Florafelt Vertical Garden Planters were designed hang on walls, fences or other supports. They can be framed for a stylish look and trimmed to any size. Our system of Root Wrappers and pockets allows you to transform your living wall for any mood or occasion. Experiment with color schemes, textures and combinations. Since the small amount of soil is neatly contained in the root wrapper, sliding plants in and out of pockets is as simple as stuffing an envelope.

Root Wrappers are included with your purchase and are designed to allow you to move your plants easily from pocket to pocket for easy arranging and maintenance. See the video below for instructions on using your Root Wrappers.  Stretch open all the pockets to receive the plants before you place the plants. Don’t be afraid to use force but apply steady force as opposed to sudden jerks. Start with the root wrapper in a diamond shape in front of you. Fold the top corner down to create your top soil level. Place your plant facing forward and spread the root ball flat using the palm of your hand. Fold the bottom corner up. Holding down the edges, fold the side tips in. Use a rubber band to hold it together or keep folded with your hands. Slip the wrapped plant into the desired pocket. Repeat for each plant.

For Design and Plant Ideas, visit the Plants page. 

How do you plan on watering your garden?

Most vertical gardens will need to be watered daily. Depending on the size and location of your garden this could require that the garden be taken off the wall and moved to a place suitable for water drainage. If this is not something you will be able to maintain, you may need to consider adding an automatic irrigation system which will both water your plants automatically on the schedule you set and catch any excess water that drains from the garden during watering sessions. Automatic Irrigation Systems for FloraFelt Gardens can be found here. You can also learn how to build your own Automatic Irrigation System here using the supplies from the page linked above.

What Kind of Water, How Much & How Often?

We recommend watering with filtered and/or distilled water, especially when watering indoors. The amount of water necessary for plants to thrive varies, so check each plants’ watering requirements.

These hand-made planters are designed to use the micro fibers in PET felt so that all the plants in the garden are watered  equally. The felt is made from recycled plastic bottles, a nylon non-toxic fiber that is indestructible. This amazing material provides a safe growing medium that is pH neutral and non-reactive, so you can garden organically right on your wall. The custom Root-Wrapping systems lets you change and re-arrange your living wall at will, while maintaining the integrity of every plant in its own soil. It also allows the roots to grow right into the felt, providing additional support.

FloraFelt 12-Pocket Planter:
Height = 24 inches
Width = 32 inches

FloraFelt 4-Pocket Planter:
Height = 24 inches
Width = 12 inches

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 FloraFelt gardens, a plant grown in the FloraFelt 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 Will Need For Installation

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:

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. For a 12-Pocket Vertical Garden: Using a level, mark a spot 32 inches to the right which is level with the first X. For a 4-Pocket Vertical Garden: Using a level, mark a spot 12 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. Make sure the hooks are leveled.

G. Use the nylon tabs on the top of the FloraFelt planter to hang on your newly installed hooks. If you are installing additional gardens: Repeat steps B through E. The adjacent planters can share hooks.

Winter Exposure - FloraFelt structures 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.