What is a gutter garden?
A gutter garden is an innovative and space-saving method of growing plants in repurposed or new rain gutters. These shallow, elongated planters are typically mounted horizontally on walls, fences, railings, or even vertically in tiered systems. They are particularly popular for growing herbs, lettuces, strawberries, and other shallow-rooted plants in urban environments, small patios, or areas where ground space is limited. It’s a fantastic way to upcycle materials and add greenery to unexpected places.
Benefits: space-saving, upcycling, aesthetics
- Space-Saving: Ideal for small balconies, patios, urban settings, or fences where ground space is at a premium. They utilize vertical space efficiently.
- Upcycling: A great way to give old, discarded rain gutters a new purpose, promoting sustainability and reducing waste. New gutters also work perfectly.
- Aesthetics: Adds a unique, modern, and often charming visual element to outdoor spaces. You can create vibrant displays of herbs, flowers, or cascading greenery.
- Accessibility: Raising plants off the ground makes them more accessible for those with mobility issues and can reduce bending during gardening tasks.
- Pest Control: Can potentially keep some ground-dwelling pests away from your plants.
Planning: choosing gutter types & layout
- Gutter Types:
- Vinyl (PVC) Gutters: Most popular for gutter gardens due to their low cost, light weight, ease of cutting, and snap-together installation.
- Aluminum Gutters: More durable and available in various colors, but require specific tools for cutting and sealing.
- Plastic/Metal Half-Round Gutters: Offer a classic look and are generally shallower, good for herbs.
- Layout:
- Horizontal: Single rows mounted on a wall or fence.
- Tiered/Vertical: Multiple rows mounted one above the other, creating a living wall effect. Ensure adequate spacing for plants in lower tiers to receive sunlight.
- Freestanding: Gutters mounted on a frame or stand.
- Sunlight: Crucially, assess the amount of sunlight the chosen location receives. Most edibles need at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Materials & setup
Soil, drainage holes, mounting
- Soil: Use a high-quality, lightweight potting mix specifically designed for containers. Avoid heavy garden soil, which can compact and impede drainage.
- Drainage Holes: This is critical! Drill multiple drainage holes (1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter) every 6-8 inches along the bottom of the gutter to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Mounting: Use sturdy brackets or hangers designed for gutters. Ensure they are securely screwed into wall studs, fence posts, or a robust frame. Overestimate the weight; soil and wet plants can be heavy.
Frame & spacing
- Frame (for vertical gardens): Construct a strong frame from wood or metal that can bear the weight of multiple filled gutters. Ensure the frame is securely anchored.
- Spacing: When designing tiered systems, leave ample vertical space between gutters (e.g., 12-18 inches) to allow plants to grow freely and to ensure lower rows receive adequate sunlight. Consider the mature size of your plants.
Planting guide: best crops for gutters
Gutter gardens are best suited for shallow-rooted plants:
- Herbs: Basil, cilantro, mint, chives, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary.
- Leafy Greens: Various types of lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, Swiss chard.
- Strawberries: Excellent choice, as their roots are shallow and runners can cascade beautifully.
- Small Flowers: Petunias, impatiens, marigolds, nasturtiums, and other annuals.
- Radishes & Carrots (short varieties): Can work if the gutter is deep enough.
- Bush Beans: Dwarf varieties.
Common challenges: watering, heat, nutrients
- Watering: Gutters are shallow, so they dry out quickly, especially in hot weather. Daily watering (sometimes twice daily) might be necessary. Consider a drip irrigation system for efficiency.
- Heat: Metal gutters can absorb and retain heat, potentially stressing plants in direct sun. Choose lighter-colored gutters or provide some afternoon shade.
- Nutrients: Frequent watering can leach nutrients from the soil. Regular fertilization (liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks) is crucial to replenish nutrients.
- Limited Root Space: Root-bound plants are a common issue. Choose smaller varieties or thin plants regularly.
Maintenance: weeding, fertilizing, seasonal care
- Weeding: Regularly remove weeds, as they compete for limited resources.
- Fertilizing: As mentioned, consistent fertilization is key. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to the recommended strength.
- Pruning: Trim herbs and greens regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent bolting.
- Pest & Disease Control: Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Address issues promptly.
- Seasonal Care:
- Spring: Clean gutters, replenish soil, plant new crops.
- Summer: Daily watering, regular fertilization.
- Fall: Harvest remaining crops, prepare gutters for winter (clean, store if plastic, or leave empty).
- Winter: In cold climates, remove annuals. Protect perennials, or bring gutters indoors if practical.
Inspiring examples & designs
- Herb Wall: A series of horizontal gutters on a kitchen exterior wall, creating a convenient herb garden.
- Strawberry Cascades: Gutters mounted at different heights, with strawberries spilling over the edges.
- Vertical Salad Bar: Tiered gutters growing different types of lettuce and greens, perfect for quick harvests.
- Flowering Fence: Brightly painted gutters filled with colorful annuals along a fence line.
Transform your space with a beautiful and productive gutter garden! Find the perfect gutters for your project and get expert advice at All Gutters. Visit our website for ideas!