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Cambridge, MN on Mar 14, 2011

I rent and we don't have very much indoor space for a garden.

I do however have a bigger deck than most rental properties. I need ideas on how to go about planting my own veggies, fruits and spices without taking up too much room. They built the deck last year and I took it upon myself to landscape around it with red mulch and pavers. Though the homeowner loved it and mocked it on the other apartments in the house....I don't want to press my luck by planting anything without her permission. If I were to get a no response please help me with ideas of making this work. I should also mention that I had to planters and they were a pain to move around on the deck when we had barbecue's~which we have plenty of~so I need something practical! Thank you!!!!

7 Comments

KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

The problem with planting in containers on decks is that they often cause rot bellow the pots...a landlord might get pissed off that you are rotting their brand new deck away. Container gardening can work if they are set on small "benches" or stands that would limit moisture damage to the decking. using smaller containers require more frequent watering but still allows them to be moved.
One possibility might be to design a larger system on a wheeled cart that could be moved to ...»
different areas of the deck to limit prolonged contact in one spot.

on Mar 14, 2011 · Like 3
Hudson Designs Loganville, GA

I have seen many do very well with the reverse growing from hanging plants upside down. Could you do that to help save some floor space on the deck?
Or maybe some window boxes added the the outer rail edge?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_9507-53946-5824C_0__...

on Mar 14, 2011 · Like 1
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmo... Duluth, GA

Stephanie, You could have containers or planters installed to your railings, These are great! They don't come in your way, you still have space for foot circulation and they make any deck look awesome. You could also buy garden planter holders, they hold up to 2-3 plants. If you had a pergola I would suggest suspend containers from the frame.

on Mar 14, 2011 · Like 1
Stephanie Cambridge, MN

They are all great idea! I am pregnant and though it wouldn't be hard to move little plants it would be a pain to move the wheeled cart back and forth! My baby is due in June and I wouldn't have sufficient time to move them back and forth. I love the idea about a bench and it would look really cute but I think that would end up having the same moving problem as I had before! I have thought about the hanging plants~thanks for that idea! I could definitely save on floor space for barbecues ...»
and kids not touching them! I don't know however if I am allowed to put them on but I will definitely check! I never thought about the idea of having them attached to my railings! That is very unique! Thank you all for the help! I am already in the nesting stages for baby and I have been moving it to every part of my house! Now I am ready to tackle the outside since MN is in for a very nice warm up this week!!!

on Mar 15, 2011 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Stephanie,
Don't under estimate the ease of wheels or carts....I've moved carts with over 1000 pounds of concrete and other material on them with out too much trouble. A well designed cart with just a few hundred pounds of planter should be no trouble ...even for pregnant people......congratulations of the new family member.

on Mar 16, 2011 · Like 0
Stephanie Cambridge, MN

It becomes a problem when you are on weight restrictions but thank you! I

on Mar 16, 2011 · Like 0
Doug B Durham, NC

I saw this on a house i worked on. On the outside of the deck along the band board just under the decking 6" aluminum gutter was hung. The bottom had holes in it for drainage. The couple grew peppers, onions, parsley, all sorts of things. The deck and gutter was about waist high and took up little to no space except for the 6 inches the deck grows on the outside band.
I hope that helps. ...»

p.s. if you do this yourself put a hanger every 2 feet and use 1 inch or longer screws. No nails. Dirt is heavy, wet dirt is heavier.

on Mar 16, 2011 · Like 1