Easy steps to a simple vertical herb garden
Creating a vertical herb garden is easy with off-the-shelf products that, once installed in a sunny spot, simply requires regular watering.
Gather your supplies
- Framed mesh screen
- 2 x metal hooks for attaching to open-topped wall or screen, or 6 screws for brick walls, 6 screws for metal walls or 6 screws for wood walls
- Metal pot rings
- Plastic planters
- Herb potting mix
- Mix of herb seeds or seedlings
You'll also need
- Watering can
Step 1
Attach screen to wall where plants can get all day sun.
Step 2
Fill pots with quality potting mix suitable for herbs or vegetables.
Step 3
Sow seeds or plant seedlings. You can put several plants in the same pot, so long as their water needs are compatible (see below).
Step 4
Attach rings to mesh, allowing enough space between pots for air to circulate around plants.
Step 5
Sit pots into rings and make sure they’re firm and won’t fall out.
Step 6
Water regularly, at least once a week, more often during extended hot periods.
Herbs to plant together
Most herbs are annuals, need sunlight, a well-draining soil or potting mix and regular watering. So when clustering herbs together, make sure they’re compatible so your watering regime is made easier.
- Check your plants’ origins. The Mediterranean is a great source of herbs, such as sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano and lavender. They all need lots of sun and are drought tolerant, so grow well together.
- Asian herbs such as Thai basil, coriander and parsley need more consistent moisture. Plant them separate from Mediterranean herbs.
- Mint is rampant and grows over and into other plants’ space so give it its own pot.
Garden tips
- Read the seed packet or seedling label instructions.
- Water the potting mix not the plants as excess moisture can cause rust or fungal problems.
- Prune back woody herbs such as rosemary to keep growth compact.
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