Project Guide
How to Build a Vertical Herb Garden
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Time Required: Under 2 hours
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Difficulty: Intermediate
Vertical gardening is a method used to grow small plants along a wall, fence or another upright structure. This guide will walk you through the process of turning fence pickets into a standalone vertical garden, perfect for displaying herbs and succulent plants.
Tools & Materials
Measure and Make Cuts

- Measure, mark, and use a circular saw to make the cuts according to the cut diagram in step 8.
- Use sanding block to smooth any rough edges.
Cut List:

- Three 17 1/4-inch cross board pieces cut from the square end of each of the three cedar fence pickets
- Two 10 1/2-inch footings from the cedar board
- One 50-inch back brace from the cedar board
Assemble the Back

- Lay the three fence pickets flat with 1/4 inches between them.
- Measure 8 3/4 inches down from the dog-ear tops of the pickets and attach a cross board horizontally across the fence pickets with a brad nailer.
- Attach the remaining two cross boards horizontally with 8 3/4 inches between each.
Assemble and Attach the Feet

- Place a shelf bracket with the 10-inch side down centered on the 2-inch side of the footing board and flush with the end.
- Secure bracket to the footing board using a drill and the 1 1/4-inch screws.
- Repeat with the other bracket and footing board.
- Place the feet flush to the floor and flush to the left and right sides of the square end of the pickets. Secure the 8-inch side of the brackets to the pickets using a drill and the 3/4-inch screws.
Attach the Back Brace

- Stand the assembly up onto the feet and center the 2-inch side of the back brace board vertically on the back side of the center picket.
- Secure with brad nailer and 1-inch nails through the front of the picket and into the back brace board.
Attach the Clamps and Pots

- Using a 1/8-inch drill bit, pre-drill holes in the center of all three clamps about 2 1/2 inches from the adjustment screw (see diagram below).
- Place a clamp centered above the top cross board and secure it to the back with 1 1/2-inch wood screws.
- The screw will go through the picket and the back brace board.
Clamp Diagram

Repeat attaching the remaining two clamps centered above the remaining cross boards, and then place the 8-inch clay pots inside of rings.