Abstract: A vertical or columnar planter is disclosed which includes a self-contained water distribution system. The planter includes a generally vertical, elongate planter body having openings at intervals along the side walls of the body. The planter is filled with soil or another growing medium which forms a continuous column within the planter. Plants are grown in openings distributed along the side walls of the planter. Each opening is configured with a protruding lower lip and an indentation along its top edge to help retain the growing medium within the planter body. A hierarchical watering system is built into the planter. The watering system supplies water for a greater time interval to the top of the planter and progressively lesser time intervals in regions lower down on the planter. The watering system helps balance the downward flow of water through the planter, providing an optimal supply of water to all plant-growing locations.