DIY Vertical Herb Garden for Compact Spaces
If you’re short on yard space or simply want to add a touch of green to your balcony, crafting a vertical herb garden is an excellent solution. This project is ideal for renters or those with limited outdoor areas, making it possible to enjoy fresh herbs right at your fingertips. Not only does this setup save space, but it also adds a decorative element to your outdoor living area. Let’s explore how you can create a functional and stylish vertical herb garden using simple materials and a bit of creativity.
Materials Needed:
- One 3’x50’ roll of weed barrier
- 1” x 2’ copper pipe
- Sewing machine
- Straight pins
- 5’ cotton rope
- Scissors
- Selection of herbs (such as basil, thyme, parsley, etc.)
- Potting soil
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric
Start by cutting 11 feet from your roll of landscape fabric. Fold this piece in half lengthwise and secure it with straight pins every 6 inches along where the edges meet. It’s easier to handle this large piece of fabric on a spacious, clean floor. Once pinned, sew along the pinned edge, leaving about 1/4″ seam allowance. Remove the pins once you’re done.
Step 2: Create the Pockets
Measure 16 inches down from one of the short edges of your fabric, then fold the fabric up to create a pleat at the 8-inch mark. This will form your first pocket. Secure the pleat with straight pins across, ensuring it’s even. Repeat this process every 16 inches, creating a total of five pockets. If you have excess fabric at the bottom, fold it under the last pocket and pin in place.
Step 3: Stitch the Pockets
Begin by measuring 16 inches from one of the shorter edges of your fabric. At this point, fold the fabric upwards to create a pleat at the 8-inch mark; this folding method will form your first pocket. Make sure to hold the pleat in place by placing straight pins horizontally across the fold, ensuring that the pleat is even and smooth. This is essential for the stability and uniform appearance of your pockets. Repeat this pleating and pinning process at 16-inch intervals down the length of the fabric, creating a total of five pockets. As you approach the end of your fabric, you may find that there’s excess material beyond the last pocket. Neatly fold this excess fabric underneath the final pocket and secure it with pins to maintain a tidy edge.
