Easy Gutter Garden for a Deck
7 Materials
$50
3 Hours
Easy
Want to plant a garden on your deck without taking up valuable space? Install an inexpensive rain gutter along the outside edge of your deck railing for instant gardening space!
Get the full tutorial here.
First, measure your deck to determine how long you want your gutter garden to be. I decided to put my garden down the length of one long side of our deck, which is 22 feet long. Now purchase aluminum rain gutters long enough. I had to get two 10-foot-long gutters to get my desired length of 18 feet long.
Attach your gutters together with a gutter seamer, if necessary. If your gutters are too long once put together, as mine were, trim off one end with a jigsaw, which can cut through this relatively lightweight aluminum easily.
Attach your gutter to the outside edge of your deck rail using 1-1/4 inch wood screws and gutter hangers placed about two feet apart. Also drill some water drainage holes in your gutter about 8" apart. Add caps to the ends of your gutters to keep your dirt and plants in.
Your gutter garden is ready for you to add dirt and plants! You may also want to consider adding sand and/or gravel to the bottom of your gutter before you add dirt, as this will help with drainage. Be sure to keep it well watered, especially if it gets a lot of sun. I recommend lettuce and herbs for gutter gardens.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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2 of 33 comments
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Great idea !!!
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I will plant marigolds and pansies and something else for fall. I’m going to place screen with holes big enough for flowers to grow but to keep leaves out.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Do you need to punch holes in the bottom for drainage? Won't the pebbles, dirt, and plants be too heavy and make the gutter maerial rip through where the screws attach it to the deck rail - especially as it gets longer? If neither of these are valid concerns, it's a wonderful idea! SK
What kind of plants are you planting in there? Succulents would look nice in there.
How is this deep enough to plant something? Do you have to water it every day?