Back in October, I wrote about various containers to repurpose and use in your garden. I briefly mentioned this genius space-saving planter for herbs. Today, I want to show you how easy you can create your own shoe-organizer hanging herb garden. It is ideal if you live in an apartment with a balcony. However, the fact that you can quickly move it to different areas makes it perfect, even if you have a backyard with sunny and shaded areas. Along with a shoe organizer, all you need is soil, seeds and a dash of TLC. Some choose a dark colored shoe organizer, or dye it first. The lighter colors get quite grubby over time.
As shown in the cover image, you’re not restricted to herbs. You can use your planter for any small flowering plants or even succulents.
The average shoe organizer has 16 pockets, perfectly spaced compartments to hold all the herbs you choose to plant.
Here’s what you’ll need for this DIY planter:
- A shoe organizer — preferably one made of cloth rather than plastic
- Hooks or a rod for hanging the planter
- Compost or potting soil
- Seeds or herb plants
Be sure to protect the wall from water damage. Hanging a plastic sheet between the wall and the planter will do. Alternatively, attach a 2×2 inch piece of wood to the wall to create a space and hold the planter away from the wall.
Choose the ideal spot to hang the planter
If you live in an apartment, your only option might be the balcony. Herbs like a bit of sun, but not too much. However, if you live in a house, you could hang it on a fence, a garage or a shed wall. Essentially, you could install hooks or rods in different locations to make it easier if you want to move it into the sun or the shade.
Most importantly, don’t overlook that the lightweight shoe organizer will be heavy once you add soil, water and plants. Therefore, make sure your fittings are stable and appropriate for the weight of the planter. Use strong metal utensil or saucepan hanging hooks.
Drainage requirements
As mentioned, a cloth shoe organizer is best because proper drainage is crucial. However, you still need to check how well it drains by pouring water into the pockets before adding soil. If the water doesn’t drain but pool in the pouches instead, you’ll have to poke several small holes at the base of each pocket. Furthermore, you could place a trough or unused rain gutter with plants to catch up the water that drains from the hanging planter.
Add soil and seeds to the planter
Add compost or soil to each pocket but do not overfill them. Fill the pouches up to about one inch from the top. Now you can add your seeds or seedlings and you’re good to go! Before long, you will enjoy the abundance of herbs in your food and for health purposes. You will have at least 16 types of herbs without taking up any space in your garden. You can go here for a post about herbs to grow for health instead of using synthetic drugs.
Suggested seeds to plant
Your planter is suitable for more then herbs. You can plant mixed leaf salad or spinach, minibel tomatoes and even petit pois peas, of which even the tendrils and leaflets are edible. Essentially, one you have your vertical planter ready, you can experiment and learn what else you can grow in the pouches. Make two and double your harvest.
“Gardening is a medicine that does not need a prescription and has no limit on dosage” — Unknown
