Kitchen Herb Garden In Galvanized Buckets
About 3 years ago we gutted our landscaping and that meant the herb garden was part of the purge. I really didn’t mind, it seemed like it was out of control anyway. It had that cottage garden feel, which I love, but for myself it’s just to messy and and not a look that I can do.
I seem to like things that have defined edges, and stay in their own neat little space so when the gut happened I had to reestablish an herb garden and I chose to do it in galvanized buckets that I’ve had for years.
I’ve been using galvanized farm buckets way before they were popular to use in farmhouse design. And here’s a tip (purchase them at tractor supply stores you’ll find them for much less than garden centers). Farmers aren’t aware how trendy they are, lol.
This year I decided to only plant the herbs I use everyday for cooking. I normally have a bigger variety but I decided why plant what I don’t use? So this year it’s Basil, Cilantro, Thyme, Parsley, Rosemary, Oregano, and Dill. I’m totally obsessed with spinach and basil salads right now, so my Basil’s been getting a heavy daily pruning.
Since the herbs will have to survive in buckets all season I make sure and plant them in a good potting soil mix that I purchase from a nursery. We have topsoil stockpiled on the property but I don’t feel like it has all the nutrients the herbs will need for a complete season.
I’ve also learned over the years herbs love to be neglected. They actually do better when they’re not watered every day. When I see them wilting I water them with the hose and if they start to go to seed before I use them I give them a heavy pruning and they’ll produce again.
I love how they look. I couldn’t control my flower beds either and they’d become a real mess. I dug up my favorite ones and replanted them in three different areas – the rest I got rid of. In the areas that I purged, I put down some cardboard and a deep layer of sawdust. Then I purchased 4 galvanized metal water troughs and put 2 in each bed. My husband drilled holes in the bottoms for draining. I put them up on pavers over the sawdust. My son added some stepping stones between each raised bed. They’re contained, look adorable, and I can control the weeds easily. I also bought 2 round galvanized tubs, which I can move around. These contain my veggie garden – it’s small but yields enough for 3 adults. I like to something every year – maybe some buckets of herbs this summer. 😉
Jen, I love garden idea. I’m with you when it becomes such a chore to take care of something has to go. Our landscape design is so simple I hardly ever have to pull a weed and only have to prune the shrubs about every 3 years. I’m into whats simple as I age.
Your herb pots are so cute and I just love the galavnized pails. What a great idea.
Cheryl I went garage saleing this weekend and purchased 2 more galvanized pails for $1, I’m happy as a clam.