10 Innovative Herb Planter Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces
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In South Texas, the warm climate and long growing season make it easy to grow a thriving herb garden, even in compact areas. With the right herb planter ideas for small spaces, you can enjoy fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme year-round, whether you’re working with a sunny balcony, a cozy patio, or a corner of your backyard. Herbs grow especially well in containers, allowing you to maximize space while adding beauty and practicality to your outdoor areas.
Imagine the scent of Mediterranean herbs wafting through your backyard or patio, with oregano spilling over the edges of a planter or basil leaves ready to pluck for homemade pesto. In South Texas, container gardening is ideal for keeping fast-growing herbs in check while adding a personal touch to your garden. Repurposing old containers or choosing stylish planters allows you to create a functional yet beautiful herb garden that reflects your unique style.
Growing herbs in containers isn’t just practical—it’s deeply rewarding. By selecting planters that suit your space and taste, you can enjoy fresh herbs year-round, all while enhancing the beauty of your outdoor areas. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, an herb garden can easily become a vibrant, fragrant centerpiece in your South Texas home.
1. Upcycled Containers for a Rustic Charm

Turning old items into herb planters adds charm to your garden. Imagine herbs growing from a whimsical teapot or an antique watering can. Each one tells a story of the past. This way, your garden becomes a mix of art and usefulness, filled with nostalgia and charm.
Many ideas for upcycled planters come from old household items. For instance, 75% of ideas use items like rain gutters and vintage pots2. These pieces add a historical touch to your garden, making it cozy and welcoming. Old furniture, like wooden chairs, is also used for planting, making up 15% of ideas2.
Upcycled planters are great for small spaces. Using items like old kitchen tools or a worn-out bike adds variety and creativity. This not only reduces waste but also makes us see things differently. For example, 10% of ideas suggest using items like tires and umbrellas for planting2.
There’s a big trend of using old items for planters, making up 70% of ideas3. This makes your garden look better and is good for the planet. Whether it’s using old tanks or washtubs, or turning containers into lights, each piece has a story and adds elegance23.
Choosing upcycled planters helps reduce waste and connects us to the past. It turns small gardens into magical places of discovery and tradition. So, start looking through your attic and kitchen for items to upcycle. Your garden will thank you!
2. Vertical Herb Gardens for Tight Spaces

Vertical herb gardens turn small outdoor areas into lush green spaces. They are perfect for those living in apartments or with limited space. Using wall planters or trellis systems, you can grow more in less space4. This method also improves air flow, cuts down on pests, and makes upkeep easier4.
Picture stepping onto your balcony, surrounded by basil, rosemary, and mint. Wall-mounted planters make this dream come true, fitting a variety of herbs in tight spots4. Prices range from $12 to $100, depending on size and materials5. This affordable option makes a small herb garden possible for everyone, adding beauty and function.
“Vertical herb gardens allow you to embrace the beauty of nature, even in the smallest spaces. Each breath carries the aromatic blend of various herbs, creating a peaceful oasis right at home.”
Vertical gardening can transform a quarter-acre into a food haven, or you can build your own trellis4. A hydroponic living wall can cost between $500 and $2,000 if built by experts5. For a more affordable option, look for living wall kits priced between $30 and $805.
Here’s a cost comparison to guide your vertical gardening journey:
Item | Cost Range |
---|---|
DIY Trellis | $50 – $200 |
Ready-Made Trellis | $12 – $100 |
Living Wall (Excluding Plants) | $30 – $80 |
Hydroponic Living Wall (Built by Experts) | $500 – $2,000 |
3. DIY Herb Planter Box

