Are you looking for a clever way to grow herbs in a small space? A wooden vertical herb planter might be just the thing! It’s perfect for maximising your growing area and keeping fresh herbs within easy reach. Whether you’ve got a tiny balcony or want to add a lovely feature to your garden, this project is both practical and attractive.
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The Benefits of Vertical Herb Gardens
Vertical herb planters are a game-changer for small-space gardening. They let you grow loads of different herbs without taking up much room, making them ideal for flats, patios, and small gardens. The vertical design means your herbs get plenty of air and drain well, which is just what they need to thrive. If you’re a city gardener, you’ll love how these planters save space. Instead of having lots of pots scattered about, you can grow all your herbs in one tidy, good-looking structure.
What you’ll need
Choosing the right wood
Cedar is a top choice for outdoor planters because it is resistant to decay, rot, and insect infestation. This means you don’t need to use any chemicals that might not be great for edible plants. If you’re watching your budget, pine is a cheaper option, but you might need to treat it to protect it from the elements.
Required materials
For a standard vertical herb planter, you’ll need:
- Four 8-foot cedar 2×6 boards
- Three 8-foot cedar 2×4 boards
- Wood glue (for outdoors)
- Stainless steel screws (1¼ inch and 2½ inch lengths)
- Pocket hole screws
- Exterior wood varnish
- planter lining
- Potting soil
Essential tools
The construction process requires several key tools:
- Miter saw for precise cuts
- Pocket hole jig for strong joints
- Electric drill
- Measuring tape and square
- Level
- Sandpaper
How to Build Your Planter
Getting your frame ready
Start by cutting your cedar boards to size. Measure carefully and cut precisely for a professional finish. Cut the 2×6 boards in half to make roughly 4-foot lengths, making sure they’re all exactly the same. The 2×4 boards will be your frame. Cut these to match how tall and wide you want your planter. Most vertical herb planters work well at about 6-7 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
Making strong joints
Use a pocket hole jig to drill pocket holes in all your frame pieces. This method creates strong joints that can stand up to outdoor conditions. Six of the horizontal slats need pocket holes only on the short ends, while the rest need extra holes along one long edge to attach to the frame.
Putting it all together
Lay out all your pieces before you start assembling to make sure everything lines up properly. Leaving a quarter-inch gap between slats can make it look nice and even.
Attach the horizontal slats to the frame using pocket hole screws and wood glue. Work methodically, fixing one side completely before turning it over to do the other side. This careful approach prevents alignment problems and ensures your planter is sturdy.
Weatherproofing and finishing
Sand all the surfaces down to avoid splinters and create a nice finish. Then apply an exterior-grade wood finish to protect against weather damage. Several thin coats work better than one thick one.
Planting and Arranging Your Herbs
Choosing your herbs
Pick herbs based on what you like to cook with and what will grow well in your conditions. Popular choices include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage, which all do well in vertical planters. Think about how big each herb will grow when you’re deciding where to put them, with larger plants like rosemary at the bottom. Choose herbs you can plant once and keep enjoying like perennial varieties that will return year after year with minimal replanting effort.
Soil and drainage tips
Use high-quality potting mix made for herbs. Don’t use garden soil as it can get too compacted in containers. Make sure all your planters have good drainage holes to stop water from pooling, which can cause root rot.
Looking after your herbs
You’ll need to water regularly but be careful not to overwater. The vertical design naturally helps with drainage but keep an eye on soil moisture levels. If you make any mistakes with glue during construction, knowing how to remove glue from wood can save your project.
Setting up Your Planter
Location, location, location
Place your vertical herb planter somewhere that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. South-facing spots usually provide the best light for most herbs. Make sure it’s protected from strong winds that could knock it over. Depending on your setup, you might need to secure the planter to a wall or fence for stability. Use appropriate fasteners that are meant for outdoor use and can handle the weight of the fully planted structure.
Long-term Care and Harvesting
Ongoing maintenance
Regular harvesting encourages continued growth and stops herbs from getting woody. Pinch or cut stems regularly, even if you don’t need the herbs right away. This keeps plants productive throughout the growing season.
Understanding how to keep outdoor plants healthy ensures your vertical garden stays productive year after year. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and deal with any issues quickly to stop them spreading.
Conclusion
Building a wooden vertical herb planter is a great way to combine practical gardening with an attractive garden feature. This project gives you fresh herbs all growing season while making the most of limited space. The natural beauty of pine or cedar looks good in any outdoor setting, creating both a functional growing space and a lovely visual feature.
If you build it well with quality materials, your vertical herb planter will provide years of productive gardening. The time and materials you invest will pay off through having fresh herbs on hand and the satisfaction of growing your own cooking ingredients in a beautiful, space-saving design.
