The Garden Tower 2 is a brilliant system for growing a lot of food in a small space — but let’s be honest, even clever designs can run into a few hiccups now and then.
I’ve spent a lot of time reading reviews, forums, and user feedback, and I’ve seen a few common issues come up again and again. If you’ve been scratching your head wondering what’s going wrong — don’t worry. Most problems are small, normal, and easy to fix.
🐜 1. Too Many Bugs or Gnats
The problem: You start seeing little flies buzzing around — not exactly what you want next to your lettuce!
Why it happens: Usually this means the compost tube is too moist or you’ve added a bit too much food waste.
What to do:
- Cut back on how often you feed it scraps
- Balance it out with dry material like shredded paper or leaves
- Give it a gentle stir once a week to keep airflow going
💧 2. Uneven Water Flow
The problem: The top dries out fast while the bottom stays soggy — not ideal for your plants!
Why it happens: Sometimes water doesn’t travel evenly through all the layers, especially if the soil gets compacted.
What to do:
- Water slowly so it has time to soak through
- Use a narrow-spout watering can (or set up drip irrigation if you’re feeling fancy)
- Every now and then, fluff up the soil a bit in each pocket
🪱 3. Worms Trying to Escape
The problem: Your composting worms make a run for it!
Why it happens: The compost might be too wet, too dry, too acidic — or just not tasty enough for your wriggly friends.
What to do:
- Check the moisture — it should feel like a wrung-out sponge
- Feed them little and often, not big heaps
- Avoid citrus, onions, and starchy foods
- Mix in cardboard or coconut coir to keep it balanced
🧱 4. Tower Feels Wobbly or Starts Leaning
The problem: Your Garden Tower isn’t standing straight anymore, which can be worrying (especially if it’s fully planted).
Why it happens: The base may not be level, or the tower wasn’t tightened enough during setup.
What to do:
- Move it to a flat, solid surface like concrete or decking
- Check all bolts and connections — give them a good tighten
- Add a bit of weight to the base tray if needed
🪴 5. Plants Aren’t Growing Well
The problem: Things just aren’t thriving — leaves look sad, growth is slow, or crops don’t form properly.
Why it happens: It usually comes down to poor soil, too much shade, or overcrowding in the pockets.
What to do:
- Use a top-quality potting mix (not regular garden soil — it’s too dense)
- Make sure the plants get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily
- Thin out any crowded pockets — give each plant some breathing room
🔁 Final Thoughts
Honestly, most of these issues are just part of the learning curve. Once you’ve had your tower for a few weeks, you’ll settle into a rhythm — and the rewards are well worth it. Homegrown food with hardly any space or digging? Yes please.
🌟 Want More Help?
🧭 Related Help for Vertical Gardeners
👉 How to Water a Vertical Garden the Right Way
👉 Common Mistakes in Vertical Gardening (And How to Avoid Them)