25 Vertical Herb Garden Hacks for Small Spaces

Have you ever dreamed of growing your own herbs but felt limited by space? Whether you’re in a tiny apartment or your backyard is just a balcony, you don’t need to give up on that dream.

Vertical herb gardens are the solution you’ve been looking for! They not only save space but also transform your small area into a lush, fragrant sanctuary.

Let’s dive into these 25 vertical herb garden hacks that will have your small space brimming with greenery in no time.

1. Reclaim Pallets for a Rustic Herb Wall

Old wooden pallets are the unsung heroes of vertical gardening. With just a little effort, you can transform a discarded pallet into a stunning, rustic herb garden that makes the most of limited space.

Why This Works

Pallets are lightweight, affordable, and already structured for a vertical setup. Plus, their natural wooden charm adds a cozy, farmhouse aesthetic to your space.

What You Might Need

• A wooden pallet
• Sandpaper and wood stain (optional)
• Landscape fabric
• Staple gun
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Sand the pallet to remove splinters. Stain it for added durability if you’d like.
2. Staple landscape fabric across the back and bottom of each row to hold soil.
3. Fill the spaces with potting soil and plant your favorite herbs.
4. Prop it against a wall or hang it securely for a charming vertical herb wall.

Picture This

A cozy corner of your balcony or patio transformed by a rustic wooden pallet leaning against the wall. Lush green herbs like thyme, basil, and rosemary spill over the edges, creating a fragrant cascade of greenery. The warm tones of the wood contrast beautifully with the vibrant plants, making the space feel earthy and inviting.

2. Hanging Mason Jars for a Touch of Elegance

Nothing says chic and functional quite like mason jars. When hung on a wall or fence, they become stylish homes for your herbs.

Why This Works

Mason jars are compact, easy to maintain, and allow you to see when your plants need watering thanks to their clear glass.

What You Might Need

• Mason jars
• Hose clamps
• Screws and a screwdriver
• Wood board or directly on a fence
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Secure the hose clamps to your board or wall using screws.
2. Place the mason jars into the clamps and tighten them.
3. Add soil and herbs to each jar. Water gently and watch them thrive!

Picture This

A sunny kitchen window adorned with rows of crystal-clear mason jars hanging at the window, each brimming with vibrant green herbs like basil, parsley, and mint. The sunlight filters through the jars, casting a delicate prism of light onto the countertop below.

The earthy aroma of fresh herbs fills the air, and with just a quick snip, you have everything you need to elevate your cooking. It’s a perfect blend of style and functionality, turning your kitchen into a cozy herb haven.

3. DIY Shoe Organizer Herb Planter

Turn an over-the-door shoe organizer into a multi-tiered herb planter. It’s a simple and affordable way to maximize vertical space.

Why This Works

The multiple pockets make it easy to plant a variety of herbs, while the vertical design is perfect for tiny spaces. Plus, it’s a fun upcycling project!

What You Might Need

• A fabric or canvas shoe organizer
• S-hooks or nails for hanging
• Potting soil and herbs
• Scissors (optional for drainage holes)

How-To Steps

1. Hang the organizer on a sunny wall, fence, or balcony railing.
2. Fill each pocket with soil and plant an herb in each.
3. Poke a few small drainage holes if needed.

Picture This

A vibrant fabric shoe organizer hangs against a sunlit balcony railing, each pocket overflowing with fresh herbs like dill, basil, and parsley. The pockets create a patchwork of lush greenery, with a medley of colors and textures spilling out in every direction.

Water droplets glisten on the leaves in the morning light, and the fresh aroma of the herbs fills the air. It’s a lively, functional display that turns a simple wall into a vertical garden oasis, perfect for snipping a few sprigs to garnish tonight’s dinner.

4. Ladder-Style Vertical Herb Shelf

Repurpose an old wooden ladder into a charming herb garden that looks straight out of a Pinterest board.

