Why a Tower Garden?
When we decided to grow food in our spare room, a vertical tower garden was the obvious choice. Here's why:
- 28 growing spots in a 2 ft diameter footprint — perfect for small rooms
- No soil, no mess — just water and nutrients
- Grows 3× faster than soil because roots get oxygen and nutrients directly
- Easy to move and rearrange
- Works with the Garden Tower 2 (our affiliate pick) or a DIY PVC build
What You Need
We use and recommend the Garden Tower 2 — it's the most complete kit we've found for home use. See our full review on the Products page.
Step-by-Step Setup
Choose your location
You need a space at least 3×3 ft with access to a power outlet. A spare bedroom, garage corner, or basement works great. The floor will get slightly wet, so put a tray or waterproof mat underneath.
Assemble the tower
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your tower. For the Garden Tower 2, this takes about 30 minutes. Make sure the central tube is secure and the reservoir sits level.
Set up your grow light
Hang your LED grow light 12–18 inches above the top of the tower. Set a timer for 14–16 hours of light per day. We use a simple mechanical outlet timer — no smart home required.
Mix your nutrient solution
Fill the reservoir with water and add hydroponic nutrients according to the label. Aim for an EC (electrical conductivity) of 1.2–2.0 and a pH of 5.8–6.2. Test with your kit before adding plants.
Add your seedlings
Transplant seedlings into the net cups. Start with easy crops: lettuce, spinach, kale, basil, cilantro. Fill any gaps with rockwool cubes and seeds — they'll sprout within a week.
Turn on the pump and monitor
The pump should run 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off (or continuously — check your tower's instructions). Check pH and nutrient levels every 2–3 days for the first two weeks.
First harvest in 3–4 weeks
Lettuce and herbs will be ready to harvest using the cut-and-come-again method. Harvest outer leaves only and the plant will keep producing for months.
Tips from Our Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tower garden cost?
The Garden Tower 2 retails for around $550–$650 CAD. A DIY PVC tower can be built for $80–$150. Add $100–$200 for a good LED grow light and you're set.
How loud is the pump?
Most submersible pumps are very quiet — about the level of a fish tank. You won't notice it in a spare room.
Can I grow tomatoes in a tower garden?
Yes, but they need a lot of support and light. We recommend starting with greens and herbs, then experimenting with tomatoes once you're comfortable with the system.
How often do I need to check on it?
Once it's established, about 5–10 minutes a day. Check the water level, look for any wilting or yellowing, and top up nutrients as needed.
