Making an Upside Down Herb Planter

July 22, 2009

Since I am gardening in such a small space, I need to make sure that I am maximizing every inch possible.

When I was doing my initial research, I came across the Instructable on upside down hanging planters.

Perfect for my fire escape and for this project. Using recycled materials, so it’s inexpensive and efficient. They are also easy to make.

2L soda bottle
Duct tape
Razor
Hole puncher
Thick twine or thin rope

Use razor to cut off bottom third or so of soda bottle.
Wrap duct tape around the bottom part of the soda bottle. Make sure that half of the duct tape is on the bottle and half is above it.
Cut slits about 2-3″ apart in the duct tape and fold over.
Punch two holes about halfway down the duct tape. Cut two more on the opposite side.
Cut string and thread through two of the holes form the outside in. Do the same on the other side.

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This is a great idea, I can't wait to try it out. I actually have room for a garden where I live, but this is just too cool.
Mike Lieberman

Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately these were a failure. I'd recommend making these hanging herb planters instead http://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/how-to-make-a-hanging-herb-planter-using-recycled-soda-bottles/
Hannah Barron

This idea is really neat, but plants move water around with the help of gravity so I think that might be why they seem hurt and confused! I would just use the exact same planters as is, but grow the herbs right side up and put a medium sized rock where the neck of the bottle is to keep the dirt in. That way it's perfect for letting water drain out. Also, with the plant right-side-up, it will be able to grow bigger instead of being cramped by the bottle neck and depending on the plant, you might save water because you don't have to pour as much in to make sure it gets all the way down to the roots (if the roots were shallow). Looks very cool though! I like that the bottle is clear so you can see exactly where the roots are and if it's root-bound and needs to be transplanted.
Mike Lieberman

Thanks for the comment and suggestion Hannah. It's already done and working much better http://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/2009/08/starting-a-hanging-herb-garden-using-recycled-soda-bottles/
Margaret

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Margaret

http://howtomakecompost.info
Mike Lieberman

Thanks Margaret. Glad you are enjoying.

I'm contemplating reorganizing the site to make it easier to follow.

Appreciate you following and commenting.
Craig Stanton

But why grow things out of the bottom? You've got to deal with the soil/water leaking out. Why not just put the lid on and grow stuff out of the top? like a regular pot, just made out of an upside down bottle.
Mike Lieberman

Good call Craig. I did the upside down because of the limited space. Thought it would best suit what I was working with, plus it looked kinda cool.

Think I need to re-evaluate and what your suggestion definitely makes sense.
Elena

Way too cool. Would have never thought about this. But I had never lived in NY either.
Mike Lieberman

Thanks. Not sure I'm sold on this yet though. Will do a follow up post soon.
Heather

LOVE it! I might just have to give that one a try!
Mike Lieberman

Heather, if you do, please let me know how it goes. Haven't had much success yet. The parsley looks to be hurting at this point.

Not sure if it's me or that it just doesn't work.
morassee

Shall we say that the two gardens are kinda twins?

They started their lives at the same time... Mine lives in London downtown anyway
Mike Lieberman

That works for me.
morassee

Hi! I just started something similar, in a more girlish style :)

http://morassee.blogspot.com/2009/07/indoor-vegetable-growing.html

Good Luck & Enjoy your garden!

Morassee
Mike Lieberman

What mine aren't girlish enough for you? :-)

Good luck and I'll be keeping a lookout on your garden.