Not Planters, Not Pots: IKEA's Smarter Way To Grow Herbs Also Saves Space

Who doesn't love a good IKEA hack? The simple but durable furniture there is just begging to be upgraded and customized to more perfectly meet your needs and tastes. And who wouldn't enjoy an easy-to-move and bountiful herb garden? That's why planting your cilantro, basil, and other essential culinary herbs in a rolling trolley like IKEA's classic RÅSKOG utility cart is such a brilliant and easy DIY. It's not only a snap to roll around, but it's also a simple and effective way to grow vertically and more efficiently use your space. If you don't have an IKEA nearby, many other stores sell similar carts, and you may even be able to find a used one.

Technically, turning your utility cart into a garden could be as easy as filling the shelves with pots of plants instead of kitchenware or craft supplies. But you can also take things a step further and plant directly into the tiered shelves. With their preexisting mesh bottoms and shelf depths that vary between 2 ¾ and 3 ½ inches, depending on the cart size you choose, it doesn't take much at all to turn the entire thing into a vibrant herb planter. And thanks to the wheels, which can be locked in place, you can move your cart until you find the perfect spot for it in your yard or patio.

Since the RÅSKOG comes in two sizes, you'll have to begin by deciding which will work best for you. As the larger size has a higher weight limit and deeper shelves, it's likely the best option for most plant-related projects. The RÅSKOG is only recommended for indoor use, so you may also want to give your cart a coat of outdoor enamel paint to better help it stand up to the elements. Once your paint has dried and cured, you're ready to think about drainage. Since RÅSKOG already has mesh shelf bottoms, you shouldn't have to worry about water being able to drain. In fact, you may have almost too much drainage, allowing potting soil to escape through the holes as well. If this is the case, you can partially line the bottoms of the shelves with cardboard, plastic, or landscaping fabric. Just make sure water can still drain through.

With your cart ready, you can now add your potting soil mix. Just remember that wet potting mix is heavy, so be careful not to exceed the shelves' weight limit. The smaller RÅSKOG can handle 9 pounds per shelf, while the larger one can hold 13 pounds per shelf. With the potting mix in, you're ready to add your herbs. Put the ones that need the most sun on the top shelf, and use the lower shelves for plants like mint that can handle part shade. The cart could be a great way to contain your mint plant and keep it from taking over your garden.