Turn old rain gutters into a space-saving vertical herb garden perfect for patios, balconies, or fence walls. This innovative project costs under $50 and can be completed in a weekend.
Materials Needed
Essential Tools:
- Hacksaw or power saw
- Drill with 1/4-inch drill bit
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Stud finder
Materials:
- Vinyl rain gutters (new or upcycled) – 3 sections of 4-5 feet each
- Gutter end caps (2 per gutter section)
- Gutter mounting brackets (3-4 per section)
- Exterior mounting screws
- Gravel or small stones for drainage
- High-quality potting soil
- Herb plants of choice
- Optional: Spray paint suitable for vinyl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Preparation (1-2 hours)
- Clean the Gutters
- Thoroughly wash gutters with soap and water
- Remove any debris or old mounting hardware
- Let dry completely
- If painting, sand lightly and apply vinyl-specific spray paint
- Measure and Cut
- Determine desired length for each gutter section
- Mark cutting lines with pencil
- Cut gutters to size using hacksaw or power saw
- Sand any rough edges smooth
- Add Drainage Holes
- Mark holes every 6 inches along gutter bottom
- Drill 1/4-inch drainage holes
- Clean away any plastic shavings
Phase 2: Installation (2-3 hours)
- Plan the Layout
- Choose a wall that gets 4-6 hours of sunlight
- Mark mounting locations with pencil
- Space gutters 12-15 inches apart vertically
- Use stud finder to locate wall studs
- Ensure gutters will be slightly slanted for drainage
- Mount the Brackets
- Install bottom row first
- Secure brackets into wall studs
- Use level to ensure proper drainage angle
- Space brackets every 24 inches
- Repeat for middle and top rows
- Attach Gutters
- Install end caps on both sides
- Test fit gutter in brackets
- Secure gutter to brackets
- Check level and adjust if needed
- Repeat for remaining gutters
Phase 3: Planting (1-2 hours)
- Prepare for Planting
- Add layer of small gravel (1 inch deep)
- Fill with potting soil, leaving 1 inch at top
- Water soil lightly to help it settle
- Plant Your Herbs
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart
- Common herbs that work well:
- Bottom row: Larger herbs like sage, rosemary
- Middle row: Medium herbs like basil, oregano
- Top row: Trailing herbs like thyme, mint
Phase 4: Maintenance
- Regular Care
- Water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Harvest herbs regularly to encourage growth
- Check drainage holes monthly for clogs
- Prune as needed to maintain shape
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during growing season
Pro Tips for Success
- Install a drip irrigation system for easier watering
- Place more water-hungry herbs in bottom row
- Group herbs with similar water needs together
- Add liquid fertilizer through drainage holes quarterly
- Consider adding small trellises for climbing herbs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient Drainage
- Solution: Add more drainage holes if water pools
- Overcrowding Plants
- Solution: Follow spacing guidelines, thin as needed
- Wrong Location
- Solution: Monitor sun exposure, relocate if needed
- Poor Soil Quality
- Solution: Use high-quality potting mix, not garden soil
Expected Costs
- New vinyl gutters: $15-20 each
- Mounting hardware: $10-15
- Soil and gravel: $15-20
- Herbs: $3-5 per plant
- Total: $30-50 (less if using upcycled materials)
Project Benefits
- Space-efficient design
- Easy access to fresh herbs
- Excellent drainage and air circulation
- Adjustable height for accessibility
- Reduces plastic waste through upcycling
- Perfect for rental properties (can be removed easily)
This versatile project can be scaled up or down based on your available space and needs. With proper care, your vertical herb garden will provide fresh herbs for cooking year-round while adding a unique design element to your outdoor space.
