Simple DIY Kitchen Herb Garden

Sharing is caring!

If you have longed for fresh food even while the snow is falling outside, this article will give you a taste of that. How to DIY kitchen herb garden using items you may already have for a fresh taste of garden goodness any time of the year.

Gardening 101 tips are good for outdoors, but they are even better when you can bring that freshness inside.

For the longest time, I wanted to grow herbs in my kitchen. I longed to have a variety of plants sitting on my kitchen counter that would be ready to use whenever I needed them.

I had visions of cute little planters in my window filling the room with amazing smells. I tried just about everything I could think of, but the plants either got bumped and knocked over or I completely forgot to water them.

For some unknown reason, I can grow just about anything outside…but inside? That is a completely different story.

In my kitchen, I have this lovely open window that is over my sink, and for the longest time, all that sat in that sunny area was a vase of fake flowers.

Not the best way to use the space I have.

After several attempts to grow herbs unsuccessfully I decided to make a garden that was up and out of the way so I did not continuously knock the plants over. I eventually found a setup that I was able to keep up with. A solution that I have been using for many years.

Now, my kitchen window is lined with plants, and they are growing so well with the sunshine that streams in. The best part is that they are not at risk of getting knocked over.

If you have never grown herbs in containers, I have an easy guide that will get you started. READ: HOW TO GROW HERBS IN POTS for a step by step way to plant and grow all the herbs you love to cook with.

What herbs can you grow indoors?

The great news about herbs is that they grow well inside a home. As long as you have them in the correct containers, more on this in a bit, and in a sunny, warm spot, they will do very well.

Great Herbs to Grow Indoors:

This is my top favorite list of herbs to grow in a sunny kitchen. I like them mainly because they do well and are fun to use, but there are many more you can try if you have the space.

1. Dill
2. Oregano
3. Parsley
4. Rosemary
5. Sage
6. Thyme
7. Marjoram
8. Cilantro
9. Basil

Try out two or three from this list and see how they do. The good news about growing indoors is there is no timeline for starting plants.

Indoor Garden Kits

There are many ways to grow herbs without having to DIY an herb garden setup. This option will get you growing more quickly but there is a bigger cost investment.

KIBAGA Beautiful Herb Garden Planter Indoor Set of 3 – Perfect for Any Kitchen Window Sill or Countertop – A Modern Decor Gardening Planter Kit Incl. Tray & Drainage Holes to Grow Fresh Herbs at HomePERFNIQUE Indoor Herb Garden, Herb Garden Planter Set with Tray, Farmhouse Indoor Plant Pots, Windowsill Herb Garden with Drainage(Planter only) for Indoor/Outdoor, Window Pots(White)Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System: 12 Pods Plant Germination Kit Garden Kit Growth Lamp Countertop with LED Grow Light Hydrophonic Planter Grower Harvest Vegetable Lettuce9 Herb Indoor Window Garden Kit – House Plants Seeds – Best Unique Easter Gift Ideas for Women, Mom, Friend, Her, Birthday, Housewarming, Mother – New Home Kitchen Gifts – Live Plant StarterOurWarm Windowsill Herb Planter Box Indoor Set of 3, 10.5 Inch Self Watering Planter Pots with Visual Water Level Window, Modern Plastic Plant Pots for Herbs, Vegetables, Succulents PlantsHOME GROWN Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit – Christmas Gift for Gardeners – Complete 5 Herb Plant Grow Kit – Unique Gift for Mom, Women, Her, Men

 

The good news is the DIY I have for you is really easy and requires no power tools or crafting skills.

DIY KITCHEN HERB GARDEN

This DIY is for a hanging herb garden, but if you prefer to keep your planters on the counter or window sill, most of the steps will work to start any indoor herb garden setup.

To setup a hanging garden, there are a few supplies you will want to have on hand, but before you head off to the store, take a look around your home and see if you can find what you need on the list below.

As homesteaders, we are always looking for ways to reuse and repurpose, and this project is a great way to do that.

SUPPLY LIST:

– small buckets with handles or rings
– leather string or rope
– Command removable hooks
– soil for in your pots
– herbs of your choice

You can start with seeds, which will take longer to get to harvest time. Another option is to purchase plants which may be available year-round.

If it is spring as you are reading this, you can find a large selection of herb seedlings at your local nursery. If it is fall or winter, then a great place to find herb plants is at the grocery store right in the produce section.

Step #1. Find a Sunny Spot

You will want to make sure your plants will get enough sun throughout the majority of the day so you do not have to move them. You will also want to choose an area that is warm. Plants love the sun, but if it is drafty, they will not grow nearly as well.

This is when a little research goes a long way.

Take a look at the windows in your home and see if you have any that meet the criteria for a vibrant indoor garden. You can set an alarm on your phone so that it goes off every few hours and take a look at each window to see how much sun is shining in.

Use a small thermometer to check the temps throughout the day.

Whichever area gives you the most sun and warmth is your new herb garden location.

Step #2. Choose the Right Container

Next to sun and warmth, choosing the right container is the secret to a vibrant herb garden. When selecting a pot for your herbs, there are two things to keep in mind. First, be sure it is the right size for the full size of the plant you are growing. Second, be sure there is ample drainage so the roots do not sit in soggy, wet soil.

How to add drainage to a herb container

The best way to ensure there is enough drainage is to start with a container that is specifically meant to grow herbs in. These containers usually come with drainage built in.

If you are using a repurposed container then you will need to add drainage and you have two options.

1. If the container is glass or ceramic, you can add a layer of glass stones or pebbles at the bottom. This will give the water a place to sit keeping the roots from sitting in them.

