Confounded by vegetable digging cats and toiling in the vegetable patch, Instructables member pippa5 came up with this cool DIY vertical garden solution. In case you don't recognize it, she used an old closet shoe organizer. Meant to keep your shoes off the floor and save you some space, this new use saves some space by getting your veggies or herbs off the ground.
It is similar to the reclaimed gutter vertical garden DIY we featured in April, but this one is even easier. While this would go great on the side of a shed, I think this solution is perfect for people that have no yard at all. Apartment dwellers could hang this on a balcony or in a patio, or even out the window! You probably won't be growing corn and squash in these repurposed planters, but from the looks of it, you should be able to get a pretty impressive herb garden growing.
Check out the DIY at Instructables
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I really want to try this. But just wondering, seems it might rot out pretty fast in the weather, esp. with all the dirt.
Does anyone have experience with that?
I have no fence area to hang it which would protect it form the rain. I like the idea lots.
I would get a water resitant one or canvas, something like that would dry out quickly and the sun would kill the if any bacteria that might come from the standing water. also small clay pots in the pockets.
That is a great idea – I would never have thought of using a shoe-organizer for a vertical herb garden. This solution needs only little space (=good for my small garden), keeps most of the pest away and every plant gets enough light. Thanks for this tip.
Great post! I found it very informative, especially where you stated that it is a solution for and apartment dweller
Nice post and pics
Around two years ago I went to China where I saw an arrangement of the most beautiful Sanctuary Gardens I have ever seen. They were absoloutey stunning – and the people were delightful. One person even let me help dig two trenches for some old timber that was going to make up a small vegetable patch
– just making my mark in China aha.
Thanks.
p.s. That vertical herb patch is wonderful.
This is one very clever idea! I love it. I also think that if you’re concerned about it looking ‘dirty’, you can dye the shoe organizer first with a dark color. Unfortunately, I think this is only for herbs with long stem. But they sure looks neat =) Thanks for sharing!
I tried this in May but by the end of the season the shoe holder had rotted out, also you have to be sure to water on a regular basis since it dries out pretty fast. But it looked good while it lasted and made a great view blocker.
This is a very creative idea. I tried this and it greatly improved my herb garden at home. Learn more herb gardening, its very very fun to do.
That is very ingenious! Maybe someday i’ll create a garden just like that. I’ll plant many flowers in it! Thanks for the post!
I’ve been thinking about doing stuff like that for quite a while now, was also thinking of setting up canvas sacks to grow tomatoes hanging upside down.
There is beautiful vertical garden implimentation that won’t rot out – see http://www.vertical-gardens.net I have one for herb gardening.
Cheers,
Cindy
What a great idea just in time for Spring! I’ve featured this on my website today along with several other DIY herb gardens. Thanks for the great tutorial!!!
I did this last season against my wall. OK system, tends to dry up though. My solution was to put in 16 oz cups I picked out of the garbage at the espresso shop(I have no shame- I love digging through the garbage) anf filled them with dirt after poking a drainage hole in the bottom. Wols solve Jimmie’s fear of rotting to quickly.
This is interesting, I’ve never thought of using these shoe racks as plant holders. I wonder how they would hold up through the weather though, and if sunlight still has a good effect on them over time. Cool idea though!
Wow. I really love this idea. I probably wont have to use it but its interesting! Great Job. I hopefully have a green thumb like you but I haven’t started planting anything yet. Still gathering information and putting it up on my website. Maybe I can feature this post and your invention in one of my posts? Let me know what you think.
This looks like a really great idea, I do wander how long they will last depending on the type of material it is made from though?
Great for small spaces, also it would work in cold area as the wall would keep your plants warmer.
White walls would also reflect light to help growth.
Happy Gardening
Marty, Karin and the Potted Vegetable Garden
I made one this week & love it. I chose a plastic shoe holder rather than canvas, the only thing that might rot is the stitching.
Hope it turns out as well as the one in the pics.
love it!!!
love the way you describe here. easy to follow and look effective to me.
Oh Good Job , Thank you.
Nice to Meet you !
I agree with great idea and a beautiful garden.
Thank a lot for great idea.
I love the idea of using a shoe organizer to grow plants. I’m gonna try this today. Thanks for the tip.
There are MANY shoe organizers made out of different fabrics. I know that the plasticy ones would last but who knows if they would drain well enough. Also, you can grow micro greens in one of these to have salad all summer.
Such a fantastic idea!!! I put one up this past weekend filled with herbs and greens (well, at least seeds for greens) and it looks beautiful and brings so much life to a once baren space! Think even with more space, I’d still employ this idea, figure even if the organizer rots after a season, at twelve bucks, I can buy a new one every year!!
Oh Good Job
Thank you.
I just love your idea! I live in a big building and you made me dream about my own house and have the same garden.