Making your own herb planter box is a rewarding project that connects you with gardening. You can pick sturdy wood and shape it into a planter box. This box can sit on your windowsill or balcony, ready for your herbs. The project costs about $50 for materials like untreated pine, screws, and outdoor paint6.
It’s important to add drainage to your planter. Drill holes at the bottom and add grit to keep the soil aerated7. This helps your herbs grow well and prevents waterlogging. Choose herbs like rosemary and thyme based on sunlight and soil needs8. You can move the planter to keep your herbs happy all year8.
Building a herb planter box lets you put your spirit into the soil. Planting herbs like basil and mint in your creation is very satisfying6. These herbs can make your meals taste fresher. Adding casters makes moving the planter easy6.
Here’s a detailed comparison to guide you through the essentials:
Parameter | Details |
---|---|
Estimated Cost | $50 |
Number of Herbs | 9 (Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Cilantro, Chives, Mint, Strawberries, Oregano, Sage) |
Large Planters | 3 |
Small Planters | 2 |
Drainage Holes per Planter | At least 2 |
Recommended Drying Time for Wood Sealer | 24 hours |
Casters for Swivel Locking | 5 |
Total Length of Wood Used | Approximately 18 inches for front and back pieces, 6 inches for the sides |
Construction Time | Approximately 10 minutes |
Common Materials | Untreated Pine, Treated Timber, No.8 x 2” Screws, Outdoor Paint, Horticultural Grit |
Planting herbs in your own garden is rewarding. It adds nutrition and pride to your meals.
4. Herb Wall Planters for a Green Backdrop

Turning walls into vibrant herb gardens is a rewarding experience. It combines practicality with beauty, making your home a lush oasis. Green wall planters save space and create a living artwork that beautifies your space.
Imagine picking fresh herbs from your wall for cooking. It adds amazing flavors and scents to your home. The rise in indoor herb garden ideas shows people love bringing greenery inside. Pinterest is full of DIY herb wall ideas, attracting 8k searches9.
Wall herb gardens are a blend of function and beauty. Each planter can hold a different herb, making your walls colorful and textured. They’re perfect for small spaces, as seen in “10 Herb Garden Ideas For Your Small Green Space”9. Sites like Better Homes and Gardens offer guides for vertical gardening9.
The KASSELL Vertical Garden Wall Planter is ideal for indoor or outdoor use. It’s made of metal and easy to set up. This shows why herb wall planters are popular for adding green to homes9.
Adding a wall herb garden to your home brings nature indoors. It’s a trend that combines usefulness with beauty. The rise in DIY herb planters and vertical gardening shows a shift towards sustainable gardening9. There are many creative ideas, from trellis ideas to hanging planters, for all gardening enthusiasts10.
5. Multi-Compartment Planters for Variety

Using multi-compartment planters is a smart way to grow a diverse herb garden even with little space. I love growing multiple herbs in one planter. It’s fun to see how each herb thrives in its own space.
My garden is a mix of lush mint and fragrant sage, each in its own spot. These planters are 17 inches tall and 24 inches wide. They’re perfect for growing various herbs, adding life and color to my small outdoor area11.
These planters make gardening easier, especially when they match each herb’s needs. Mint likes it moist, while sage prefers it dry. This makes gardening both practical and enjoyable.
I’ve used a Crescent Garden slat planter box with self-watering tech. It keeps my herbs watered for weeks11. It shows how function and beauty can come together, making small-scale herb growing a joy.
My friends are always impressed by my garden’s look and organization. I group herbs like basil and rosemary together. This makes caring for them easier12.
Using multi-compartment planters is like conducting a garden orchestra. Each herb adds its own scent and texture. Together, they create a vibrant, diverse garden. Whether it’s a balcony or a small backyard, these planters turn small spaces into lush, fragrant gardens. Herb gardening becomes a rewarding hobby.
6. Window Boxes for Herbs

Imagine cooking and reaching out of your kitchen window to pick fresh herbs. These boxes use space well and make your home look better. They let you grow herbs right by your kitchen, so they’re always fresh.
Choosing the right plants is key for a thriving window box garden. Dwarf thymes, compact oregano, and small parsley are great for tight spaces13. In Northern California, Mediterranean herbs like thyme and lavender are perfect for cooking13.
For a south-facing window, oregano and rosemary work well, even with just half a day of sun13. Classic French herbs like chives and tarragon can be grouped together for a flavorful touch13. Shade-loving herbs like mint and parsley do well in less sunny spots13.
When picking materials for your window boxes, go for durable ones like teak and redwood14. Use steel L brackets to keep them safe14. Make sure they get at least six hours of sunlight a day for the herbs to grow well14.
Window boxes are great for small outdoor spaces, letting you grow more plants than in regular beds14. Adding plants of different heights and textures makes them look good and work well14.
Turning windowsills into mini-gardens is a smart way to add beauty and function to your space1415. It brings nature closer, whether you’re on a balcony or in your kitchen1415.
7. Repurposed Wooden Crates for Rustic Elegance

