Whether you are short on space for garden beds or want an unconventional garden, rain gutter planters are a unique and space-efficient way to grow a garden. With a few supplies, you can make your garden in rain gutter planters to utilize your outdoor vertical space.
Find out more about building rain gutters planters below.
How to Build Rain Gutter Planters
Step 1 — Gather materials. You’ll need:
- Gutters (you choose how many you’d like and how long you want them)
- A pair of end caps for each gutter
- Two hanging screws for each gutter
- A drill, drill bit, and screw
- Strong glue
- Potting materials (plants, soil, small rocks, etc.)
Step 2 — Drill several holes throughout the bottom of the gutter. This will allow your planters to drain, which will help your plants avoid root rot.
Step 3 — Glue end caps on the ends of each of your gutters. Gluing isn’t necessary, though your end caps may pop off if you don’t glue them.
Step 4 — Use the gutter hangers to hang your planters. If you’d like, you can hang them barely slanted to help with draining.
Step 5 — Before you add your soil, place a layer of small rocks to further assist with draining. Lastly, add your soil and then place your vegetables, fruit, and plants.
Reasons to Choose Rain Gutter Planters
- Rain gutter planters are ideal for smaller backyards because they easily attach to a fence or the side of your home or garage. They take up less than a half a foot of space and allow you to make the most of your yard without tearing up grass and taking space for a garden.
- If you have children or dogs that have a hard time staying out of your garden or flower beds, rain gutter planters might be the right choice. You can place them just out of reach.
- Back problems prevent many people from bending over to do gardening. Rain gutter planters can be placed at waist height, allowing you to work in your garden without the pain of bending over.
- Rain gutter planters are great because they can be moved from home to home. Just keep in mind, especially if you are renting your home, to not permanently damage the fence your wall where you attach your planters. Avoid attaching your planters to a fence or wall by building a stand for them. This way, you can move it wherever you’d like to maximize or minimize sunlight.
Pro Tips for Rain Gutter Planters
- Avoid using the rain gutters that are attached to the roof of your home to grow plants. This gutter system is responsible for redirecting rain away from your house and protecting against water damage and erosion. Using them as planters would not allow water to flow freely and cause leaks.
- Plant your favorite lettuces, spinach, and other greens. Rain gutter planters are also the perfect place to plant strawberries, green onions, snap peas, herbs, chives, garlic, radishes, and other small root vegetables. You can also plant flowers and other greenery.
- Find a place in your yard where your planters will get the best sun. East facing is ideal for most areas and climates.
Contact M & M Gutters
Whether you are building rain gutter planters, or need a gutter system for your home, contact the professionals at M & M Gutters. There is no request too big or too little for our team of experts. Contact us for all of your rain gutter system and siding needs today.