GREENHOUSE WITH A CANE STRUCTURE AND A SELF-SUPPORTING VERTICAL GARDEN

 

1. Basic Information

Method Title: Greenhouse with a Cane Structure and a Self-Supporting Vertical Garden

Author / Organisation: Leave Zero Waste for the Future Project Consortium

Country: Spain

Original Project: Leave Zero Waste for the Future (KA220-SCH-000032782)

Theme / Topic: Sustainability; Circular Economy; Environmental Education; Reuse of Materials

Keywords / Tags: greenhouse, vertical garden, upcycling, reuse, circular economy, sustainable gardening, environmental education, teamwork, community engagement

CIVIKI Pillars

Primary Pillar: Sustainability

Secondary Pillars: Interdisciplinary Learning; Creativity Techniques

 

2. Overview

Short Description

This hands-on learning activity engages participants in constructing a greenhouse and a self-supporting vertical garden using reclaimed and locally available materials such as wooden fruit boxes, pallets, irrigation pipes and cane. The method promotes sustainable resource use, teamwork and environmental awareness while demonstrating practical examples of circular economy principles.

Purpose of the Method

To raise awareness of sustainable resource management by demonstrating how discarded materials can be reused to create functional community infrastructure such as greenhouses and vertical gardens.

Learning Outcomes

Participants:

  • understand the principles of reuse, recycling and waste reduction;
  • recognise the value of local and natural materials;
  • develop practical construction and teamwork skills;
  • gain experience in sustainable gardening;
  • strengthen environmental awareness and responsibility.

 

3. Target Group

Target Group: Adult learners, educators, community groups, volunteers, environmental organisations and learners interested in sustainability.

Age Range: 16+

Group Size: 8–25 participants

Required Prior Knowledge: No specialist knowledge required. Basic practical skills and willingness to work collaboratively are beneficial.

 

4. Practical Details

Duration: Approximately 20 workshop sessions (adaptable depending on the project scope).

Setting: Outdoor learning environment; the activity can also be adapted to an available indoor space.

Group Work / Individual: Group work.

Materials / Tools Needed

The materials can be adapted according to what is easily available locally.

  • Reused wooden fruit boxes
  • Reused pallets
  • Reused irrigation pipes
  • Cane
  • Greenhouse plastic
  • Anti-weed fabric
  • Fertile soil
  • Gravel
  • Hemp rope
  • Washers
  • Screws and screwdrivers
  • Stapler and staples
  • Scissors
  • Self-adhesive Velcro

 

Alternative materials for different regions may include:

  • locally available wooden boxes or containers instead of fruit boxes;
  • locally available reclaimed wood instead of pallets;
  • locally available natural supports instead of cane;
  • reused or locally available pipes or similar materials for structural support.

 

5. Method Description (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preparation of Materials

Collect reclaimed materials from local families, businesses or community organisations. Use materials that are easily available locally. Prepare natural materials such as cane, or a locally available alternative, by cutting and drying them appropriately before construction.

Step 2: Planning the Structure

Plan the layout of the greenhouse and the vertical garden. Organise the materials and discuss the construction process with the participants.

The size and design of the structure can be adapted to the available outdoor or indoor space.

Step 3: Building the Greenhouse

Construct the greenhouse using reused wooden fruit boxes as planting beds and cane arches as the supporting structure. Where these materials are not locally available, suitable local alternatives can be used.

Secure the structure with hemp rope and reused irrigation pipes, or comparable locally available materials, then cover it with greenhouse plastic.

Step 4: Building the Vertical Garden

Assemble reused pallets to create a free-standing vertical garden. If pallets are not available, other suitable reclaimed wooden structures can be used.

Prepare the planting compartments using anti-weed fabric, gravel and fertile soil. The size of the vertical garden can be adapted to the available space.

Step 5: Planting and Maintenance

Fill the greenhouse and vertical garden with suitable plants. Discuss sustainable gardening techniques, irrigation and long-term maintenance.

Step 6: Reflection and Community Sharing

Reflect on the learning experience and discuss how similar sustainable initiatives could be implemented within participants’ own communities. Encourage participants to share the project with local schools or community organisations.

 

6. Pedagogical Approach

Methods used:

Experiential learning, project-based learning, collaborative learning, environmental education, learning by doing and community-based learning.

Why this approach is effective:

Participants actively experience sustainable practices by creating a real product with practical value. The activity combines environmental awareness with teamwork, creativity and problem-solving while demonstrating the principles of the circular economy.

 

7. Inclusion & Accessibility

How inclusion is ensured

Tasks can be distributed according to participants’ abilities, allowing everyone to contribute through planning, construction, gardening or documentation.

Adaptations for disadvantaged groups

  • Provide clear visual instructions.
  • Use simple language.
  • Adapt physical tasks according to participants’ abilities.
  • Encourage mixed-ability teamwork and peer support.

 

8. Sustainability Aspect

This method directly promotes sustainability through the reuse of discarded materials, reduction of waste, use of local natural resources and creation of sustainable gardening spaces. It demonstrates practical applications of circular economy principles and encourages environmentally responsible behaviour.

 

9. Evaluation & Feedback

Evaluation Methods

  • Observation of teamwork
  • Assessment of the completed greenhouse and vertical garden
  • Group discussion
  • Participant reflection

Tools Used

  • Self-reflection
  • Peer feedback
  • Facilitator observation

 

10. Output / Result

Final Outcome

A fully functioning greenhouse and self-supporting vertical garden built from reused materials, together with increased participant awareness of sustainable resource management and circular economy practices.

 

11. Transferability

The method can be adapted for adult education centres, community gardens, schools, NGOs, environmental projects and local sustainability initiatives. Depending on available resources, the greenhouse or vertical garden can be scaled to different sizes and adapted to local environmental conditions.

Materials should be selected according to what is easily available in the respective region. The activity can also be adjusted to the available outdoor or indoor space.

 

12. Additional Resources

  • Original Project: Leave Zero Waste for the Future
  • Project Results (if available)
  • European Green Deal resources
  • European Circular Economy Action Plan
  • FAO – Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture resources
  • Local community gardening initiatives