Why This Works

It’s mobile, visually stunning, and provides multiple levels for your herbs, making it perfect for small patios or balconies.

What You Might Need

• A wooden ladder
• Small pots or planters
• Potting soil and herbs
• Paint or stain (optional)

How-To Steps

1. Clean and paint or stain the ladder if desired.
2. Arrange small pots on each rung, filling them with soil and herbs.
3. Lean the ladder against a wall or secure it in place.

Picture This

A cheerful yellow ladder with terra-cotta pots lined up on its steps, bursting with fragrant basil, mint, and oregano. It’s a functional piece of art for your outdoor space.

5. PVC Pipe Garden Tower

Who knew PVC pipes could double as an herb-growing masterpiece? This hack is ideal for anyone who loves to DIY.

Why This Works

PVC pipes are affordable, durable, and customizable. You can make your tower as tall or short as your space allows.

What You Might Need

• Large PVC pipe
• Drill and hole saw attachment
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Drill staggered holes along the sides of the PVC pipe for planting.
2. Fill the pipe with potting soil.
3. Insert herbs into each hole, patting the soil to secure them.

Picture This

A tall, white PVC pipe sprouting green parsley and fragrant basil from every direction. It’s sleek, modern, and a conversation starter for guests.

6. Hanging Gutter Garden

Rain gutters aren’t just for roofs—they can make perfect vertical planters! This idea is fantastic for balconies or walls where space is at a premium.

Why This Works

Gutters are long and narrow, making them perfect for herbs with shallow root systems. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to mount.

What You Might Need

• Old or new gutters
• Screws and brackets for mounting
• Drill
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Cut gutters into desired lengths.
2. Drill small holes in the bottom for drainage.
3. Attach the gutters to a wall or hang them from brackets.
4. Fill with soil and plant your herbs.

Picture This

Three tiers of white gutters mounted on your balcony wall, each overflowing with lush green basil, thyme, and parsley. The cascading effect is as functional as it is beautiful.

7. Picture Frame Herb Garden

Turn an old picture frame into a living piece of art by planting herbs vertically.

Why This Works

It’s a stunning way to incorporate greenery into your home décor while keeping your herbs easily accessible.

What You Might Need

• A large wooden picture frame
• Chicken wire or mesh
• Staple gun
• Potting soil, moss, and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Attach chicken wire or mesh to the back of the frame.
2. Add moss and soil behind the mesh.
3. Plant herbs through the mesh, ensuring roots are secure in the soil.
4. Hang the frame in a sunny spot.

Picture This

A vibrant picture frame with fresh mint, oregano, and cilantro sprouting from it, hanging on your kitchen wall. It’s practical, fragrant, and a conversation starter!

8. Pegboard Herb Organizer

Pegboards aren’t just for tools! They make an excellent base for a vertical herb garden.

Why This Works

Pegboards are versatile, allowing you to rearrange pots as your garden grows.

What You Might Need

• A pegboard
• Hooks or small shelves
• Lightweight pots
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Mount the pegboard to a wall or balcony railing.
2. Attach hooks or small shelves to hold your pots.
3. Plant your herbs in pots and hang them on the pegboard.

Picture This

A sleek white pegboard adorned with pastel-colored pots, each brimming with aromatic herbs like basil and lavender. It’s an Instagram-worthy gardening solution!

9. Rain Boot Herb Garden

Got an old pair of rain boots lying around? Give them new life as quirky herb planters.

Why This Works

Rain boots are already waterproof and compact, making them ideal for vertical spaces.

What You Might Need

• Rain boots
• Drill for drainage holes
• Hooks or wall brackets
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom of each boot.
2. Fill them with soil and plant your herbs.
3. Hang the boots on hooks or brackets on a wall or fence.

Picture This

Bright yellow boots hung in a neat row, each spilling over with vibrant green herbs. It’s a cheerful, whimsical addition to your garden space.

