I have finally hooked up this system to my ebb and flow using a drip at the top and a return to my reservoir and the tiny plants are taking off already. I now have plans to build a large vertical system.

I didn't write down the dimensions - the vertical supports are large sewer pipes, and I think I cut them to around 10'. 18" or so is sunk in the dirt with a little cement. The horizontal supports are 1" sewer pipe cut to whatever length looks good. There are 2 horizontal pipes running parallel to each other for each section so you can support large fruits and veggies between the 2 pipes - if that makes any sense. It's painted with plain old house paint and hasn't peeled in 2 years. Still no fence - the contractors had a family emergency, and we are still digesting the estimate for using cedar, yikes! We'll still do it soon, but it may be with another type of wood. The wire we're using is deer fencing.

Here's the light I'm using for my towers. I'm hanging it longways, parallel to the towers. If I hang it about a foot away from the towers it'll cover an area about two feet wide by 4 feet tall. Most of the time, I don't turn on the extra red LEDs and it uses about 210 watts. Even without the extra red LEDs on, I sometimes have to move it farther away from the plants so they don't get too much light. http://www.mars-hydro.com/reflector-led-grow-light-144-5w.html

The short answer is, yes it works. it uses the idea that practically almost anything which can hold or contain soil and offer drainage can be used to grow some kind of plant. An example of taking this idea to a funny but interesting level is that why get another container when you can grow plants right out of the bag that the soil came in after you punch some drainage holes into the bag. Many pictures you see are early in the season or just right after planting plants in the shoe organizer. The organizer still looks strong and sturdy. However, given the material that the organizer is made up, and being exposed to sun and rain, it may last just 1 season, maybe 2. For a longer lasting option, but also more expensive, you could try a rain gutter growing system. It can still be used in a vertical fashion. If you are able to find rain gutters for free, then that is even better. Or alternatively, gradually add more rain gutters but for starting out, have some shoe organizers. Because the rain gutters are sturdier, you can also grow more variety of plants there. But the shoe organizer is also good and definitely can add to the ornamental look of your garden.