How to Build a Box for Herbs

Construction

• 1

  Decide where to place the herb box -- such as outside a window, in a raised garden or in a sunny indoor spot.

• 2

  Measure your location, and determine how big the box should be. For example, if you're planning a window box, measure the width of your window. For an indoor herb box, measure the length and width of the window ledge or table you'll set it on.

• 3

  Measure and cut box sides and ends to fit your location. The length of the ends will determine how wide your box will be. If you're making a window box, 6 to 8 inches is a good width; remember to anchor it well to the outside of the window, as it will not have support on the bottom. If your box will sit on a ledge or a table, your width is limited only by how much space you have.

• 4

  Assemble the four sides of the box, placing the end pieces between the side pieces and screwing them together. Using three screws -- top, middle and bottom -- at each end of the long sides, join the pieces into a rectangle.

• 5

  Secure the bottom pieces to the box, using three screws, equally distributed, on each joined side.

• 6

  Sand down any rough edges.

• 7

  Using an environmentally safe, nontoxic sealer, such as linseed oil, coat the outside of the box to make it weather proof. If the box will be inside, paint the outside of the box in the color you desire, using nontoxic paint.

Filling The Box

• 8

  Cut a piece of black garden-liner fabric large enough to completely line the inside of the box. Fold and tuck the fabric to fit the shape of the box, and use a staple gun to secure the liner to all four sides. The liner will prevent the soil from washing out of the box when you water the plants.

• 9

  Fill the box halfway with a mixture of good quality potting soil and vermiculite.

• 10

  Place your chosen herbs in the box, leaving them enough room to grow and fill out. Herbs planted in a single box should complement each others' needs for light, water and warmth. Good choices for a single box are Italian herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley; Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, marjoram and thyme; a variety of mints; and chives, garlic, parsley and green onion.

• 11

  Fill the rest of the box with the potting soil, firming the soil around the plants as you go, leaving about 2 inches from the top. Water the plants well.

• 12

  Tuck moss around the plants, filling all the empty space around the plants. This will help the box retain moisture between waterings.