10. Repurposed Shutter Garden

Old shutters can be more than just décor—they’re excellent for holding herb pots!

Why This Works

Shutters provide built-in slots to hang or secure small pots, creating a rustic, farmhouse vibe.

What You Might Need

• Wooden shutters
• Small pots or fabric pouches
• Hooks or nails
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Clean and paint the shutters if needed.
2. Attach hooks or nails to hold pots or pouches.
3. Fill pots with soil and herbs, then hang them on the shutters.

Picture This

A whitewashed shutter leaning against a sunny wall, with terra-cotta pots of rosemary and sage tucked into its slats.

11. Wall-Mounted Hanging Baskets

Wall-mounted baskets are a timeless solution for vertical herb gardens.

Why This Works

Baskets are lightweight, easy to install, and come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to mix and match.

What You Might Need

• Wall-mounted baskets
• Screws or brackets
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Secure baskets to the wall using screws or brackets.
2. Fill each basket with soil and plant your herbs.
3. Water lightly and let your herbs flourish.

Picture This

Woven baskets in varying sizes, each overflowing with green basil, mint, and chives, arranged artistically on your patio wall.

12. Tiered Hanging Planters

Create a cascading herb garden with tiered hanging planters.

Why This Works

The stacked design saves space while creating a striking visual display.

What You Might Need

• Tiered hanging planters or pots with holes for threading rope
• Strong rope or chain
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Thread the rope or chain through your planters, securing each level.
2. Fill the planters with soil and herbs.
3. Hang the setup from a sturdy hook in a sunny spot.

Picture This

Three levels of bright white planters hanging in a sunny window, brimming with vibrant green herbs like parsley and dill.

13. Stackable Planters for Compact Greenery

Stackable planters are a modern and efficient way to grow multiple herbs in a small area. Their tiered design optimizes vertical space and gives each plant enough sunlight and air circulation.

Why This Works

These planters are specifically designed for small spaces. They’re sturdy, easy to assemble, and allow you to grow a variety of herbs without crowding.

What You Might Need

• Stackable planter kits (often available online)
• Potting soil and herbs
• Watering can

How-To Steps

1. Assemble the stackable planters according to the instructions.
2. Fill each tier with soil, leaving room for the roots of your herbs.
3. Plant herbs in each compartment, ensuring they get enough spacing.
4. Water gently and watch your herb tower thrive.

Picture This

A sleek, modern stack of planters brimming with fragrant thyme, basil, and oregano on your balcony, adding greenery and style to your space.

14. Recycled Tin Can Herb Garden

Repurpose old tin cans into charming herb planters. This budget-friendly idea is perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your garden.

Why This Works

Tin cans are compact, lightweight, and customizable with paint or decorative paper. They also make it easy to organize herbs by type.

What You Might Need

• Empty tin cans
• Hammer and nail for drainage holes
• Paint or decorative wrap (optional)
• Hooks or shelf for display
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Wash and dry the tin cans.
2. Hammer a few small holes in the bottom for drainage.
3. Decorate the cans with paint or wrap them in colorful paper.
4. Fill with soil and herbs, then display on a shelf or hang them with hooks.

Picture This

Brightly painted cans lined up on a windowsill, each labeled with the name of the herb inside—mint, cilantro, parsley—adding a playful pop of color to your kitchen.

15. Hanging Gourd Planters

Turn dried gourds into unique, eco-friendly herb planters that dangle beautifully in your space.

Why This Works

Gourds are lightweight, biodegradable, and perfect for small, shallow-rooted herbs. They also bring a natural, organic vibe to your garden.

What You Might Need

• Dried gourds (available at craft stores or online)
• Drill
• Rope or twine
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Cut the top off each gourd and hollow it out.
2. Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom.
3. Tie a rope around the neck of the gourd and hang it in a sunny spot.
4. Fill with soil and herbs.

Picture This

Earthy, textured gourds hanging from a pergola, each cradling fresh sprigs of basil, thyme, and marjoram, creating a serene and rustic ambiance.

