How to tower of Herbs

Don't miss out on fresh herbs (or pay a lot for them at the market) just because you don't have a big yard. Situate this compact herb garden in a sunny spot near the kitchen door for easy snipping.
Martha Stewart Living, March 2010
Don't miss out on fresh herbs (or pay a lot for them at the market) just because you don't have a big yard. Situate this compact herb garden in a sunny spot near the kitchen door for easy snipping.

Tools and Materials

5 terra-cotta planters
Soilless potting mix
Assorted herbs

The How-To

Our planter has rosemary, sage, parsley, thyme, oregano, basil, and chives -- all readily available in nurseries and versatile in the kitchen. Any herbs can be used. If you want to grow mint, plant it on its own in the top pot, since it can overwhelm other herbs.

Place largest planter in the location selected for the herb garden. Center 1 smaller pot within, upside down (with at least 6 inches of space around the inverted pot); fill ring between the two with potting mix.

Repeat to create a second layer with 2 smaller pots, with 4 inches between them. Place final pot right side up on second inverted pot. Fill with potting mix. Plant herbs in all three layers.