Hang Potted Herbs From This DIY Wood Hanger

By  Carrie Waller
Hanging herb plants with rope and and wood dowel by door Carrie Waller for Hunker

If you'd love to grow your own herb garden, but lack the outdoor space, this DIY is for you. In just seven simple steps, you can create a suspended wood hanger to hold your favorite herbs in pots. Trust us when we tell you that this is one project you can easily do, whether you live in a big or small home. Perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, or simply for fans of the boho-chic look.

Hanging herb plants with rope and s-hooks by wood doorCarrie Waller for Hunker

Things Needed

  • Hand saw

  • Dowel rod, 7/8 inch by 48 inch

  • Measuring tape

  • Pen or pencil

  • Cordless drill

  • Drill bits

  • Rope

  • Clear tape

  • Scissors

  • Herbs

  • Hanging pots

  • 2 hooks

  • 2 drywall anchors, if needed

  • Level

Terracotta-rope potCarrie Waller for Hunker

Step 1

Based on your own unique space and needs, cut the dowel rod down to size using a hand saw. The finished hanging garden you see in this tutorial is 28 inches long.

Saw with two wood dowelsCarrie Waller for Hunker

Step 2

Measure and mark the dowel rod where the two rope hangers will go. For this demonstration, the rope was situated four inches in from the side, but you may customize that measurement to your taste as long as the rope sits at least one inch in from either end.

Measuring tape with pen and wood dowelCarrie Waller for Hunker

Step 3

Outfit a cordless drill with a bit that's just a little thicker than the rope you plan to use. Drill through the hole you marked in the previous step, and repeat on the mark on the opposite end of the dowel rod.

Power drill with wood dowelCarrie Waller for Hunker

Step 4

Without cutting the rope off the spool just yet, run the end through the first hole you drilled. Unravel three to four feet of rope off the spool and cut it with scissors. You'll want to leave yourself extra until it comes time to hang the herb garden so you can customize the height. Repeat on the opposite end of the dowel.

Note: You can wrap the end of the rope with clear tape and cut it at an angle with scissors to make pushing it through the hole a little easier.

Wood dowel with spool of ropeCarrie Waller for Hunker

Step 5

Plant your herbs in individual pots outfitted with rope hangers. We used rosemary, 'Crimson King' basil, chives, and chocolate mint for our hanging herb garden. Click here to learn about other herb varieties that thrive in containers!

Terracotta pot with rope next to potted herb plantCarrie Waller for Hunker

Step 6

Measure and mark the ceiling where you'd like your hanging garden to go. Using the drill and another drill bit matched to the size of your hardware, install two hooks in the ceiling. Note that you'll need to use drywall anchors if you're unable to drive your hooks into ceiling studs. Anchors will ensure a strong hold.

Install two hooks in the ceiling where you plan to hang the garden.Carrie Waller

Step 7

Slip the hanging potted herbs onto the dowel rod between the rope. Hold the hanging garden — potted herbs and all — up to the hooks in the ceiling, and note how low you'd like it to hang. Note that the pots need to be within easy reach for everyday use, and that you'll need to set a level on the dowel rod to ensure an even finish. Tie a slip knot in the rope on either side once you figure out the placement of the garden, and cut off the excess rope. Hang the garden on the hooks to finish.

Hanging plants with wood door and dresser with watering canCarrie Waller for Hunker
White-walled room with wood doorCarrie Waller for Hunker

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