16. Wall-Mounted Grid System

A wall-mounted grid system offers a sleek and organized way to hang multiple herbs in a vertical layout.

Why This Works

Grids are customizable and visually clean, making it easy to mix different pot shapes and sizes while saving precious space.

What You Might Need

• Metal grid panel
• S-hooks
• Small pots or containers with handles
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Mount the grid panel securely to a wall.
2. Attach pots to the grid using S-hooks.
3. Fill pots with soil and plant your herbs.

Picture This

A black metal grid against a white wall with pots of rosemary, chives, and sage hanging neatly in a geometric pattern. It’s an urban gardener’s dream.

17. Repurposed Coffee Can Towers

Coffee cans can be stacked and secured into towers to create an herb garden that maximizes height while being entirely DIY-friendly.

Why This Works

Coffee cans are durable, spacious, and easy to stack, making them a great choice for a vertical herb setup.

What You Might Need

• Empty coffee cans
• Drill or hammer and nails for drainage holes
• Paint or wrap for decoration
• Strong adhesive or screws to secure stacking
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Clean and dry the cans, then drill drainage holes in the bottom.
2. Decorate the cans if desired.
3. Stack and secure them using adhesive or screws.
4. Fill each can with soil and herbs.

Picture This

A tower of shiny metallic cans stacked in a corner, with bright green herbs like dill and chives sprouting from each level.

18. Tiered Fruit Basket Planter

Tiered fruit baskets aren’t just for kitchens—they’re perfect for creating a cascading herb garden that adds charm to any space.

Why This Works

These baskets provide multiple layers for planting, saving horizontal space while creating a stunning vertical effect. They’re easy to hang and rearrange as needed.

What You Might Need

• A tiered fruit basket (often available at home stores or online)
• Pot liners or small pots
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Line each basket with a pot liner or use small pots to hold the soil.
2. Fill each layer with soil and plant herbs in each basket.
3. Hang the basket in a sunny spot using a sturdy hook or chain.

Picture This

A black, three-tiered basket swaying gently in the breeze, overflowing with cascading mint, parsley, and chives. It’s like a floating herb chandelier!

19. Magnetic Wall Planters

If you’re short on floor or counter space, magnetic planters attached to your fridge or a metal board are a clever and minimalist solution.

Why This Works

Magnetic planters are sleek and unobtrusive, making them ideal for ultra-small spaces. They keep herbs within easy reach in your kitchen.

What You Might Need

• Magnetic planters (purchase online or DIY with strong magnets and small pots)
• Potting soil and herbs
• A metal surface like a fridge or magnetic board

How-To Steps

1. Attach strong magnets to the back of your planters if they don’t already have them.
2. Fill the planters with soil and plant your herbs.
3. Place them on a metal surface in a well-lit area.

Picture This

Tiny pots of fragrant basil and thyme clinging to your fridge door, adding greenery to your kitchen and making meal prep a breeze.

20. Bicycle Wheel Herb Hanger

Transform an old bicycle wheel into a whimsical vertical herb garden by using its spokes to hang small planters.

Why This Works

The circular shape and spokes of a bicycle wheel allow for creative placement of multiple herbs, while the design adds a playful, artistic touch to your garden.

What You Might Need

• An old bicycle wheel
• Small pots or tin cans
• S-hooks or strong twine
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Clean and optionally paint the bicycle wheel for a fresh look.
2. Attach small pots to the wheel using S-hooks or tie them with twine.
3. Fill the pots with soil and herbs, then hang the wheel on a wall or fence.

Picture This

A vintage bicycle wheel hanging like a piece of art, with herbs like lavender and rosemary sprouting from tiny pots dangling on its spokes.

21. Repurposed Drawer Herb Garden

Old drawers can be turned into charming tiered planters that add a rustic feel to your space.

