A Financial Analysis for Small-Space Gardeners
Let’s be honest—the Garden Tower 2 isn’t cheap.
When you first look at the price, you might think: “That’s a lot for a garden planter!”
I had the same reaction.
But I also believe in doing proper research before spending money on garden tools—especially ones I recommend. So in this article, I’m breaking down what you get, how it compares to cheaper alternatives, and whether the Garden Tower 2 is actually worth the investment.
Let’s look at the real numbers.
đź§ş What You Get for the Price
The Garden Tower 2 currently costs around $400 USD (depending on sales and add-ons).
That includes:
- A vertical planter with 50 planting pockets
- A built-in composting tube for kitchen scraps
- A rotating base for even sun exposure
- USA-made, BPA-free plastic that lasts for years
- Self-contained watering and drainage design
You don’t need separate compost bins, raised beds, or even a garden hose nearby—it’s all designed to work together in one compact system.
💰 Let’s Compare It to Other Options
How does that $400 stack up against other popular systems?
System | Approx. Cost | Plants | Composting | Rotation | Soil Needed | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Garden ToweGarden | $400 | Up to 50 | âś… Yes | âś… Yes | ~6 cu ft | Full-featured system |
GreenStalk (7-Tier) | $180 | Up to 42 | ❌ No | ❌ No | ~5 cu ft | Great planter, but no compost or rotation |
Stackable Pots (5-tier) | $60–$100 | 15–30 | ❌ No | ❌ No | ~3 cu ft | Low cost, but limited features |
Raised Bed + Worm Bin | $150–$250 | 12–20 | ✅ Yes (separate) | ❌ No | ~6–10 cu ft | More space needed |
DIY Vertical Tower (PVC/Pallet) | $50–$100 | 10–30 | ❌ No | ❌ No | Varies | Requires tools + time |
👉 So yes, the Garden Tower 2 is more expensive—but it replaces multiple products in one.
🔄 What Would It Cost to Get the Same Features Separately?
If you were to recreate the Garden Tower 2 with separate pieces, here’s what you’d need:
- Vertical planter (50+ plants): $100–150 minimum
- Compost bin or worm tower: $75–150
- Rotating stand (custom): $50–100
- High-quality, BPA-free plastic components: unknown or DIY risk
- Add-ons (water trays, hardware, etc): $50+
Total: $275–$400+, and you’d still have more work, more space required, and possibly less efficiency.
So even though it feels expensive upfront, it may save money if you were planning to buy separate parts.
🥬 Productivity Value: How Much Can You Grow?
A well-managed Garden Tower 2 can grow:
- Up to 50 plants in a 4 sq ft space
- Multiple harvests per season (especially greens and herbs)
- Compost from kitchen scraps = saves on fertiliser and waste
Let’s say you grow 30 lettuce/greens cycles and 20 herbs/strawberries/peppers in a year. If each one saves $1–2 from store prices, you’re looking at $50–$100 per season in food savings.
Add in compost savings and long-term use, and it begins to pay for itself within 2–3 seasons for many users.
⏳ Time and Maintenance Value
- No digging or weeding
- Less watering thanks to vertical design
- Rotates for easy sunlight adjustment
- Compost tube means less food waste and fewer trips to the bin
If you value your time (and back!), this convenience adds a different kind of value—not just financial.
🧑‍🌾 Is It Worth It for You? Real Scenarios
âś… Great For:
- Small-space gardeners (balconies, patios, courtyards)
- People wanting to grow a variety of food in one spot
- Gardeners interested in composting and sustainability
- Seniors or anyone needing a no-bend system
❌ Not Ideal For:
- People only wanting to grow a few herbs on a windowsill
- Gardeners who prefer large crops like corn, melons, or root veg
- Those on a tight budget just starting out
đź§ľ Final Verdict: Is It Really Worth It?
👉 Yes—if you want a long-lasting, all-in-one system for growing real food in a small space.
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s one of the most complete, with features you won’t find in basic vertical planters.
For serious small-space gardeners (or those who want to become one), it’s a smart investment.
đź”— Check current price and availability of the Garden Tower 2 here
(Affiliate link – thanks for supporting my work if you use it!)🔍 Or read my full review of the Garden Tower 2 here if you’d like a feature-by-feature breakdown.
📚 What’s Next?
Want to explore other vertical gardening tips and systems?
- 🌿 What Is Vertical Gardening? A Beginner’s Guide
- 🆚 Garden Tower 2 vs GreenStalk: Which Should You Choose?
- 🥬 What to Grow in a Vertical Garden
- 🪴 Best Vertical Gardening Systems for Small Spaces
❓FAQ – Garden Tower 2 Financial Value
Is the Garden Tower 2 overpriced?
Not when you compare it to buying separate planters, compost bins, and accessories. It’s a premium product, but it replaces several items and saves space and time.
How long does it take to pay itself off?
With regular use, many users save $100+ per year on food and compost. That means it can pay for itself in 2–3 growing seasons.
Can you DIY something similar for less?
You can create vertical planters, but most DIY setups don’t include composting, rotation, or the same durability. It’s possible—but more work, and often less effective.
Would you like this one converted to HTML for WordPress? Or shall we jump into the next article on your list (e.g. “Pros and Cons of Vertical Gardening at Home”)?