Starting a Hanging Herb Garden Using Recycled Soda Bottles

August 14, 2009

Now that I know the upside down herb planters aren’t working on my fire escape, I wanted to figure out a different way to grow herbs in my limited space.

That’s where one of the readers of my blog, Craig Stanton, became my voice of reason. He suggested capping the upside down planters and growing the herbs out of the top.

Obvious, yes, but I totally overlooked it.

At his advice, I started a hanging herb garden made from recycled soda bottles that have been recycled again. That makes me greener than green.

I’ve planted french tarragon, greek oregano and apple mint. These should perform better than the upside versions.

Padraigan

What I tried this year Mike, is to cut the pop bottles about three quarters of the way up but not right through. Take the cap off also. I planted stuff in little pots that would fit into the bottom of the bottle. You could then open the top and water the plants. When the top was down it acted like a little greenhouse. When the plants got bigger, I just opened the top and left it open.
Mike Lieberman

Love the idea. Thanks.
Kerry Michaels

If you put a little square of plastic window screening over the bottom hole, you would have great drainage - that way you don't even have to drill a hole, just leave the top off.
Mike Lieberman

Another great idea. Thanks for the tip. Most of the windows in NYC apts don't have window screening though. It's our form of a thermostat. :-)
Michelle Renee

Have you thought about doing a how to on making soda bottle planters? They seem easy to make but a video would be helpful. thanks.
Mike Lieberman

Absolutely. I'll have it done before the end of the month. For right now, you can make this http://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/2009/07/making-an-upside-down-herb-planter/ but put the cap on it and drill a hole through the cap.
AnitaAvalos

brilliant!