DIY Herb Planter
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My mom and I were talking the other day and both shared how much we love having fresh herbs around to cook with. We also discussed that prices on said herbs can be so expensive! So later in the week, my husband and I decided that what better time to fulfill my mom’s dream of having her very own backyard herb garden…or at least a small herb box!
This project was actually very simple, and could easily be done in an afternoon. So if you are still in need of the perfect Mother’s Day gift, take a quick trip to your local hardware store and get crafting!
What you’ll need:
- 1: 1in x 6in x 8ft piece of poplar wood
- Hammer
- Miter Saw
- Valspar gloss white indoor/outdoor spray paint
- 16: 1.5in tack nails
- Wood glue
- Medium grit sanding block
- Herbs of your choice (I chose mint, rosemary and thai basil)
- Potting soil
What you’ll do:
- Cut your wood into 5 pieces
-2: 17.5in
-1: 16in
-2: 5.5in
**(Home Depot will cut your board to these sizes for you if you do not have a saw handy!) - Using your wood glue, glue together one 17.5in board to the outside of the 5.5in board.
- Once you have it square, use three nails to secure the boards.
- Secure the other 5.5in board to the opposite end in the same manor.
- Complete the walls of your box by adding the second 17.5in board to the two 5.5in boards.
- The bottom of the box (the 16in piece of wood) should now fit into the bottom of your box frame.
- Tack the bottom of the box into the frame with 2 nails per side.
- Your box shape should be complete at this point.
**If you are worried about drainage issues in the planter, go ahead and drill a few evenly dispersed holes into the bottom of the planter. My husband left some small cracks along the bottom of the box to help with drainage as well.
- Sand down all edges and sides of the box until smooth.
- Once smooth, using light and even coats spray paint your planter. (We chose white because it really contrasted well with the green plants, but any color would be great. If you would like, a stain would look very nice as well.)
- Once your planter is dry go ahead and get planting!
- Find a nice place for your planter that will get the right amount of sunlight for the herbs you have chosen.
- Enjoy!
This planter was so much fun and my mom and I have already been dreaming up some fun recipes using these three herbs. I’m sensing some delicious rosemary breads in my future!
What a lovely mother’s day gift. I would love one myself as well.
this came at a very right time because tomorrow im heading to the store to get some herbs..
May I suggest Risemary Rice Pilaf. The original recipe is from Tyler Florence’s How to Boil Water
Rosemary Rice Pilaf
1 shallot sliced thin
2 cups basmati rice
4 cups chicken broth
1-2 sprigs Rosemary
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons butter
Melt butter and sauté shallots until translucent over medium heat. Add rice and stir to coat. Toast rice until slightly translucent. Add broth, Rosemary, and bay.
Bring to boil then turn down heat to low. Simmer for 15-18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to sit 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf and Rosemary stem. Fluff with fork.
I love the planter idea! It’s perfect for people who don’t have back yards :)
Did you notice the little hobbit face looking out of the knot hole in the bottom before you painted it???
I’m definitely making a couple of these! One question: What about drainage and/or water-proofing so the water doesn’t leak all over the counter. Any suggestions?
Martha,
I would suggest adding a couple drainage holes in the bottom for drainage. As for the water leaking out, if you have a cute waterproof tray to set it on that would be great. My mom set hers on a plant shelf so she wasn’t very concerned with water leaking out. Hopefully that helps! :)
Love the idea. I have some herbs in the ground already but would love this to have some over the winter. I would add drainage holes in the bottom .
This is a great idea! I live in an apartment, so I’m always sad to not have an herb garden like my parents do at their house. I love the crisp white finish.
I love my herb planter! Thank you for the sweet Mother’s Day gift! I can’t wait to “harvest” fresh herbs of my own! Such a great addition to our backyard! Love you!
You are just so talented and creative! I love this so much, and I know mom does, too! I am definitely planning to make one this week!
Ohhh! What a lovely idea! It’s easy to make a planter like this. I will make it as a gift for my loving wife
This is a good idea but I think these plants look poor and simple. You should put more flowers into it. That’s just my idea!! Anyway still love herbs!! I like the way you make the box! Easy and cute. My daughter loves it and want me to make one for her!! Time to work now. Thanks for sharing this idea to everyone :)