Belavi Stacking Planters
As a gardening hobbyist with limited outdoor space, I'm always looking to experiment with container options that maximize my small yard.
I've gardened casually for 3 years in my 100 sqft backyard. While not an expert, I enjoy trying new ways to grow greens using containers creatively.
Intrigued by modular stackable designs, I decided to test out the Belavi system last spring. Here is a summary of my experience over the past 8 months.
The Belavi Planters
The Belavi Stacking Planter is made of durable, weather-resistant plastic that is designed to last for years.
Their stacking design allows you to build vertical towers in various heights and arrangements.
These 18" diameter plastic planters lock together vertically in towers. I purchased a 3-pack set for $65 online. Each has drainage holes and handles for easy lifting.
Ease of Assembly
Setting up the Belavi planters was very straightforward. No tools were required - you simply lift one planter and place it inside another.
The locking mechanism clicks them securely into place. I was able to build a three-tier tower on my own with no issues. Their modular design provided many configuration options so I could get creative with the layout.
Overall, assembly only took about 10-15 minutes. The locking mechanism worked well and I never felt like the stacked units were unstable.
It was also easy to rearrange the planters later on by unlocking and shifting their positions. Their lightweight plastic construction made rotating and adjusting them a breeze.
Planting and Care
Once assembled, I filled the bottom planter with high-quality potting soil. I added drainage rocks at the bottom for added protection against soggy soil.
Then I began choosing plants and arranging them artfully in each tier.
Some of the best types of plants I found for the Belavi planters included:
- Herbs like basil, rosemary and thyme that trail over the edges
- Compact flowering annuals like petunias, marigolds and calibrachoa
- Dwarf ornamental grasses
- Creeping plants like ivy, licorice plant and fibrous beardtongue
- Small shrubs like hydrangeas, dwarf abelia and boxwood
The key is choosing plants with a trailing or dwarf habit that won't outgrow the 18" diameter quickly. I also mixed in some varieties with colorful foliage for visual interest year-round.
Watering and care has been low maintenance. I check soil moisture weekly and water thoroughly whenever the top 2-3 inches are dry. The self-watering poles I added to each tier help keep the soil from drying out too fast on hot days.
Fertilizing monthly during the growing season with a balanced water soluble formula has kept everything healthy.
Pruning to remove dead growth and thinning flowering plants encourages reblooming. I lift the top planters off when doing major soil work in the bottom tier.
Overall, it hasn't taken more than 30 minutes per week to tend to this planter tower display.
Versatility and Arrangement Options
A huge benefit of the modular Belavi design is the versatility it provides. I was able to create numerous unique configurations based on the space and look I wanted to achieve. Here are a few arrangements I experimented with:
- Tall center tower with a trio of planters stacked
- Two side-by-side double towers for a bolder focal point
- Stepping stones of single planters along my backyard wall
- Circular kiosk formation with 4 planters in the middle
You can really get creative with their versatile locking system. I was also pleased that one set of 3 planters only took up a 2x3 foot print on our small patio. Yet it had a very full, eye-catching presentation.
Over time, I've shifted things around to highlight different plant varieties as they bloom throughout the seasons. It's fun and easy to constantly reinvent the look without having to buy new planters. Overall, they have expanded our garden space in a very compact, decorative way.
Performance Over Time
Setting up the Belavi planters was very straightforward. No tools were required - you simply lift one planter and place it inside another.
The locking mechanism clicks them securely into place. I was able to build a three-tier tower on my own with no issues. Their modular design provided many configuration options so I could get creative with the layout.
Overall, assembly only took about 10-15 minutes. The locking mechanism worked well and I never felt like the stacked units were unstable.
It was also easy to rearrange the planters later on by unlocking and shifting their positions. Their lightweight plastic construction made rotating and adjusting them a breeze.
Customer Service
When a tab broke, the company promptly shipped a replacement - though I had to follow up for a response initially.
Overall Experience
While the modular concept adds flexibility, wind issues, assembly clarity, and more frequent fertilizer needs than hoped offset some benefits for my small space. However, they remain a worthwhile option depending on planned arrangements and garden conditions. For continuously evolving my limited container designs, I'll experiment with other products too.
This objective review shares my honest assessment to help others considering Belavi planters make informed purchasing decisions for their unique gardening needs and setup. I hope future improvements can maximize strengths while minimizing drawbacks discovered through my testing process.
