How to Make a Wood and Metal Hanging Garden

Friday, June 9, 2017 -
How to build an industrial wood and metal hanging garden for flowers or herbs and learn how to mount it to a concrete block wall

*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. I have been compensated for my time and provided with product in exchange. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. 

Most of us in the southwest have a common view when we walk into the backyard - a massive concrete block wall. Although they are great for privacy and durability, they can look a little prison-yard-ish. My in-laws can grow just abut about anything, so I wanted to build them a cute, hanging garden to decorate their great wall of china, block fence. Drilling into concrete provides a new challenge, but is definitely do-able with the right tools. With the miles and miles of cinder block in Arizona, it's a skill I'm glad I learned. 



You could totally get creative with this Industrial vertical garden! Hang it on a wood fence, or even mount it on the wall inside. I love how the little metal buckets turned out, but the simple design would work with almost any containers. 



Materials List:


Cut List:
  • (2) 2 x 6 @ 48"
  • (2) 2 x 4 @ 38"
  • (2) 2 x 2 @ 48"
  • (4) 3/4" copper pipe @ 42-1/2"

1. The first step is to cut and drill the frame side pieces. The easiest way to ensure the holes are exactly lined up is to clamp the boards together and drill them at the same time. Place first hole 1-1/2" from edge and 2-1/2" from top. Measure 10-3/4" down and drill the next hole. Repeat with the third and fourth holes.



Drilling large holes can be difficult if you don't have a good drill. A lot of cordless drills simply don't have enough power. I used Ryobi's new 18-Volt Brushless Hammer Drill  on the "drill" setting and had no problem boring 7/8" openings through stacked 2 x 4's. 


2. Align 2 x 4 boards between side pieces, flush to the top and front edges. Pre-drill through sides and into ends of 2 x 4 boards. Secure using glue and 3" screws.



3. Whether you are going to attach your hanging garden to a fence or inside on the wall, you'll need something to mount the frame with. It's really simple if you attach some 2 x 2 cleats. Attach cleats flush to the back edge of the frame sides, using glue and 2-1/2" screws.



4. Cut 3/4" copper pipe into 42-1/2" lengths. 


I shared with you guys before my love for my angle grinder (I even wrote a post about grinders). You would probably assume I'd bust out the grinder to cut metal pipe, but in actuality, copper is very soft and would easily deform with a high speed cut-off wheel. I discovered the best solution would be either a pipe cutter, or a more versatile Dremel Multi-Max MM45 with a metal cutting attachment.



I had a different oscillating multi-tool in the past, but this one is SOOO much better. Hands down, the best feature is the tool-less attachment changing system. No more one-handed fumbling for an Alan wrench!



5. Measure the outer diameter of your pipe and make sure your drill bit is slightly larger. Side 3/4" pipe through holes and allow 3/4" overhang on each end.



6. Slide end caps over ends of pipe. Mine fit very snugly, but if yours are a little loose, attach with a small amount of epoxy. 



7. Pre-drill 3 homes through each cleat and into wall. 


If you are attaching your garden to cinder block wall like me, you'll have to use special masonry drill bits and anchors. Pre-drilling with the right size bit is critical! Otherwise, the anchor won't grab the block well. I was a little intimidated drilling into concrete block, but I switched over to the hammer drill setting on my new Ryobi drill and it worked like buttah! I had more than enough power.


Drive 3-1/4" screws through the cleats and into the wall, holding the frame in place. 

8. Drill a 3/16" hole in the bottom of each pot to help with drainage. 


9. Cut 20 equal length pieces of twice (about 9-10") and hang metal buckets from the rungs of pipe. Five buckets per row should fit comfortably. 



10. Place a layer of rocks at the bottom of each bucket for drainage, then fill with your favorite flowers or herbs and potting soil. 


The whole garden only took me about 4 hours to build, hang and plant. A great project for a Saturday afternoon!


I love how the copper pipe rungs look, but I can't wait until it ages and gets that gorgeous green patina. 



Although it's getting a little hot here in Arizona, this is absolutely the perfect time of the year for outdoor entertaining for the rest of you. If I had a a pool, I would totally build a second frame to hang pool towels from. 


how to make copper wood galvanized vertical herb flower garden tutorial

When I got my flowers planted, I started watering and discovered something cool. If I pour water into the top row of buckets, the water will drip out of the drain holes and into the containers below. Semi-self watering! 


galvanized buckets copper pipe diy hanging garden wall

Are you ready to add a little green to your backyard fence? Pin the image below to save the idea for later.

easy diy hanging flower herb garden concrete wall tutorial



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