Repurposed wooden crates have a special charm. They remind us of the past when milk and seltzer were delivered at home16. Now, they’re loved for both looks and use. I find them to be a timeless addition to any space.
These crates, 20″ wide, 12″ deep, and 11.5″ tall, are perfect for gardening17. When I made my own crate, I cut and sanded the wood carefully. It was a simple yet fulfilling task.
- Cutting the boards with a miter saw and sanding them smoothly.
- Pre-drilling holes to avoid splitting the reclaimed wood.
- Painting the support boards in a complementary color like black or brown.
- Attaching the sides and then the front and back with screws.
- Forming the base of the crate, making sure it’s secure for planting.
- Adding personal decorative stencils for a unique touch.
A well-made crate is more than a planter; it’s a piece of history and skill. I often stencil mine with phrases like “Apple Farm” or “Flower Farm Tours” for a real touch17. Adding rusty details or vintage handles makes them even more charming.
These crates are incredibly versatile. They can hold herbs or store plates and glassware16. Adding branch handles or plant labels makes them stand out as unique garden features18. The beauty of vintage crate gardening is the mix of function and beauty, making them a hit with garden lovers. I suggest adding these crates to your garden for a rustic and timeless look.
8. Portable Planters with Wheels for Flexibility

Imagine having portable herb planters that you can easily move around. You can follow the sun or change up your patio’s look with a mobile herb garden. These mobile gardens let you adjust to the best growing conditions and seasonal changes easily. Say goodbye to heavy lifting with a sturdy planter on wheels.
When setting up your mobile herb gardens, fill them with used 2-liter plastic bottles for drainage. This makes them light and helps your herbs drain well. Make sure to space out drainage holes about six inches apart19. The soil should be 8 to 10 inches deep for small-rooted plants to grow well19.
Choose casters with locks to keep your planters in place, especially on slopes19. Mobile herb gardens are great for indoor or outdoor use, offering flexibility19. They fit with the trend of using space wisely and making green areas beautiful20.
Portable planters with wheels make decorating easier and keep your space tidy. Adding features like portable greenhouses meets more advanced gardening needs21. Mixing materials like ceramic, plastic, or wood adds style, and regular care keeps your plants healthy21.
Portable herb planters make gardening easy for city dwellers. Just wheel them around to change your garden’s look and function. It’s a must-have for any gardening enthusiast who loves to adapt.
9. Tiered Planters for a Cascading Herb Display

Tiered herb planters are a great way to add a cascading garden to your outdoor space. Imagine walking into your yard and smelling the fresh herbs. Each herb spills over the edges of its home, making your garden look amazing.
It’s important to make sure your planters drain well. Both the big bottom pot and the small top pot need holes for water to escape. This keeps the roots from getting too wet, which can cause problems22. Planting herbs close together makes them look lush and full as they grow22.
The design of tiered planters is smart because it lets sunlight reach all parts of the plants. Place them in a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day22. A south-facing area is best for strong growth and health. You can put different herbs on each level, making your garden interesting and easy to care for.
Each level of your planters can have different herbs, making your garden look even better. Put taller plants in the back and let the herbs spill over the edges. This creates a beautiful display that invites you to explore22. Also, use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to help your herbs grow well without getting too leafy22.
Building your own tiered planter can be fun and save money. It costs about $220 and needs materials like lumber and cedar boards23. The frame is 6 feet high and wide, with each planter bed about 13 inches deep23. The instructions ensure your planter is strong and looks great.
Using tiered herb planters makes your garden better and more beautiful. It’s a way to enjoy your garden more, with its smells, textures, and colors.
Key Feature | Details |
---|---|
Construction Cost | $22023 |
Materials Needed | 2x2x8′ lumber (8 pieces), 1x6x12′ cedar boards (7 pieces), 1x4x10′ cedar boards (2 pieces), 4×8′ lattice panel, Exterior screws (3″ and 1⅝”)23 |
Planter Dimensions | 6′ wide x 6′ high overall, 13″ deep planter beds23 |
Sunlight Requirements | At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily22 |
Watering Guidelines | Check soil moisture before watering, ensure drainage to avoid waterlogging22 |
Fertilizer Use | Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season22 |
10. Hanging Baskets for Floating Greenery