Why This Works

Drawers are sturdy and spacious, and stacking them vertically creates a compact herb garden with plenty of planting space.

What You Might Need

• Old wooden drawers
• Paint or wood stain (optional)
• Bricks or blocks to separate tiers
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Clean and paint or stain the drawers if desired.
2. Place the largest drawer on the ground and stack smaller drawers on top using bricks or blocks for support.
3. Fill each drawer with soil and plant herbs.

Picture This

Three vintage drawers, painted pastel blue, stacked at an angle and overflowing with vibrant green basil, sage, and mint. A perfect cottagecore aesthetic!

22. Hanging Coconut Shell Planters

Coconut shells make eco-friendly and compact planters that look gorgeous when hung in groups.

Why This Works

Coconut shells are biodegradable, lightweight, and naturally water-resistant, making them a sustainable option for growing small herbs.

What You Might Need

• Halved coconut shells
• Drill for drainage holes
• Rope or twine
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Clean the coconut shells and drill a few drainage holes in the bottom.
2. Thread rope or twine through the shell to create a hanger.
3. Fill with soil and herbs, then hang them in a sunny spot.

Picture This

Natural brown coconut shells suspended by twine, each brimming with fresh sprigs of cilantro, thyme, and oregano. They sway gently in the breeze, adding tropical vibes to your space.

23. Trellis-Mounted Pockets

Fabric or felt pockets attached to a trellis create a versatile vertical herb garden that fits perfectly on a wall or fence.

Why This Works

The pockets are breathable and space-saving, and the trellis provides a sturdy structure for hanging multiple rows of herbs.

What You Might Need

• A wooden or metal trellis
• Fabric or felt pocket planters
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Attach the fabric pockets to the trellis using screws or staples.
2. Secure the trellis to a wall or fence.
3. Fill each pocket with soil and plant your herbs.

Picture This

A wooden trellis covered in soft gray felt pockets, each housing vibrant green parsley, dill, and basil. The setup is both modern and functional.

24. Recycled Plastic Bottle Garden

Upcycle plastic bottles into a creative and sustainable vertical herb garden. This idea is perfect for those who love a good DIY challenge.

Why This Works

Plastic bottles are readily available, durable, and easy to manipulate into a hanging or stacked design.

What You Might Need

• Empty plastic bottles
• Scissors or a utility knife
• Rope or wire for hanging
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Cut an opening in each bottle for planting, and add drainage holes at the bottom.
2. Thread rope or wire through the bottles to hang them in a vertical row.
3. Fill each bottle with soil and plant herbs inside.

Picture This

A colorful row of hanging bottles sprouting basil, thyme, and mint, brightening up a sunny corner of your balcony with eco-friendly flair.

25. DIY Crate Garden Stack

Wooden crates stacked in a tiered design make a rustic, functional herb garden that can fit on any patio or balcony.

Why This Works

Crates are sturdy, stackable, and provide plenty of room for planting multiple herbs, while their open sides allow for proper drainage and airflow.

What You Might Need

• Wooden crates
• Sandpaper and paint or stain (optional)
• Potting soil and herbs

How-To Steps

1. Sand and paint or stain the crates if desired.
2. Stack the crates in a tiered design, securing them with screws if necessary.
3. Fill each crate with soil and plant herbs.

Picture This

A rustic tower of natural wooden crates stacked in a corner, each bursting with fragrant rosemary, thyme, and oregano. It’s a charming yet practical addition to your small space.

Final Thoughts

Small spaces are no longer a limitation when it comes to gardening. With these 25 vertical herb garden hacks, you can transform even the tiniest corner into a thriving herb oasis. The key is to think creatively, repurpose materials you already have, and design with your space in mind.

Ready to get started? Pick your favorite hack from the list and watch your small space come alive with the beauty, aroma, and practicality of fresh herbs. 🌱

Which hack will you try first? Let’s grow together—drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🌿

Your vertical herb garden journey starts now—happy planting!