How To Create A Vertical Herb Garden From Old Guttering
by Edwin Johnston
When you decide to replace your old guttering, don't immediately throw out the old stuff! Instead, why not use the old guttering to create a low-maintenance, space-saving, vertical herb garden? Although this is a simple project, you will need a small amount of basic DIY knowledge.
Read on to find out how.
What you'll need
lengths of guttering (complete with end caps and supports)
washing-up liquid
nylon scrubbing brush
herbs
compost
Styrofoam beads
fine gravel
drill and suitable drill bit
raw plugs (if the gutter garden is to be on a wall)
screws
If you're planning on putting your gutter garden on your fence, you might want to keep the lengths of gutter quite short and choose herbs that don't grow too big. This helps to keep the structure lightweight so that it won't stress your fence. A gutter garden along your house wall can be made from longer gutter lengths if you wish.
Choose narrow guttering for this job; it holds more compost for the plants than the wider version will, and they will grow better.
How to do it
Start by cleaning the old gutters thoroughly. Make up a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid and use it to scrub out the gutters. Rinse well to get rid of any dirty, soapy water.
Now drill a series of small holes in the bottom of the gutters for drainage.
Fix the gutter supports to the fence/wall by drilling suitably sized holes and screws.
Next, fix the gutters into the supports, making sure that they are firmly secured. The method of doing this will depend on the system you have; some systems are clip-in, whilst others require screwing into place.
Now spread a layer of Styrofoam beads in the bottom of the gutters. These will absorb water, helping to keep the plants hydrated during the summer and preventing their roots from drying out.
Fill the gutters with general-purpose compost, leaving a couple of centimetres of space at the top.
Now you can plant your herbs. Remember that the plants will grow and spread, so make sure they have plenty of room to prevent overcrowding.
Finish the job by spreading a layer of fine gravel over the top of the compost to fill up the gutters. This gravel is important, as it will help to prevent the compost from being blown away on windy days. The gravel will also help to protect the plant roots from the sun and prevents moisture from evaporating.
In conclusion
You can create an attractive and useful gutter garden by following the guidelines given above. Remember to water your herbs regularly. Contact a company like Trimview Mobile Guttering for more information on guttering.