This Old Pallet Was Turned Into a Vertical Herb Garden That Doesn’t Feel Like Scrap
Wood pallets often end up stacked in garages or thrown away after deliveries. Most people see them as scrap wood, but their structure already creates usable sections. Instead of breaking the pallet apart completely, this project modifies the frame and turns it into a vertical herb garden.
The idea is simple: the pallet becomes the planter.
How the Pallet Herb Garden Works
The pallet acts as a vertical frame with built-in rows for planting.
The design includes three main parts:
- Pallet frame that supports the structure
- Modified rows that hold soil
- Lined interior that keeps everything contained
Because pallets already have spacing between boards, the layout only needs small adjustments.
The Simple Build Process
The project uses a full pallet and reshapes it into planting tiers.
- Remove selected slats – Take out inner boards to open up space and define where the planting rows will sit.
- Reposition and secure boards – Attach boards horizontally to create clear planting levels and close off the front edges.
- Create bottom supports for each row – Add or keep lower boards in place so each section can hold soil without falling through.
- Reinforce the structure – Secure all joints with nails or screws to keep the frame stable once filled.
- Apply paint or finish – Coat the wood to protect it from moisture and visually define the rows.
- Line each section – Add plastic liner inside every row to hold soil and prevent leakage.
- Fill with soil – Add potting mix into each lined section, pressing it evenly across the rows.
- Plant the herbs – Insert herbs like basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary into each level.
Where This Type of Garden Works Best
Because the structure is vertical, the pallet does not take up much ground space. This makes it suitable for areas where traditional garden beds would not fit.
It can be placed:
- Against an exterior wall
- On a balcony or terrace
- In small backyards with limited planting space
- Near a kitchen door for quick access
The upright format keeps everything visible and within reach, which makes daily use easier compared to ground-level planting.
What You Can Grow in Each Row
The shallow depth of each section works best with plants that do not require deep roots.
Good options include:
- Herbs like basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary
- Leafy greens such as lettuce or spinach
- Small companion plants or flowers
Each row can hold a different type of plant, making it easy to organize and rotate depending on the season.
Why Vertical Pallet Gardens Work
Vertical gardens solve two common problems: lack of space and lack of structure.
They allow multiple plants to grow in a compact footprint while keeping everything organized. The pallet frame already creates separation between rows, so plants do not compete for the same space in the same way as in flat beds.
With proper watering and placement, the structure supports continuous use without needing a large garden area.