Vertical herb garden built with treated Pine

[Alicia_Woodwork]

Vertical stepped herb garden made with sturdy treated Pine and painted white.

• The project
• Steps
• Materials and tools
• How to build a vertical garden
• More inspiration for a vertical garden

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:

• 7.2m 140 x 35mm outdoor framing H3 treated Pine

• 4 x Jack 50 x 14cm concrete grey garden up classic pot

• Zenith 10-8G x 50mm countersunk rib head timber screws - 50 pack 

• 500ml of exterior paint.

Materials used in the project:

• Drill

• Drop saw

• Disc sander.

 

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.

Community member Kaylah used vintage grape tins to grow fragrant herbs in her backyard.

Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular vertical garden projects shared by our clever and creative community members.

[RainbowDiY]

Well done! This is simple but effective. I have a wide space that has my neighbors house wall backing onto it so I can’t attach anything physically to their wall but want to display some pots to give it a bit of personality. I think this idea will work well. Thank you! 

[EricL]

Hi @RainbowDiY 

I'm glad you found the vertical herb garden inspirational. Please don't forget to post an update once you've finished your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Old-gal24]

@Alicia_Woodwork 

Just come across your post while looking for some inspiration to give me some more room in a soon to be vegie garden. 

Just had to tell you how impressed I am with your ladder long pots holder, type build for pots.  I have been searching for some ideas as I have some scrap timber as well as some of these long pots, so think I might try and come up with something like this to maximise my limited space. 

Thank you so much for sharing.  This is just adorable, and keeping with my attempt to keep things cottage garden like.

I hope you don't mind me asking you a few questions?

1) are they in a semi shaded area?

2) how do you keep the moisture up to them?  I am in an area where we have super hot summers and wondering how I will keep my plants from being baked in the sun. 

3) have you used a special soil?

4) as I'm not sure how long ago your post was made, how are the long planters holding up to the elements?

Thank you for your time, and would love to see some update photos of how things are going with your little potted garden? Please keep us posted.

Old~gal

[EricL]

Hi @Old-gal24 

Let me tag @Alicia_Woodwork to make them aware of your kind words and questions. It would be interesting to find out how the vertical garden is progressing and if the stand is still in good condition.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Alicia_Woodwork]

Hi @Old-gal24, 

Thank you so much for your kind comments! This little vertical garden has been an absolute gem to have - we have been growing our favourite herbs along with some beautiful seasonal flowers on the higher shelves. I’m more than happy to answer your questions:

1) are they in a semi shaded area?

They are indeed in a shaded area. The herbs get about 3-4 hours of full sun a day and then are shaded for the rest. We’ve found this stops them from burning. Of course, we are also happy that we can shift the whole vertical garden in one movement should it need more sun haha. 

2) how do you keep the moisture up to them?  I am in an area where we have super hot summers and wondering how I will keep my plants from being baked in the sun. 

We’ve used these wonderful water saving pots from Bunnings that ensure the soil remains damp in between waters. I’ve added the link here https://www.bunnings.com.au/homeleisure-600mm-white-watersaver-contemporary-rectangular-planter_p294...

We also have little drippers that run a few times a week for 5 minutes.

3) have you used a special soil?

We've just used regular compost from Bunnings to pot all our plants. I find that there is always plenty of nutrients in that mix.
 

4) as I'm not sure how long ago your post was made, how are the long planters holding up to the elements?

The planter has held up so well in the elements! The wood has not swelled or bowed and the paint is still looking good with a hose down every now and then. 

Please let me know if you have any other questions and how you go with creating a vertical garden of your own.

Thank you so much,

Alicia

[perth9223]

I love this!!!