I'm not the OP, but I did replace our back stairs with the store bought risers and I can tell you that if you want it to be free standing, you'll need something secure in the back to attach the risers to. If I were making this freestanding, I'd make a platform for the bottom out of a 1/2" thick piece of plywood. I'd attach two 2x4's to one end of the platform. I would attach the top of the risers to the 2x4's, and then attach the bottom of the risers to the other end of the platform. That will make the unit free standing. However, it won't be very portable, unless you put wheels at the bottom of the platform.

You could also put 1X4's on the inside at the top of the risers that go vertically at the back and attach a cross piece like the front at the bottom to make it stable in the back and then run a 2X2 or 2X4 horizontally in between the risers at the top back. to be even more secure put one horizontally in the middle.

Googled it.

Purchase two sets of risers and secure them together at the top and a board from the bottom of each to the other. It would double your space.

Two sets, back to back? That's what I was thinking, if you have a large enough space. Oh, now I'm thinking strawberries, just because I never have that many herb plants.

I thank you for your post but was wooed about siding of home. I do like Ann idea about 2 back to back. Like a ladder.

I would and put some gravel in the bottom or rocks.

Planter boxes seem to be plastic, so I would drill some holes and be sure to place planters where the excess water run off won't matter.

I like having drainage holes because if it rains, I don't worry about my plants flooding. After drilling your holes, you could line it with landscape fabric which allow for drainage but keeps the dirt all in.

ADDED NOTE: I just went to the Dollar Tree store near me and bought a 4'x8' pkg of landscape fabric (The kind that allows for drainage) that would work perfect in this project.

If you're on a budget, a couple coffee filters will keep dirt in as well.

I use coffee filters (the brown kind)and gravel and have no problem.

Where can I buy the Risers as I am handicapped and cannot do this any more but i can put it together. So tell me where to get the risers, please.

Hi Danielle, most Home Depot or Lowe's will ship via UPS. I'm in Bakersfiel, CA, and can order the risers to ship for $6.99. Any amount over $45 ships free. I keep a Home Depot list on my fridge right next to my grocery list. When I'm close to the $45 I'll place an order online. (If you're not quite there, add some cleaning products or something fun 😊)

I put disposable diapers in my planters and hanging pots. Keeps the dirt in and retains moisture. I then don't have to water as often. I like this idea using the risers! I have just the spot for this.

Newspaper works well in the planters also. This is what my Master Gardner's group uses.

You can use the used coffee filters and include the coffee as plants love that stuff.

The weight of the soil-filled planter boxes should be fully sufficient to prevent them from flying in the wind. I have 2 laid across brackets and they have never moved in the highest winds I've experienced on my balcony (gusts over 30 mph) You wouldn't need boards across the risers for the same reason, unless you want to cut holes in them to hold flower pots and display a row of pots instead of a planter box.

We have hurricanes in Miami, so it would have to be super secure or brought indoors. It's a great idea, though, and I'm going to try it. Cross your fingers that there won't be hurricanes this year!

Betty, just a thought... Find old belts at a thrift store or GoodWill and belt the planters to the risers! The buckle would add a little zip to the front of the planters, and you can easily undo them if you need to clean out a box or two.

> As a general rule, you plant herbs after you are sure no more frost. Night temps of upper 40s a good start.

> Planter boxes should have holes for drainage. If not, drill some about 5 1/4" holes for boxes shown. > Do keep them in area that's morning sun or not too much heat, especially at the start--seeds might cook in the heat. When they sprout,let them get used to the heat before putting in permanently in risers. A removable attachment to the riser may be advisable. This will.allow you to bring them in the fall if you can get them to winter over (herbs can be hard to keep alive through the winter if they are annuals). If you've tried and no success from seed, wait for hardware store sales. Get them then, then plant in your riser garden!!