Not Planters Or Pots: IKEA Has A Smarter Way To Grow Herbs On A Budget

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Herbs aren't just some of the most delicious things you can grow; they're also some of the most cost-effective. Basil, for example, is more expensive than beef per pound at most stores. Of course, growing your own herbs also requires a good container, especially if you want to do it indoors. Instead of spending money on traditional planters or pots, you can turn a few affordable IKEA pieces into a movable herb-growing setup that saves space and makes tending your plants easier. Just grow your plants in a TROFAST Storage Container, nestle it in a KNAGGLIG Pine Box, and add some ALEX Casters to the bottom for easy movement. Your rolling herb unit will cost under $35 total.

The clever part of this IKEA hack is that it combines a wooden outer box with a lightweight plastic growing container, giving you a functional herb garden without the cost or bulk of large planters. You'll also be able to roll your herb containers around your home instead of lugging heavy pots or planters. It's perfect for when you need to rearrange your living space or relocate your herbs closer to a sunny window. This hack offers many of the same benefits as using an IKEA RÅSKOG cart to grow herbs, since it also lets you easily move your plants. Because neither the TROFAST nor KNAGGLIG is recommended for outdoor use, though, you'll want to refrain from putting this DIY planter on a patio or deck. For a version of this project better suited for outdoor use, you could use something like the Flamaker Deck Box with the lid removed. 

To start your herb container, assemble your KNAGGLIG according to the instructions. You can then stain or paint the wood to make it a bit more durable. A waterproof stain or seal is a good idea, as the wood is likely to get wet on occasion when you water the plants. Once the stain dries, you're ready to add your ALEX casters to the bottom of the box. Next, drill drainage holes into the bottom of your plastic TROFAST box, so your herbs won't get waterlogged.

@project_34_selfbuild

Anyone else just sat waiting for spring? Last year I turned the IKEA Trotast and KNAGGLIG (it fits inside perfectly!) into a cute little DIY wheely herb & veggie gardens! From Ikea : – TROFAST (42x30x23 cm) – KNAGGLIG (46x31x25 cm) #ikeahack #raisedbeds #veggiegarden #herbgarden #waitingforspring

♬ Carefree Days – Peaceful Reveries

Now you're ready to assemble your unit. Nest your TROFAST inside the wooden KNAGGLIG and add potting mix for your herbs. Then, just add in your plants, and you have a gorgeous container garden. While you could put almost any herbs in this DIY with grow lights, if the plants are only getting sun from a window, you may want to consider growing things like mint that can handle dimmer conditions. Additionally, consider sliding a lid under the KNAGGLIG to catch any water that drains through and to prevent your floor from getting wet.