slides easily onto the bottom on the panel and collects any excess water draining from the bottom cells, preventing it from being released onto the floor or ground below.

The GroVert Living Wall Planter consists of 10 cells in which vegetation is planted. It is made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), is UV resistant, and is graded for temperatures from -40 degrees F to 178 degrees F. Each individual plant cell is set on a 45 degree angle and has a depth of 4” from the front of the panel to the back. Each cell also has notches in the bottom surface to allow for drainage and aeration. The panel is equipped with a moisture mat that allows the panel to wick water to all sections of individual cells, reducing the irrigation requirements.

Vertical gardening is a fun and rewarding way to grow your favorite plants. Spending a little time in the beginning to get your new garden off to a good start can go a long way towards insuring a healthy vertical garden for many seasons to come. 

First Steps For Your Plants
If your plants came to you in pots, discard any packing material clinging to the leaves or soil. Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the holes at the bottom of the pot. If your plants were shipped to you in the vertical planter, remove the planter carefully from the box. Next, place the plants in a shaded, protected (not windy) location for a few days. This allows the plant to acclimate to your garden without the added stress of being transplanted. After spending some time in the shipping container, direct sunlight is too strong and can damage sensitive leaves.

Location, location, location
Choose a location for your garden that matches your plant’s light requirements, unless you plan on supplementing with grow lights. Watch your plants carefully in the next few months to see how well they are adjusting to their new home. Do not hesitate to take action if they appear unhappy. The growing information for your specific plants will give you specific instructions for caring for your plants.

Lighting - Indoor environments provide a wide range of lighting environments. It is very important to accurately measure the amount of light that will be provided to your vertical garden and plan accordingly. Our Plants page provides all the information you will need to so. Custom designed grow light systems are available for purchase on the site to supplement your lighting needs if needed.   

Feeding - With each watering, a gentle organic-based fertilizer is suggested. The soil volume per plant is limited and the plants will depend on the nutrient content of the water. Some plants will require more fertilization than others, and some have specific nutritional requirements. If you purchased your vertical garden with plants, you can consult the Growing Information included in your Guide for specific information about your plants. If you planted the wall with your own plants you can consult the nursery where you purchased your plants for more information about the nutritional requirements.

Water - Plants have unique water requirements, so the watering schedule for your garden will depend on the plants you are growing. However, because the soil volume is limited with the GroVert Living Wall Planters, a plant grown in these systems will require water much more frequently than the same plant grown in the ground or in a larger container. If you purchased your vertical garden with plants, you can consult the Growing Information included in your Guide for specific information about the needs of your plants. If you planted the wall with your own plants you can consult the nursery where you purchased your plants for more information about the water requirements.

What You Need: Vertical Planter, Coco coir or Peat Moss, Perlite, Selection of 4” Plants

Step 1:  Design
Using the design recipe from Edible Walls, lay your plants out in the specified arrangement. If you are designing yourself, play around with the plants while they are still in the pots to find the arrangement you like the best. Keep in mind that your plants will grow. The plants in the bottom of the planter may get less and less light as the plants in the top mature.

Step 2:  Mix It Up
Mix together your Coco coir or Peat Moss and your Perlite. A 3 parts CoCo Coir or Peat Moss to 2 parts Perlite is recommended.  The Coco Coir or Peat Moss will absorb water and keep your plants hydrated. The Perlite will ensure aeration and drainage. Aeration is particularly important when using these planters. And drainage is particularly important if you are planting succulents.  Make sure the Perlite is horticultural grade.
Next, add enough water to your soil so that it forms easily but is not soggy.

Step 3: Fill It In
Fill each “cell” about half way with your mixture.  *Special Tip*  Push the soil mixture up the sides of each cell, filling each little nook and cranny. The more soil you can get in the corners and crevices, the more secure your plant will be in the cell.

Step 4: Plant
With the soil in the cells  about half way up and around the sides, plug each plant into the cells according to your design. If the plant does not quite fill the cell enough to be secure, use a “filler” plant like sedum or a ground cover to keep it nice and tight in the cell.

Step 5: Mind The Gaps
Continue planting until you have achieved your desired look. Once the plants are packed in, fill excess air pockets or empty cells with your potting mixture. Even if each cell does not contain a plant, it mush be completely filled with potting mix.

Step 6: Set It Up
Tilt your panel at a 45 degree angle for at least one week. The longer the plants have to acclimate to this new way of growing, the better they will do in the long run. Two weeks on sitting at this angle is ideal. After planting, water and fertilize using the Irrrigation Tray. See Watering instructions above.-

Moisture and Your Walls - GroVert Living Wall Planters, used without a collection tray, are not suitable for indoor use because the water is meant to drain from the bottom of the planter. Simply adding a Collection Tray to the bottom of the planter will solve this problem. Generally water will remain within the unit but there is always the possibility that water can drip from the leaves or that  the leaves may direct water outside of the unit during watering. If you intend to use your garden indoors on wood or carpeting, use extra caution and observe the unit closely during waterings. It is recommended that the wall which the garden is installed on be protected with a moisture vapor barrier. These can be purchased on the GrowEdibleWalls website or your local hardware store.
Winter Exposure - GroVert Planters alone (not including Automatic Irrigation Systems) are safe to use in freezing temperatures. However, Automatic Irrigation Systems are not designed for frozen water in their tanks.  Expansion of freezing ice may damage the tank and cause leaks. It is best to drain, dry, and store indoors for winter if the garden is kept outside.
Children and Pets - As with all gardens, use caution when selecting plants for your vertical garden. Some plants are toxic and must be selected carefully. If you have a pet (or child) that has been known to munch on your plants, please consult  a list of toxic plants to avoid. These lists can be found easily by doing an internet search for “Plants that are toxic to humans” and/or “Plants that are toxic to pets”. Your pediatrician’s office and/or veterinarian’s office should also be able to provide you with adequate information.

REGULAR PLANT MAINTENANCE
1. Make sure your plants are happy and getting the right amount of sunshine and water.
2. From time to time pluck away dead leaves and flowers to encourage new growth on your plants.
3. You can use scissors or pruning shears to trim away unwanted stems and branches.
4. The cuttings of some plants, like succulents can be replanted in gaps between the other plants
5. You can use scissors or pruning shears to trim away unwanted stems and branches.
6. Mist your plants from time to time and brush away any dust that collect on the leaves.
7. We understand that plants could potentially attract some unwanted pests.  Consult the Education Page titled Bugs on the Edible Walls website for more information.
9. Over time, feel free to add plants and experiment with your garden

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Daily:
- Observe the plants
- Notice if plants look wilted or if they have faded leaves, rotting bases or browned leaves
- Also notice if they have new buds or have made new roots
Monthly:
- Add plant food to the water reservoir (if applicable) or to the water used when hand watering
- Notice plant health and adjust water timing if necessary
- Remove dead leaves
- Remove dead plants and replace
Every 3 Months:
- Change the filter in your outdoor irrigation system if applicable.
- Visually check drip lines to ensure proper functioning.
Every Year:
- Change out the drip lines
- Consider repotting your plants if they have outgrown their space in the planters.