From the page: One plank, a thousand lives
Idea 1
Pallet herb garden wall
Vertical gardens became popular in tight European courtyards, where growers discovered that a pallet's slats create natural planting pockets. Working vertically works because most culinary herbs have shallow roots and hate soggy soil — gravity keeps water draining through the layers, and each pocket gets its own light and airflow.
What you need
- One wooden pallet in good condition (avoid chemically treated ones — look for the HT stamp, meaning heat treated)
- Staple gun or hammer with tacks, plus landscape fabric or an old geotextile / thick burlap sack
- Potting soil mixed with a bit of compost
- Herb seedlings or seeds (basil, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano — shallow-rooted plants work best)
- Sandpaper and, if desired, exterior wood oil for the visible face
- Screws and wall anchors for mounting
How to make it
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1
Sand rough spots and decide which side will face the wall; the pockets form between the slats on the front, so check the spacing — wider gaps hold more soil.
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2
Staple the fabric across the back, bottom and sides, leaving the front pockets open; the fabric acts as a bag that holds soil while letting excess water escape, which prevents root rot.
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3
Fill each pocket with the soil mix, packing it firmly but not compacted — roots need air pockets to breathe.
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4
Plant one herb per pocket, matching sun lovers (basil, oregano) to the top pockets and shade-tolerant ones (parsley, chives) to the bottom, since the top gets the most light.
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5
Water slowly at the top and let it trickle down; check each pocket, because water runs fast through vertical soil and the lower ones may need a top-up.
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6
Mount it on the wall with sturdy screws into anchors, leaning it slightly back so the weight of wet soil pulls toward the wall, not outward.
Finishing touches
Sand and oil the visible frame for a warm rustic look, and paint or write the herb names on small wooden slats as labels. Water every two or three days in summer, less in cool months.
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