If you’re worried about running out of herbs this summer, you don’t have to! DIY Expert Christian Dare shows how to make a DIY herb garden that can fit into the smallest of spaces.
What you’ll need:
- A Wood Board 1×2 inches by 8 feet
- IKEA Luroy Bed Slats
- 2” Wood Screws
- A Power Drill with a drill bit
- Outdoor Paint or Stain
- Containers
- A Paintbrush
- Potting Soil
- And Herbs
Step 1: Cut your wood board into two pieces
Take the 1-inch-by-2-inch-by-8-foot wood board and cut two pieces that measure 27 ½ inches long. (The same width as the twin IKEA bed slats.)
Tip: This is a great project if you have old bed slats where some have broken. You can upcycle them into this wall garden.
Step 2: Drill pilot holes
Drill a pilot hole approximately 4 inches from each end of the board. Moving on to the bed slats, drill a pilot hole 3 inches from each end of the first slat. Then take some scissors and trim the bottom of the bed slats to a height that suits you. (We removed four slats from ours.)
Tip: Be sure to pre-drill to avoid splitting your wood planks
We recommend this drill for all of your pre-drill needs, click the image below for more information.
Step 3: Paint all your boards
First, give everything a light sand. Next paint your two boards that will attach to your wall, and then your bed slats. Paint both sides for better protection and be sure to use exterior paint or stain.
Tip: Sanding will not only prevent splinters but will help the wood absorb the colour more evenly.
Tip: Two coats of paint or stain are ideal for best weather protection.
For a great sanding solution, we recommend the product below! Click the image for more information.
Step 4: Drill the board to your fence or wall using 2-inch wood screws
Secure the bed slats to the top baton by screwing through the slat into the board with a 2-inch screw. Take the second board and line it up with the bottom slat, and then mark where the top of the board sits along the fence with a pencil. Repeat the same steps we did for the top board for the bottom board, and attach the bottom baton to the fence. Secure the last slat to the baton with a 2-inch screw on both sides.
Tip: If hanging on a brick wall you’ll need to drill the holes in the wall using a masonry drill bit first. Use screws/plugs for masonry.
Step 5: Add your plants!
Take some hanging pots (we used IKEA Sunnersta containers, which fit onto the slats perfectly) and place them along the slats in an arrangement that suits you. If you are installing this vertical herb garden outdoors, drilling holes into the bottom of each of the pot is great for proper drainage. Add in a piece of landscape fabric – or scrap fabric – to the bottom of each pot. Add in some potting rich soil (Ones with fertilizer already added in are amazing). And now it’s time to plant some herbs- just don’t forget to water them.
Tip: If you want a cocktail inspired garden, plant mint, basil and rosemary
Tip: If you want a foodie inspired garden, consider thyme, sage and rosemary
Need a starter herb kit? Click the image below.
