Portable Herb Garden

You Will Need:



1 heavy-duty plastic tool caddy with a handle in the center (approximate size: 18 inches long x 13 inches wide x 8 inches deep)

Portable drill and 1/4-inch drill bit

Razor blade in safety holder

Gravel

Enriched potting soil

8 potted herbs in 3-inch pots

Small spade or serving spoon

Instructions:

  1. Set the plastic tool caddy on a piece of scrap lumber to protect the drill bit. Using a 1/4-inch drill bit, drill a row of drainage holes through the bottom of each side of the caddy, spacing the holes about 3 inches apart.
  2. Use the razor blade to scrape off any plastic shavings clinging to the holes.
  3. Cover the bottom of each side of the caddy with a 1-inch layer of gravel.
  4. Using the spade, spoon good-quality, enriched potting soil over the gravel to a depth of 4 to 5 inches.
  5. Plant a row of herbs on each side of the caddy, starting 3 inches from either end and spacing the plants about 4 inches apart. Push dirt firmly around the plants to hold them in place. Good herb choices include: basil, chives, dill, parsley and sage.
  6. Water plants thoroughly and keep outdoors on a sunny back step until needed. Snip off herb leaves as you need them. Container gardens dry out quickly, so check soil moisture daily and add water as necessary.
  7. When you bring your portable herb garden indoors, place it in the sink or on a tray to protect surfaces from water that may leak from the drainage holes.
  8. In the fall, you can bring your portable herb garden indoors.

 Note: Instructions are for a standard-size tool caddy approximately 18”x 13”x 8”. If you want to use a smaller caddy, adjust the amount of rock, soil and number of herbs accordingly.