Poor drainage can turn a promising vertical garden into a soggy mess. If you’ve noticed standing water, compacted soil, or sad-looking plants in your Garden Tower 2 — don’t worry, you’re not alone. Drainage issues are common, especially in vertical systems where water needs to move through multiple levels.
Here’s what to look out for — and how to fix it so your plants can thrive.
🧱 What Causes Drainage Problems?
The Garden Tower 2 is designed to use gravity to distribute water downward, but a few things can block or slow that flow:
- Soil that’s too dense or clay-heavy
- Overwatering
- Clogged drainage holes in the pockets
- A tilted or uneven base
- Organic matter (like food scraps) clogging the compost column
🌱 Easy Fixes to Improve Drainage
- Use a high-quality potting mix
Avoid using regular garden soil. It’s too dense and holds too much water. Choose a lightweight, well-draining potting mix — preferably one that contains perlite or coconut coir. - Loosen the soil in each pocket
Over time, soil can become compacted. Every couple of weeks, gently loosen the top layer of soil in each planting pocket with your fingers. - Add drainage material
Some users add a small handful of gravel, pumice, or perlite to the bottom of each pocket before planting. This can help prevent water from pooling. - Adjust watering technique
Rather than soaking the tower all at once, try slow and even watering. Use a narrow-spout watering can or a drip irrigation system for better control. - Flush the compost tube occasionally
If the composting tube gets clogged with food scraps or too much moisture, it can back things up. Stir the contents regularly and don’t overload it. Pouring a bit of water down the tube now and then can help things keep flowing. - Level your base
Make sure your Garden Tower 2 is sitting on flat, stable ground. If the tower is leaning, water may collect more in some areas than others.
🪴 Tip from the Community
Some Garden Tower users swear by adding a thin layer of landscape fabric inside the pockets — this keeps soil in while letting water pass through more freely.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Drainage might not sound like the most exciting topic, but it can make or break your vertical garden. With a few small tweaks, you can prevent root rot, improve plant health, and make sure your Garden Tower 2 is working as it should — no muddy messes required.
🧠Related Articles
👉 How to Water a Vertical Garden the Right Way
👉 Common Problems with the Garden Tower 2 (And How to Fix Them)