How to make your own copper indoor herb garden
Many people dream of having their own garden, but there just isn't enough time, money or space. Luckily there's a solution for this problem. A crafty person can think of a made-to-measure project that will make use of a little bit of space really well. The result is really amazing.
Here's how:
First, measure the inner diameter of a pot. Then separate four pieces of copper pipe at this length using a pipe cutter.
With four copper T-shaped fittings, the cut parts will be connected to form a square. Before the fittings are put together, they get a bit of gorilla glue. This ensures they'll hold properly.
So do you have everything fitted together? The pot mustn't slip through it; that's why the inner and not the outer diameter is measured.
Two further squares are made exactly like this. At both ends of the mini-ladder, shorter copper pieces are added so that the ladder consists of three complete and two half squares.
In total, three mini-ladders like this are built. Another copper T-fitting is added to the ends of these but the openings should point up.
Now all three mini ladders are connected on top of one another. The distance between them should be between 10 and 15 inches.
Now here's the key moment: the copper pipe should fit perfectly into the window. To do so, we need to cut more parts that will be stacked up and down on the mini-ladder. Using a 90° elbow and four more pieces of copper pipe that are put onto the ends, the shelf is almost done. Now it just needs to be screwed on with some pipe straps up and down on the window ledge.
A few pots of herbs provide the final touch — the homemade herb shelf is done and fits in every corner. Excess water runs right from the pot and then into a couple of glasses bottles.
If you want it to be a bit smaller, then you might opt for this version. This one also requires less time and material. And you can put it practically anywhere.
Watch the following video for a step-by-step guide:
If you also want to build a shelf like this, you'll need:
- copper pipe
- 36 copper T-fittings (in the appropriate diameter for the pipe)
- 8 copper 90° elbows (note the diameter)
- gorilla glue
- 8 copper pipe straps (note the diameter)
- 16 screws
- 9 identical flower pots
- tube cutter
As well as having a modern design, a shelf like this makes the best use of light and space. Maybe there's a window in your home that could do with brightening up. If your window ledge is large enough, leave a bit of space between the window and the shelf so that you can still open it. If there's a second window free in the room, then it's not a problem since you can ventilate the room using that window.