A Smart, Cheap Garden for Small Spaces: The Hanging Herb Garden

published Apr 24, 2013
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

It’s high time to start a garden, but what if you have almost no outdoor space or, as in the case of this reader, Jean, clumsy roommates? Sew a hanging herb garden, that’s what. Read on for more about Jean’s ingenious solution and smart small-space garden! 

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
Last summer, I kept a gathering of potted herbs near my kitchen window. I loved the look and convenience my little herb garden provided. In the fall, I moved in with two (male) roommates who managed to break ALL of my flower pots in a matter of weeks. 

This year, I got inspired by the vertical garden movement and decided to create my own man-proof herb garden. I sewed my garden from scratch using about two and a half yards of black canvas I had sitting in my fabric box.

The entire thing is about four feet long and two and a half feet tall and contains fifteen pockets for planting, each 10″ wide and 8″ deep. I sewed a sleeve in the top into which I slid a metal rod to hang the garden. I cut three evenly spaced holes underneath the bar so that the garden could be hung with rope. The entire process of sewing and planting took me just two hours with a sewing machine.

In my garden, I am currently growing several varieties of lettuce and herbs including basil, rosemary, and cilantro. I have it hanging on a railing outside my door because my apartment gets zero sunlight. I would recommend hanging this outside because excess water does drain out through the canvas. 

We love this, Jean! What a smart idea, and so perfect for small spaces with no gardening space. Fresh herbs are one of the most important ingredients for me, and having an herb garden is an incredible asset to weeknight cooking. I’m thinking already of hacks for doing this in an even easier way, too (closet shoe bags, anyone?). 

Jean’s costs were very modest, too. Here’s her breakdown: 

Jean’s estimated cost for the project:

$15 – Black canvas $10 – Metal rod for hanging $5 – Rope $15 – Plants $10 – Potting soil

Total: $55

Are you gardening this year? Have you adapted to small spaces or little light in a clever way like this? 

(Images: Jean via The Kitchn’s submission form)