Imagine walking into your garden and smelling herbs hanging above you. Hanging herb baskets add magic to your garden. They use space well and make your outdoor or indoor area more charming.
My first floating herb garden was a mix of function and beauty. I chose aerial herb planters for their simplicity and charm. I filled wire baskets with coconut coir and sphagnum moss for good drainage and moisture24. I hung them with strong 2.5-inch hooks for a sturdy setup25.
Hanging herb gardens are easy to care for. You can reach your herbs like basil and mint easily. Water and mist them often to keep them happy24. Fertilize and prune monthly for lush vines24. This care makes your garden a sensory delight.
Source Links
- https://bungalow47.com/a-creative-container-herb-garden/ – A Creative Container Herb Garden
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/clever-repurposed-garden-containers/?srsltid=AfmBOopzBKIhAGYjIo8vM5iDRULE-XrSQ06bQoFlHNmULQ7_YjfutRxA – 20 Clever Repurposed Garden Containers
- https://www.eplanters.com/blog/clever-ways-repurpose-plant-containers/?srsltid=AfmBOop-pVWnyId1JsjhMy0pTyjSWEIrvjw0HjD0DoAivq3_tcFENQXP – Think Outside the Pot: Clever Ways to Repurpose Plant Containers
- https://wholemadehomestead.com/vertical-gardening-for-small-spaces/ – Vertical Gardening for Small Spaces – WholeMade Homestead
- https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/landscaping/vertical-gardening-ideas/ – 12 Vertical Gardening Ideas to Turn Your Small Space Into an Outdoor Paradise
- https://diydarlingblog.com/home/2022/7/10/vertical-herb-garden – Vertical Herb Garden — DIY DARLING
- https://littleterracedhouse.com/2020/08/15/how-to-build-a-raised-herb-planter-and-what-to-grow-in-it/ – How to build a raised herb planter – Little Terraced House
- https://unsophisticook.com/easy-indoor-herb-garden/ – 10-Minute Easy Indoor Herb Planter (That’s Simple To Maintain!) – Unsophisticook
- https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/herb-wall/933081588699/ – Herb Wall
- https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g1274/how-to-plant-a-vertical-garden/ – These Vertical Garden Ideas Are Perfect for Small Spaces
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/herb-garden-planter-ideas – 15 Herb Garden Planter Ideas – To Grow An Aromatic Banquet On Your Patio
- https://www.southernliving.com/garden/creative-container-gardens?srsltid=AfmBOorY9A5ohr0EDOriMHXPZZuPHKlzEURbFqK6-3nE3-RqLbLIxsC9 – 106 Of Our Best Container Gardening Ideas
- https://www.finegardening.com/article/growing-herbs-in-windowboxes?srsltid=AfmBOoquEFuXo4jwJcuU28-EQvRMce57bG1jASEu1DS9rJ7uZseA0POY – Growing Herbs in Window Boxes – Fine Gardening
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plant-edible-window-box/ – This Window Box Plan Will Supply You with Fresh Veggies and Herbs This Summer
- https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/herb-window-box/914159449318/ – Herb Window Box
- https://shabbyfufu.com/wooden-crates-decorating-ideas/ – Wooden Crates – Decorating Ideas You Can Copy
- https://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/reversible-diy-reclaimed-wood-flower-and-apple-farm-crate/ – Reversible DIY reclaimed wood Flower and Apple Farm crate
- https://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/planters/ – DIY wood crate planters with unique branch handle stake – Funky Junk Interiors
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- https://www.gardenesque.com/blogs/the-garden-journal/10-smart-container-gardening-hacks-for-small-spaces?srsltid=AfmBOoqbhAO4jLzlNvMYbhqhwREXIXtXxm6IX00ONM4obIMOBeHeX1p1 – 10 Smart Container Gardening Hacks for Small Spaces
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