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Vertical stepped herb garden made with sturdy treated Pine and painted white.
The project
This great little vertical garden is the perfect solution for small backyards. Not too difficult to whip up, all you need is some 140 x 35 framing timber, screws, pots and if you choose, some paint. I’ve created a four shelf garden, but this can easily be adapted to add extra shelves if you’re hoping for more variety in your herb garden.
Steps
Step 1
Cut two identical legs that measure 1m each. These legs will need to have a 90 degree angle so that they sit straight.
Cut two more legs at the same length but ensure to cut the ends at a 25-30 degree angle. These will be the legs that hold the steps to ensure each step is slightly further back than the last.
Connect one of each leg to the other by placing the straight leg on the outside of the angled one and secure with two 50mm screws one inch apart at the top. Ensure that the tops of each leg end in line and level with each other to create the lean.
Cut three shelves at 52cm in length each. This will ensure there is enough space to allow for the pots to sit.
Step 2
Measure four equal sections along your slanted legs. This will be the positioning of the shelves. Be sure to mark these clearly and accurately on both legs.
Place the legs 52cm apart and use wood or other packing material to create a spacer for your shelves. I used scrap wood to ensure I could keep the shelf at the correct height before securing it.
Secure the first shelf on both legs by placing two 50mm screws one inch apart on the outside on the leg.
Step 3
Secure the other two shelves to the unit using the same spacing and attachment method. To make the placement easier, a large quick grip will be able to hold the shelf in place nicely.
Step 4
Once all the lower shelves have been attached, it’s time to measure and cut the top.
To do this, measure the distance between the very edge of the legs at the top of the structure. Add 2cm either side to allow for some overhang and then cut your top shelf.
Secure this to the ladder by screwing two 50mm the shelf to the top face of each leg.
You now have your structure complete!
Do a quick check by adding your pots to ensure they all fit well. I had to cut the corners of the pot on the second highest shelf to ensure a snug fit but no other adjustments were required.
Step 5
Give the whole structure a quick sand with your disc sander using a fine grade sanding disc (120). Apply two coats of your chosen outdoor paint.
Step 6
Go and buy your chosen selection of herb seedlings from Bunnings, pot them and enjoy your brand new herb garden!
Materials and tools
Materials used in the project:
How to build a vertical garden
A vertical garden can provide greenery and colour to enliven a drab location and provide plenty of growing space in even very small areas. Resident Bunnings Workshop D.I.Y. expert Mitch shows you How to build a vertical garden with a step-by-step guide.
More inspiration for a vertical garden
Experienced Workshop member Judy built a self-watering vertical garden, maximising growing space in a compact backyard.
Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular vertical garden projects shared by our clever and creative community members.
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