Pallet Disaster: What Not to Do
Yesterday I admitted on Twitter that a gust of wind had toppled my pallet garden. At the time I told myself I should probably bolt it down, but I also convinced myself it was just a fluke.
Turns out I was wrong.
Today another gust hit, and this time the crash was unmistakable — bang, boom. We heard the noise and immediately knew what had happened. The little pansies I had planted were scattered and crushed. It wasn’t funny; it was a small garden disaster.
I won’t dwell on every detail of the mess, but the photo above tells the story: the pallet garden was on its side and the plantings were ruined. It was a clear reminder that what feels like a one-off can happen again, often when you least expect it.
So here’s the simple lesson: bolt your pallet gardens down. Anchoring them to the ground or securing them to a wall will prevent them from toppling in strong winds. Even if your area doesn’t usually get gusts, exposed yards, porches, or balconies can create surprising wind tunnels.
Using a couple of metal brackets, lag bolts, or simple straps can make a big difference. If you need something less permanent, heavy-duty anchors or tying the pallet to a sturdy post will often do the trick. The extra effort takes only a few minutes and can save plants, time, and heartache.
If sharing this prevents even one pallet garden from suffering the same fate, the lesson will be worth it. Learn from my mistake: secure your DIY vertical planters before bad weather strikes.
Consider this my public service announcement for the day. You’re welcome.