2. If the container is plastic or metal, you can add drainage holes in the bottom using a hammer and nail. Be sure if you use this method that you keep the container on a tray to catch any leaking water.

What Size Pot Is Good to Grow Herbs In?

When growing herbs indoors, it is best to use pots that are 4″ or larger. By selecting containers that are the right size, you will ensure your plants grow healthy without overcrowding their roots.

A good rule of thumb when choosing a container is to pick one that is about a third as tall as the final height of the plant you are growing. To find this information, look at the seed packet or the plant’s tag that is usually sticking inside the growing container.

Step #3. Plant Your Herbs

Once you have found the containers you plan to use, give them a washing to remove any dirt or dust. Use a mixture of gentle dish soap and water being sure to rinse things thoroughly before planting.

How to Plant Herb Containers

1. If your container does not have drainage, add a layer of glass stones or pebbles to the bottom. A bout 1/2-1 inch will work fine.
2. Add in good potting soil, filling the container about half way.
3. Remove the plant from it’s container and with your hand gently loosen up the roots. This will help encourage the roots to take to the soil.
4. Place the plant into the container.
5. Add soil around the plant gently holding the plant in place as you do.
6. Using your hands, gently press the soil down, adding more soil if you need to.
7. Gently water each plant, allowing the soil to absorb the water before adding more.

Step #4. Prep the Wall

Since this DIY garden will hang on the side of our cabinets, it is important to clean the area well so the glue adheres. This will prevent the containers from loosening up and falling to the counter. We did our DIY garden about 6 years ago and the containers are still holding on tight.

I like to keep things super simple and that means using Command Hooks to hold the containers. These are some of my favorite tools for most of my DIY projects because they work so well.

Before you can use an adhesive hook you will need to remove any dirt or grime to ensure it sticks well.

Wash down the wall or cabinet with soapy water and rinse. Next, using rubbing alcohol wipe the area again to make sure there was no residue left over that would keep the adhesive from sticking.

Step #5. Measure the Area

Before you attach the hooks, be sure to measure the location of each container. We hung our pots on the sides of our cabinets, so finding the right spot was important to keep things looking even from all viewpoints.

The easiest way to do this is to hold up the lowest pot to get a good height, then mark that point with painter’s tape.

Next, you will want to mark the depth so it sits square in the area yet still gets access to the sunshine through the window.

Step #6. Attach the Hooks

As I mentioned earlier I really love adhesive hooks. They are easy to use and eliminate the need for power tools to create a permanent setup. Using hooks also means you can remove them when you are done without damage.

I used the medium size. They work perfectly holding up the herb pots that can get a bit heavy when watered.

How to Use Command Hooks:

– Remove the plastic hook from the bag.
– Attach the adhesive strip to the back of the hook, being sure you are putting the correct side on.
– Press it down for a few seconds.

– Remove the protective layer exposing the adhesive.
– Attach it to the area marked with the painter’s tape.
– Hold the hook in place for 10+ seconds to ensure it has adhered.

– Remove the plastic hook (by sliding it up) leaving the base still on the cabinet.
– Hold the base down for an additional 30 seconds, moving your fingers to ensure even stickage. (hmmm, is that a word?)
– Repeat the steps for the remaining hooks.

Step #6. Let Sit for One Hour

This step is important, so don’t skip it. You will need to let the adhesive sit to get a good cure, so the hooks and plants stay in place.

Step #7. Make the Hangers

While you are waiting for the adhesive to cure, you can make your hanger for your first pot, If you are using buckets, you can just use the handle to hang up each pot.

We used black leather that matched the ring handle. We tried several different knots before choosing this one.

It’s a slip knot on the side showing and a double knot on the side closest to the window.

Since I really liked the look of the slip knot that is what we chose to have facing out. Continue to tie all of your leather straps for each hanger.

Step #8. Attach the Command Hook

After one hour you can reattach the hook to the base. At this point, it should be very sturdy and ready to handle the weight of your planter.

We were quite surprised at how well these hooks worked. This hanging garden has been in place for years and the hooks have never needed to be replaced.

Step #9. Hang Your Herb Pots

Hang a pot onto the hook and give it a few seconds before moving on. This will give enough time to ensure the hook doesn’t loosen and fall.

The best part of this setup is you can take the planters down to trim or doctor if and when you need to.

Step #10. Repeat for Remaining Pots

Now that you have your first pot up, you can figure out the spacing for the rest. Remember to use the same amount of leather for each pot to ensure they all hang even.

This was probably the most tedious part. We had to tie and re-tie a few knots to get the right length.

Follow the same steps for each hook and bucket until your entire herb garden is completed.

Now you can sit back and enjoy your DIY kitchen herb garden.

All in all this entire project cost just under $35 dollars and took a morning to complete. And the best part is this is one of those projects that will continue to give you amazing fresh herbs all year long. Herbs you can use to add extra flavor to just about any meal. 

Try this herb leaf stripper to make cooking with herbs much easier. 

I can’t say enough how much I love my simple DIY kitchen herb garden.

Last night, for dinner, I made pasta with roasted veggies, and I was able to cut a few leaves of basil for my sauce. I feel like such a grown-up cook now, Giada has nothing on me! Well, except maybe she is young and a better cook.

This a great way to use up some of the items on your container gardening supply list to grow all the herbs you love.

This DIY kitchen herb garden is not only easy to do but very inexpensive as well. Oh, and the smells!  Nothing smells more wonderful than fresh basil and thyme.

Other Herb Growing Resources:

1. How to Freeze Herbs
2. How to Dry Herbs
3. How to Grow Herbs in Pots