Creating an Upside-Down Herb Garden

Wouldn't it be great to have some of your favorite herbs right at your fingertips as you cook up some of your favorite dishes? With an upside-down herb garden you can. These can be easily grown in your kitchen window, over the sink, or anywhere nearby. It's not only a great way to enjoy fresh herbs year round, but you can also save on space.

So how do you start your upside-down herb garden? It's simple. Just gather up a few materials-duct tape, wire cutters, scissors, hammer and nail (or drill), a length of wire or wire hanger, coffee filters, and some self-adhesive fabric or paint. You'll also need a metal or plastic container, like a coffee can, or a 2-liter pop bottle. With a little creativity, however, you can fashion your upside-down containers out of about anything. In addition to these, you'll want to have some suitable potting mix or compost and, of course, some of your favorite herbs-like parsley, cilantro, thyme, basil, oregano, marjoram, etc.

Whether you're using cans (preferably with lids) or bottles, you should wash and dry them thoroughly beforehand. You can remove any labeling as well though you don't have to since it's going to be covered. Use the hammer and nail (or drill) to add some holes in the bottom of the can-or bottle. For hanging later, you'll also want to add a hole on either side of the top portion of the can, at least ¼ to ½ inch from the rim. If you're using a bottle, cut off the tops, leaving a 2-3 inch diameter in the neck. Cut off the bottom as well, just beneath the label and set aside. Add your hanging holes on either side of the now bottomless bottle similar to that of the can.

Take a coffee filter and trace the bottom of your can or bottle onto it. Cut it out and then add a hole in the center just large enough to accommodate your herb plant. Add a slit from this hole to the outer edge of the filter as well to help maneuver the plant through (repeat this for can lids). Fill the can with soil and pot up your herb, and then place the filter around the plant. Top with the lid and secure with duct tape. For the bottle, gently place the filter around your plant stem and slide it through the 2-3 inch neck opening. Flip it over to add the soil, leaving enough space to tuck the bottom portion (that was previously set aside) into it so that it is recessed inside. Secure in place with duct tape.

Now you're ready to decorate your upside-down container. Cover your can or bottle with a piece of adhesive fabric (poking holes through the hanging openings, if necessary) or you can paint it instead. Just allow adequate drying time. Cut a 6-12 inch piece of wire, looping it at each end, and then bend the wire over to hook the ends in wither side of your container. Hang in a sunny location and enjoy.

You can make as many or as few of these hanging herb gardens as you desire.

Resources: personal experience