Vertical garden drum

Upcycled Vertical Garden Drum: Turn an Old Drum into a Stylish Garden

If you love gardening but lack horizontal space, why not go vertical? This upcycled vertical garden drum is perfect for small areas and provides a unique and eco-friendly way to grow your plants. Using an old metal drum, you can create a vertical garden that’s as functional as it is stylish.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Old metal drum (any size)
  • Drill with a metal bit
  • Paint (optional)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Soil
  • Plants or seeds
  • Safety gloves
  • Gardening tools

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Drum

Start by thoroughly cleaning the drum to remove any dirt or debris. If you’re reusing a drum that previously held chemicals, make sure it’s completely washed and safe for planting. Sand down any rough edges if necessary.

used metal drum

Step 2: Paint the Drum (Optional)

To give your vertical garden a decorative touch, paint the drum in a color or design that suits your outdoor space. You can go for a bold, bright color, a metallic finish, or even a natural patina look. Let the paint dry completely before moving on.

Step 3: Drill Drainage Holes

Using a drill with a metal bit, make several small drainage holes in the bottom of the drum to prevent water from accumulating. If you plan to add plants along the sides of the drum, drill additional holes in a staggered pattern where you’ll place the plants.

Step 4: Add Soil

Fill the drum with good-quality potting soil. For larger drums, you may want to add a layer of rocks or gravel at the bottom for improved drainage.

no plants finished

Step 5: Plant Your Vertical Garden

Start planting! You can plant a variety of herbs, flowers, or small vegetables in the top of the drum. If you’ve drilled side holes, gently insert small plants or seedlings into these spaces, making sure to pack soil around them securely.

Step 6: Water and Maintain

Water your new vertical garden thoroughly and place it in a location with sufficient sunlight. Monitor the soil moisture regularly, and don’t forget to rotate the drum occasionally to ensure even light exposure for all the plants.

metal drum plants upcycle bkgrnd

With this upcycled vertical garden drum, you can grow a beautiful garden even in small spaces while giving new life to old materials. It’s a creative and sustainable way to enjoy gardening without using up precious ground space.