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DIY Herb Garden in Upcycled Containers

Bring the taste of freshness indoors or onto your patio with a charming and functional DIY herb garden! Upcycling everyday household items into creative planters adds a personal touch while being kind to the environment. Here's a guide to get you started:

Choosing the Perfect Herbs:

• Basil: This popular herb thrives in warm, sunny locations and requires regular watering.
• Mint: Known for its refreshing flavor, mint grows best in well-draining soil and can be invasive, so consider planting it in a container.
• Cilantro: This delicate herb prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade.
• Chives: Easy to grow and requiring minimal care, chives add a mild oniony flavor to dishes.
• Rosemary: A woody herb with fragrant needle-like leaves, rosemary prefers well-draining soil and sunny spots.

Finding the Ideal Upcycled Planters:

• Coffee mugs: Drill drainage holes in the bottom and create a beautiful mini herb garden on your window sill.
• Tea tins: Remove the labels, paint them in vibrant colors, and plant herbs like mint or chives.
• Teacups and saucers: Combine these for a whimsical touch. Use the saucer for drainage and plant shallow-rooted herbs like thyme or oregano in the cup.
• Colanders: Hang them up for a vertical garden with ample drainage. Plant trailing herbs like rosemary or thyme that can cascade down.
• Mason jars: Perfect for hydroponic herbs (grown in water without soil).

Planting and Caring for your Herbs:

1. Prepare your containers: Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom of your upcycled planters.
2. Fill with potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for herbs.
3. Plant your herbs: Follow the spacing recommendations on the seed packet or plant label.
4. Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
5. Sunlight: Place your herb garden in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
6. Harvesting: Regularly pinch off leaves to encourage bushier growth.

Tips for Success:

• Group herbs with similar watering needs together.
• Fertilize occasionally during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Bring your herb garden indoors during colder months and place it near a sunny window.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and planter combinations!

With a little creativity and these handy tips, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown herbs throughout the year, adding a delightful touch to your meals and creating a unique conversation starter in your home.

Remember: Upcycling is not only good for the environment but also adds a personal touch to your projects. So, unleash your inner DIY enthusiast and create a one-of-a-kind herb garden that reflects your style!https://www.magsstore.com/family-handyman-magazine-subscription