How to Build a Vertical Herb Garden from a Pallet

I remember the first time I saw a vertical herb garden. I was instantly smitten! It was so charming and space-saving, perfect for my tiny balcony. I knew I had to have one, and a repurposed pallet seemed like the ideal material. Building my own vertical herb garden was easier than I thought, and it transformed my balcony into a fragrant, edible oasis. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of building your very own vertical herb garden from a pallet, step-by-step, so you can enjoy fresh herbs at your fingertips too!

Choosing and Preparing Your Pallet

Right, so first things first: the pallet. You can’t just grab any old pallet. Some are treated with nasty chemicals, and you don’t want that near your lovely herbs. Think mint-flavored arsenic – not ideal! The best bet is to source one from a reputable supplier, a local garden center, or even ask around at small businesses. They often have spares lying around gathering dust. I got mine from a friend who works at a furniture shop – score! Check for stamps or markings. “HT” means heat-treated, which is good. “MB” means methyl bromide, which is BAD. Avoid those like the plague! Once you’ve got your hands on a safe pallet, give it a good scrub. A stiff brush and soapy water will do the trick. You can even use a pressure washer if you’re feeling fancy. Oh, and wear gloves! Splinters are not a good look. After it’s dry, inspect it thoroughly. Any loose boards? Big cracks? Hammer in some nails, replace any dodgy bits. You want this thing to be sturdy, not falling apart after a week with a bit of rosemary in it.

Gathering Your Materials and Tools

Next up: the shopping list! You’ll need some basic tools: a hammer, nails (galvanized are best – they don’t rust), a saw (if you need to resize your pallet – mine was HUGE), a staple gun (essential for the landscape fabric), maybe some sandpaper if you’re feeling perfectionistic about smoothing the wood. Now, for materials: landscape fabric (the heavy-duty kind), staples for the staple gun (obviously), potting mix (good quality stuff, not the cheap, dusty kind), and maybe some gloves – because, splinters, remember? I almost forgot! You might want some screws and brackets if you plan on hanging your pallet. Don’t skimp on the landscape fabric. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. Cheap stuff rips, and then you have soil everywhere. Not a good look. It’s worth spending a little extra for the good stuff. You’ll thank me later.

Creating the Planting Pockets

Now for the fun part – building the pockets! Cut the landscape fabric into sections large enough to create a sort of pouch or trough on the pallet slats. You want enough fabric to fold over and staple securely. Think little hammocks for your herbs. You can make them different sizes – bigger ones for bushier herbs, smaller ones for the more delicate varieties. Secure the fabric to the inside of the pallet slats with staples. Make sure they’re nice and snug so the soil doesn’t escape. And here’s a tip: angle the bottom of the pockets slightly downward to help with drainage. Otherwise, you’ll end up with soggy herbs, and nobody wants that. Right, almost went off on a tangent there about my neighbor’s soggy basil… long story. Where was I? Oh yes, drainage! Very important.

Selecting the Right Herbs for Your Vertical Garden

Choosing the right herbs can feel a bit overwhelming. So many options! But don’t panic. Think about your climate. Where will your pallet garden live? Full sun? Partial shade? Match your herbs to the conditions. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme love sun. Parsley and cilantro are happier with a bit of shade. Also, think about growth habits. Mint, for example, is a bit of a thug. It spreads like crazy. Best to keep that one contained. Or in a pot on its own. Unless you want a mint-only garden, which, to be honest, wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Mojitos anyone? Oh, I digress. Consider spacing too. Some herbs grow tall and bushy, others stay small and compact. Mix and match for a visually appealing and productive garden.

Planting and Caring for Your Herbs

Okay, so you’ve got your pallet, your pockets, your herbs… time to plant! Gently remove your herbs from their pots, loosen the roots a bit, and tuck them into their new homes. Fill the pockets with potting mix, making sure not to pack it too tightly. Give them a good watering, but not a drenching. Remember, drainage is key! For watering, a watering can with a long spout is your best friend. You can also use a spray bottle for a gentler approach. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. I nearly lost my entire chives collection that way once. Disaster! Feed your herbs regularly with a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. And keep an eye out for pests. Aphids are particularly fond of herbs. A blast of soapy water usually does the trick.

Displaying and Maintaining Your Vertical Herb Garden

Where to put your masterpiece? Choose a spot that gets the right amount of sunlight for your chosen herbs. Easy access is also important. You want to be able to snip those herbs with ease while you’re cooking. If you’re hanging your pallet, make sure it’s securely attached to a wall or railing. You don’t want the whole thing crashing down after a gust of wind! Use heavy-duty brackets and screws. Ongoing maintenance is pretty straightforward. Regular watering, fertilizing, and pest control, as needed. Prune your herbs regularly to encourage bushier growth. And in the winter, depending on your climate, you might need to bring your herbs indoors or provide some protection from the cold. There you have it! A bit of elbow grease and some love, and you’ll have a beautiful, fragrant, edible oasis. Now, off you go – get building!

Building a vertical herb garden from a pallet is a rewarding project that brings beauty and functionality to any space. By following these simple steps, you can create a flourishing herb garden you can enjoy for years to come. Now it’s your turn! Get creative and share your own pallet garden creations with us! We’d love to see what you build.