Woolly Living Wall How-To
Choosing Plants
Choose plants that are suitable for your growing conditions considering natural or artificial light, temperature, etc. Our Plants page has information about assessing your indoor or outdoor environment and choosing the plants that will thrive in those conditions. You can also choose to purchase the Research & Design Service to have a Living Wall designed specifically for your environment and desires for your garden.
Planting
When you know what your plants will be, purchase approximately three full sized 6-inch plants or one full sized 8-inch plant. For gorgeous living walls, we suggest combining three types of plants:
1. Spillers – plants that hang
2. Fillers – plants that cover
3. Thrillers – exciting plants
Arrange your plants in your pockets prior to planting by leaving them in their plastic pots to make arranging easier. Once you know how you want to plant them, take them back out of the pockets. Start with the top row (if you have multiple rows). With your pockets on the wall, fill them almost all the way to the top with a good quality potting soil. Be sure to get the corners. Remove the plants from their pots. Consider gently soaking the plants roots in water before planting. Make small holes in the soil and place your plants in the holes. Once the plant is securing embedded in the soil, feel free to top off with soil.
Watering holes shown in the image below fill the reservoir and help to ensure precise watering. This built in reservoir keep plants watered for up to two weeks. Simple use a watering can with a long, skinny spout, as in the image below, to fill the reservoir.
Automatic Watering Systems, which are optional additions, use drip irrigation systems and a timer. Other products and parts are required for these systems. Our website has all the products you need for this project. Instructions are included on the bottom of the box for building these systems.
- Dimensions: 13"H x 18"W x 8"D
- Soil Volume: .50 cu feet
- Plant Capacity: (2) 6" plants and (1) 8" plant
- Max Weight: 50lbs
- Hardware Supplied: Self tapping #8 screw & poly ribbed insert
- Water Tank Anchor Points: 9" Horizontal & 13" Vertical (Template Included with Purchase)
- Plant Anchor Points: Planter hooks at back of Water Tank for easy plant exchange
- Irrigation Supply Placement (for optional automatic irrigation systems): Vertical supply channel = 1/2" or 1/4" supply line; Water Tank = 1/4" Supply line & Drip Line; Recommended Drip Line: 1/4" inline emitter, 6" spacing, 2 emitters per planter, 20psi, max length of 19 planter.
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. The Plants page can help you identify the amount of light in your environment. 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 Living Wall Planters, a plant grown in the Living Wall Planter 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.
Needed Parts & Tools:
Safety Instructions
- To guard against injury and/or damage to property, basic safety precautions must be observed, including but not limited to the following:
- If you are using accessories for your garden which require electricity, such as lights or automatic irrigation systems, you must observe caution when operating these accessories near water. If any electrical component gets wet, carefully unplug the accessory before doing anything else. Make sure components have not been damaged before attempting to reuse.
- Always use a surge protector and a 110V grounded outlet with reliable power for accessories for your garden.
- Always inspect electrical cords for tears, abrasions, or abnormal wear. If it looks damaged, do not use it.
- Read an observe all notices and instructions on all accessories.
- If it is necessary to use an extension cord, always use one that is rated for outdoor use and always use the same gauge cord and plug. A cord that is rated for less amperes or watts than the component you are using may overheat.
If you are using an automatic irrigation system:
A. Never attempt to lift the water reservoir off the wall when it is full of water.
B. Never lift your irrigation system with wet hands.
C. When working inside your water reservoir, make sure all power sources are turned off.
CLOSE SUPERVISION IS VITAL WHEN ANY APPLIANCE IS USED NEAR OR BY CHILDREN. DO NOT INSTALL DIRECTLY OVER PLAYING OR SLEEPING AREAS.
Installation: Please read all directions before beginning.
Now that you understand the safety instructions and have examined the box for contents, you are ready to mount your new vertical garden.
Before hanging your garden, consider the following:
Level Mount - It is important that the garden be leveled correctly to avoid water from pooling in some areas and not reaching others. Consider hiring a professional handyman to install the garden for you for assurance.
Assistance - It is highly recommended that 2 or more people install these gardens.
Drafts - Check for drafty areas where heat and/or air-conditioning might affect the temperature of the water and/or soil in your garden. Fluctuations in temperatures can cause considerable stress to your plants and in some cases, even death. If you purchased your plants from Edible Walls you will have received care instructions for each of your plant selections which will include information on the optimal temperatures. You can also contact your local plant nursery for more information.
Surface of Wall - You will need a flat wall to mount the garden with an electrical outlet nearby if you plan on using lights or an irrigation system. For the cleanest look, hire a certified electrician to install a recessed outlet customized to fit just above your garden. You will want to be able to access the power cords after the garden is mounted, so do not install it directly behind the garden. A recessed outlet just above your garden would be the ideal location as it would allow you access and will be hidden from view by the plants. Suggestion: If you decide not to install the recessed electrical outlet, a nice finishing touch to hide the cords is to use a cord cover. If you purchased a Complete Irrigation Kit, a cord cover is included in your purchase. These can be easily painted to match your walls. **Local building codes often require specially rated cabling for in-wall use. Please consult an electrician. **
Safety - As with any cord, you need to use extreme caution as to where you place the cord. Cords can cause serious injury and even death to small children. Be aware of this hazard and install accordingly.
Mounting your vertical garden
A. Decide the exact location and height for your garden, making sure there is power nearby (if you are using accessories which require power) but that the power outlet is not directly below your garden. If you are having a recessed outlet installed, you need to complete that step before continuing. Make sure you accommodate for the size of the water reservoir if you are using an Automatic Irrigation System.
B. Locate a stud in the wall by using a stud finder, which can be purchased at your local hardware store. IT IS ALWAYS PREFERABLE TO HAVE ALL SCREWS DRILL INTO THE STUDS OF YOUR WALL DIRECTLY. However, if the placement of the studs does not allow you to hang your garden in the place you prefer you can use the drywall anchors included with your garden. These anchors are rated for 50lbs each and are designed for this type of installation. Please do not use alternative anchors. If you need replacement parts, please contact customer service at 1-888-652-0080.
C. Place an X mark with a pencil in the middle of the stud OR where the first anchors will need to be located to hang the left side of your garden.
D.Using a level, mark a spot 9 inches to the right which is level with the first X.
E. For Mounting to Studs: Using a drill and 1/4 inch drill bit, drill starter holes to screw your screws directly into the studs (not using the anchors). If you do not have a drill you can hand screw the hook directly into the stud. Pliers can be used to create leverage, making this task easier.
For Mounting to Drywall: Using a 1/4” drill bit, drill a hole 1-1/2” deep. Insert the ribbed anchor until it is flush with the wall. Insert the self-drilling screw through the grommet on the pocket and screw into the anchor until flush with the pocket. Do not over tighten.
F. If you are installing additional gardens: Using the template included with your product that will guide you on marking and placing the anchors and screws, repeat steps B through E.
Moisture and Your Walls - Woolly Pockets planters equipped with a marine grade moisture barrier in the bottom of the pocket to prevent moisture run off from the bottom of the planter. 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 at your local hardware store.
Winter Exposure - Living Wall Planters themselves (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.