All owners of a Desktop 3D printer have already experienced the frustration of not knowing what to do with an empty filament spool. Most of the time empty spools are not accepted in local recycling programs and very few filament companies have a buy back or recycle program of their own. As a result, empty spools can end up in the landfill.

About this Project

This project was designed to upcycle and reuse my Meltink3d filament spools into stackable DIY vertical garden. Vertical gardening allows home gardeners to grow more using less space and this DYI project keeps 3d filament spools out of landfills. Grow food such as strawberries, lettuce, herbs, small peppers, and almost anything you can imagine. Planter pot files listed in this project have drainage holes for top down drainage and watering.

Requirements:

3D Printer with a minimum build volume of 225 mm x 145 mm x 150 mm.
Minimum of 2 empty Meltink3d filament spools (or spools of similar dimensions**).
Filament.Use PETG, ABS, or PLA/PHA blend filament for outdoor use.
Super Glue or Hot Glue. Recommended: E6000 glue.
Potting Soil.
Small plants (such as Herbs or Succulents) or seeds.

Notes:

** Meltink3d spools have a flange thicknesses of 5mm. Planter pot files have clips that clip onto 2 stacked spool walls (10 mm thick). The inner arbor diameter hole of a spool is 52.07 mm and the outer arbor diameter hole is 89.69. mm.

Step 1: Download Files

Files to convert your empty spools into a vertical garden can be found on myminifactory.com. These files are initially designed for Meltink3d filament spools. Remixing of the project files highly encouraged to suit spools other variations.

Download: Meltink3d Vertical Spool Garden Files on myminifactory.com

Step 2: Prepare the Spools (Optional)

This project was designed to avoid modifying the spools. You may want to consider though spray painting the spools a color for decorative purposes.

Step 3: Print Spool Connector

Print Settings

Layer Height: 0.3 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 15%

Fill Pattern: Honeycomb

Honeycomb Supports: Yes

Estimated Print Time: 120 - 180 minutes per connector.

Print 1 connector piece per every 2 spools you intend (2 spools = 1 connector, 3 spools = 2 connectors). Once printed, place connector inside the arbor hole of one spool and then slip on next spool over the cylinder portion of the connector. For further stability, glue the spools together.

Step 4: Print Lower Tier Planter Pots

Print planter1.stl first. It is recommended to only print 4 planter pots per level to give plants room to grow if you intend to have more than two spool attachments.

These planters will clip onto the first two spools at the base of your spool garden tower. To secure planters better, glue clips and bottom back edge of planter to the spools.

Estimated Print Time: 300 - 420 minutes per planter.

Print Settings

Layer Height: 0.3 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 15%

Fill Pattern: Honeycomb

Supports: Yes

Step 5: Print Higher Tier Planter Pots.

Print planter2.stl after base planters are printed. This planter is 5mm higher than planter1.stl. It is recommended to only print 4 planter pots per level and shift placement of planters to give plants above and below room to grow.

These will clip onto each new added onto your spool towers (minimum 3 spools required). To secure planters better, glue clips and bottom back edge of planter to the spools.

Estimated Print Time: 300 - 420 minutes per planter.

Print Settings

Layer Height: 0.3 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 15%

Fill Pattern: Honeycomb

Supports: Yes

Step 6: Fill Planters

Once your spool garden is assembled, fill planters with soil. Add your seeds (or small grown plants), and enjoy! Continue adding empty spools and printing planters as you see fit. Use top spool for small planter pot placement.