Tools and Materials
Materials
- Pencil
Marker
- Rope
- Gutters
Plants, herbs or succulents
- Soil
- S- Hooks
- Planter hooks
- Spray paint
- Tape
How to Make a DIY Gutter Planter
You can craft a beautiful planter with multiple layers using a vinyl gutter. You can also use a metal gutter for this project, but it might be more difficult to cut. Follow these instructions to make a DIY hanging gutter planter.
Decide where you want to hang the DIY gutter planter. There is no fixed rule and you can hang them both indoors and outdoors. It's best to finalize the location depending on the amount of sunlight your plants will require. Find a spot with ample direct sunlight to pot some herbs. For succulents, find a warm and sunny location.
Direct exposure to sunlight can harm newly planted succulents. Provide them with some shade using sheer outdoor curtains.
Once you have finalized the location, grab a measuring tape. Determine the comfortable length of the DIY gutter planter. Also, determine the exact width of the planter.
Ensure that it is not too large or too small for the area. For instance, you can use 12 feet of gutters to make three sections measuring 4 feet each. While at it, visualize how many tiers would look best in that space.
It is recommended that you draw a blueprint before cutting the material. This will also help you finalize the number and spacing of tiers. Note the distance between the different tiers. Two or three tiers ideally look best. Adding too many tiers might give a cramped-up look to the gutter planter.
In the blueprint, mark the total width of gutters, length of the planter and distance between the tiers. The distance between the tiers will determine the length of rope needed to connect them.
Refer to your blueprint to check the length of jute ropes required. You will need rope sections for two purposes. First, to hang the DIY gutter planter onto a ceiling, beam or any other support. Second, to connect the different tiers of the gutter planter. Incorporate both of these lengths when measuring the rope.
Use a pencil and measuring tape to mark where to cut the gutter. Double-check the measurements before cutting. Use a jigsaw to cut the gutter material where marked. Repeat the same process to cut gutter material for all other tiers.
Wear safety glasses when working with a jig saw.
Take one gutter and place it upside down. Use a marker or pencil to mark holes on the base. Keep a distance of 3 inches from each corner. These holes will be used to connect the different tiers.
Mark a few holes for water drainage between these two holes. Use a measuring tape to mark drainage holes at equal distances. Follow the same process for other gutters. Make holes in all the gutters with a drill machine.
Spray paint the different tiers of gutters to match your home decor. Ensure to buy paint for plastic surfaces when using vinyl gutters. Opt for water-resistant paint if you plan to hang the planter outdoors.
Refer to the blueprint you made in step 4 to confirm the total length of the DIY gutter planter. Mark this same length on the rope with a marker. Add the length of rope required to hang the planter to the desired support. Cut two sections of rope of this length with heavy-duty scissors.
Consider ordering custom-cut ropes to the desired length. You will receive ropes with melted ends that will ensure the rope stays intact.
Keep heavy-duty scissors and other tools away from children.
Tie a knot on one end of the rope. Take the other end and wrap tape around it. This will stiffen the rope end and make it easier to drive the rope inside the holes. Insert the rope in the corner hole of one gutter.
Refer to your blueprint to know the length between the two tiers. Tie another knot at this length. Then, drive the rope into the corner hole of the second gutter. Repeat this process to connect all the tiers. You will be left with an extra length of rope to hang the planter.
The kind of support you are using will determine how you hang the gutter planter. If you plan to hang it on a rod, simply tie the ropes snugly onto it. You can also secure plant hooks on your ceiling or a beam. Use S-hooks to hang the DIY gutter planter onto these plant hooks.
Check if all the gutter tiers are hanging at the same level. If not, adjust the knots to ensure this.
Place small pots that easily fit inside the gutter. Add some good-quality soil to the pots. Plant your favorite annual blooms, herbs, vines or succulents inside. Water the plants as required and enjoy this new addition to your home.