Need a way to repurpose those old gutters? We have a fun idea for you! Gutter gardens! Yep, you can use those old gutters as planters for anything from flowers to strawberries. These vertical gardens are perfect for people who have limited funds, space or need their garden protected from pets. Gutter gardens are also beneficial for people suffering from ailments, like arthritis, that make moving difficult.
Ready to get started on your gutter garden? Here’s how to do it.
To create your own gutter garden, you will need:
- Rain gutters with end caps and supports
- Handsaw
- Drill
- Plants of your choice
- Soil
Once you have your supplies, choose where to put your garden. Some of the best places we have seen include fences, walls, personalized frames or even hanging over a porch railing. Ask your local hardware store employee for tips on creating frames or hanging your gutter garden. Just remember to place your plants in a sunny, warm area.
Now for the plants themselves. Since gutters are unable to hold as much soil as regular planting pots, it’s best to grow smaller plants as they don’t need as much space as larger counterparts. Plus, smaller plants aren’t as heavy which makes them more sustainable for gutter life. Here are a few options for your gutter garden:
- Herbs
- Flowers, like annuals
- Lettuces
- Small pepper, like jalapenos or chilis
If you decide to mix different types of plants, beware of fast growing or spreading plants. These can overtake the other plants in your gutter garden (not good). Mint is an example of one of these fast growing plants. Other plants are okay to mix and match, like thyme, dill, sage, basil, rosemary, oregano or even lavender.
Happy planting!
If your gutter system is looking worse for the wear, give us a call. We can assess the damage and possibly provide you with a set of gutters for your new garden! Schedule your appointment today!
