Rain Gutter Gardens Are What You Want, And We've Got The DIY To Prove It

If you're short on space but want to add a splash of color to your outdoor living area, this fun DIY transforms dull drain pipes into an adorable rain gutter garden. Their narrow size makes these cute planters a perfect fit for patios and balconies where elbowroom can be limited. Plus, it's ideal for container gardening — especially for beginners. It's an easy DIY to make and maintain.

Caroline Burke

Step 1

Decide what length your planters will be. We decided to make two 5-foot planters from our 10-foot piece of gutter pipe.

Caroline Burke

Step 2

Measure where you want to cut the pipe and mark that point. (We used some tape to indicate the cut line.)

Caroline Burke

Cut the gutter to size with a hacksaw.

Caroline Burke

Step 3

Drill small pilot holes at regular intervals along one side of the gutter — be sure to keep them close to the top edge.

Caroline Burke

We drilled four pilot holes per planter on ours. (You can also drill some drainage holes along the bottom of the planters at this stage.)

Caroline Burke

Step 4

Fix the end caps onto each end of the gutter planters.

Caroline Burke

Step 5

Screw one end of the gutter to your fence (or external wall) then use a spirit level to check the planters are level.

Caroline Burke

Drill in the remaining screws. (We used 1-inch wood screws to fix the planters to our wooden fence panels.) If you're fixing to brick walls you'll need to pre-drill your wall holes using a masonry drill bit.

Caroline Burke

Step 6

Once the planters are secure you can start to add some compost.

Caroline Burke

Half fill the gutter pipe with compost, ready for your greenery.

Caroline Burke

Then plant your flowers, herbs, or vegetables to finish!

Caroline Burke

Caroline Burke