10 DIY Vertical Gardens for Growing Better Herbs

Growing your own herbs at home is a great way to add flavor to your meals and enjoy fresh, organic ingredients. However, if you’re limited on space, a vertical garden is the perfect solution. Vertical gardens not only maximize small spaces but also create a beautiful and functional display of herbs. Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or kitchen, these 10 DIY vertical garden ideas will help you grow better herbs and save space.

From simple hanging designs to more elaborate structures, we’ve gathered some of the best vertical gardening ideas that will help you cultivate fresh herbs right at your fingertips.

1. Hanging Planters for Small Spaces

One of the easiest and most popular DIY vertical garden ideas is using hanging planters. These planters can be hung from hooks or mounted on walls, making them perfect for small spaces like balconies or kitchens. You can create your own hanging planters using materials like clay pots, metal buckets, or even repurposed containers.

Benefits:

• Saves valuable floor space.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• Ideal for small herbs like thyme, basil, or cilantro.

Tip: Use sturdy hooks and place the hanging planters in areas with plenty of sunlight to ensure your herbs grow well.

2. Pallet Vertical Garden

Using an old wooden pallet as the framework for a vertical herb garden is both budget-friendly and eco-conscious. Pallets are easy to find, and with a little DIY effort, they can be transformed into a rustic herb garden. Simply attach small pots or plant directly into the pallet slots to create a beautiful and functional vertical garden.

How to Make a Pallet Garden:

1. Clean and sand the pallet to remove any rough edges.
2. Attach landscape fabric to the back to hold the soil in place.
3. Fill the pallet slots with soil and plant your herbs.

Tip: Secure the pallet vertically against a wall or fence for stability, and ensure your herbs get enough light.

3. Ladder Planter

Repurposing an old wooden or metal ladder into a vertical herb garden is a creative and stylish option. Ladders are perfect for holding multiple pots of herbs at varying heights, allowing you to maximize space while creating a visually appealing display.

Steps to Create a Ladder Planter:

1. Use a freestanding ladder or lean it against a wall.
2. Place herb pots on each rung or attach hanging planters to the ladder.
3. Arrange your herbs according to their light requirements, placing sun-loving herbs higher up.

Tip: Choose lightweight pots to prevent the ladder from becoming top-heavy and unstable.

4. PVC Pipe Herb Garden

For a sleek and modern vertical herb garden, consider using PVC pipes. This DIY project is easy to customize, and you can create a vertical garden that fits perfectly in your space. PVC pipes can be cut to different lengths and attached vertically or horizontally to a wall or fence.

How to Build a PVC Pipe Herb Garden:

1. Cut PVC pipes into sections.
2. Drill holes along the sides of the pipes for planting herbs.
3. Mount the pipes on a wall or fence using brackets, and fill them with soil.

Tip: This method is perfect for growing herbs like mint, oregano, or parsley, which don’t need much depth for their roots.

5. Mason Jar Vertical Garden

If you’re looking for a compact and chic way to grow herbs, a mason jar vertical garden is a great option. Mason jars are inexpensive and easy to find, making this an affordable DIY project. Attach the jars to a wooden board or directly onto the wall to create a space-saving herb garden.

Steps for Mason Jar Herb Garden:

1. Attach metal brackets or hose clamps to a wooden board or directly to the wall.
2. Secure mason jars inside the brackets.
3. Fill the jars with potting soil and plant your herbs.

Tip: Make sure the jars have adequate drainage by adding a layer of small stones or pebbles at the bottom before planting.

6. Vertical Garden Using Trellises

Trellises aren’t just for climbing plants—they can also be used to create a vertical herb garden. You can attach small pots or planters to the trellis, allowing your herbs to grow vertically and saving ground space.

How to Set Up a Trellis Herb Garden:

1. Install a trellis on a wall, fence, or freestanding frame.
2. Attach hooks or shelves to the trellis for holding pots.
3. Arrange your herbs on the trellis and ensure they get adequate sunlight.

Tip: Trellises are ideal for creating a garden in limited outdoor spaces like patios or balconies.

7. Wall-Mounted Herb Garden

A wall-mounted herb garden is a space-efficient way to grow herbs, especially if you have limited floor space. Using vertical wall planters, shelving units, or even DIY wall pockets, you can create a stunning display of herbs that’s both decorative and functional.

How to Create a Wall-Mounted Herb Garden:

1. Install a vertical planter system or shelving on an outdoor or kitchen wall.
2. Place herb pots on the shelves or in wall pockets.
3. Water the herbs regularly and make sure they receive plenty of sunlight.

Tip: A wall-mounted herb garden works well indoors near a sunny kitchen window, giving you easy access to fresh herbs for cooking.

8. Gutter Garden for Herbs

Repurposed rain gutters can be turned into a unique and functional vertical herb garden. This DIY project is great for growing shallow-rooted herbs and can be mounted on walls or fences to maximize vertical space.

How to Make a Gutter Herb Garden:

1. Cut rain gutters to your desired length.
2. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the gutters.
3. Mount the gutters to a wall or fence and fill them with soil and herbs.

Tip: Stagger the placement of the gutters to create an attractive, tiered look and ensure all your herbs get sufficient light.

9. Hanging Shoe Organizer Garden

A hanging shoe organizer can be transformed into a vertical herb garden with minimal effort. This method is perfect for gardeners on a budget, and it’s great for growing herbs in small spaces like balconies or patios.

Steps for a Hanging Shoe Organizer Herb Garden:

1. Hang the shoe organizer on a wall, fence, or balcony railing.
2. Fill the individual pockets with potting soil and plant your herbs.
3. Water the herbs regularly and ensure they get enough sunlight.

Tip: Use a fabric shoe organizer with good drainage, or add drainage holes to each pocket to avoid overwatering.

10. Repurposed Bookshelf Vertical Garden

An old bookshelf can easily be turned into a vertical garden by repurposing the shelves to hold pots of herbs. This method is ideal for indoor or outdoor gardens and can be customized to fit your space.

How to Make a Bookshelf Herb Garden:

1. Clean and prep an old bookshelf or shelving unit.
2. Place pots of herbs on each shelf.
3. Position the bookshelf near a window or outside where the herbs will receive sunlight.

Tip: Use different-sized pots and herbs to create visual interest and variety in your bookshelf garden.

Creating a DIY vertical garden for growing herbs is a fantastic way to save space, enhance your home’s aesthetic, and enjoy fresh, homegrown herbs all year long. Whether you’re using hanging planters, repurposed pallets, or mason jars, there’s a vertical garden solution for every space and budget.

By choosing the right design for your space and herbs, you can create a thriving vertical garden that’s both practical and beautiful. With these 10 DIY vertical garden ideas, you’ll be well on your way to growing better herbs, even in small spaces.

FAQs About Vertical Gardens for Growing Better Herbs