Can you grow herbs in a gutter?

Growing herbs in a gutter is certainly possible with some planning and preparation. The gutter provides a long, narrow space that can work well for certain herb varieties. However, there are some important factors to consider when growing herbs in a gutter environment.

Benefits of Growing Herbs in a Gutter

Some of the potential benefits of growing herbs in a gutter include:

• Makes use of unused space – The gutter provides an often overlooked area that can be utilized for growing herbs.
• Good drainage – The sloped design and drainage holes in most gutters allow excess water to drain away from herb roots.
• Sun exposure – Herbs planted in gutters along the roofline or side of a house can receive ample sunlight.
• Convenience – Having herbs grown right outside the kitchen provides easy access for harvesting.
• Aesthetic appeal – Herbs trailing from gutters can provide visual interest and complement architecture.

Considerations for Gutter Herb Gardens

While gutters can make suitable herb gardens, there are some important factors to keep in mind:

• Limited space – Most standard gutters are just 5-6 inches wide, so only small or trailing herb varieties will fit.
• Soil – Gutters have no built-in soil, so planting mixes need to be added carefully to avoid spillage.
• Watering – More frequent watering may be needed for gutter herbs since drainage occurs readily.
• Weight concerns – A gutter full of soil and plants can get quite heavy, so the gutter’s mounting capacity requires consideration.
• Root invasiveness – Some herb varieties may send invasive roots into gutters, leading to potential clogs or damage.

Best Herbs for Growing in Gutters

When selecting herb varieties for gutter gardens, smaller, trailing types are best suited for the narrow spaces. Some top options include:

Herb	Key Features
Thyme	Low-growing and trailing varieties perfect for gutters. Tolerates some drought.
Oregano	Trailing growth habit. Does well in poor, dry soils and sunny spots.
Chives	Thin leaves suitable for confined space. Can tolerate partial shade.
Mint	Vigorous, spreading growth. May need root barrier to prevent gutter invasiveness.
Parsley	Shallow roots won’t penetrate gutter. Tolerates some shade.
Chervil	Delicate, fern-like leaves. Grows well in partial shade.

Preparing Gutters for Herb Gardening

Proper preparation is key to creating a successful gutter herb garden. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Clean the gutter thoroughly by removing any debris, plants or accumulated dirt.
2. Inspect the gutter to ensure it is still properly affixed and sloped to drain.
3. Make any needed repairs to holes or problem areas in the gutter surface.
4. Line the gutter with landscape fabric, burlap or another material to prevent soil runoff.
5. Add a 2-3 inch layer of quality potting mix designed for containers or elevated planters.
6. Consider installing drip irrigation if rainfall is insufficient, connecting it before planting.
7. Select herbs suited for the gutter space and sunlight conditions in your location.

Planting and Caring for Gutter Herb Gardens

When establishing and caring for a gutter herb garden, here are some useful tips:

• Space plants 6-9 inches apart in the gutter to allow for growth. Mint may need more space.
• Set herb plants in soil at same level they were growing in nursery pots.
• Trim herbs regularly to contain growth and promote leaf production.
• Weed carefully by hand to avoid disrupting gutter plants and soil.
• Water when soil is partly dry. Avoid overwatering which can lead to rot.
• Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with natural or organic liquid fertilizer.
• Watch for signs of disease or pests and treat organically if issues occur.

Harvesting from Gutter Herb Gardens

One of the joys of a gutter herb garden is having fresh herbs right at your fingertips. Follow these tips for harvesting:

• Snip leaves from the top 2-3 inches of stem. Leave lower leaves intact.
• Harvest in morning after dew has dried for best flavor.
• Cut no more than 1/3 of plant foliage at a time to avoid stressing plants.
• Rinse herbs gently if needed. Pat dry with towel or air dry on rack.
• Preserve extra herbs by freezing, air drying or infusing in oils or vinegars.

Overwintering Gutter Herb Gardens

In cold climates, additional steps may be required to overwinter a gutter herb garden:

• Choose hardier herb varieties suited for overwintering like thyme, sage and parsley.
• Provide insulation around the gutter by stuffing newspaper, straw or bubble wrap in spaces.
• Cover plants withhorticultural fleece, leaves or evergreen boughs to protect from frost.
• Remove any annual herbs and trim back perennials to reduce freezing damage.
• Reduce watering frequency but don’t allow roots to dry out completely.
• Remove insulation and coverings in early spring as temperatures warm up.

Troubleshooting Common Gutter Garden Issues

Even with good preparation and care, some problems can arise with gutter herb gardens. Here are some potential issues and solutions:

Problem	Potential Causes	Solutions
Poor drainage	Improper gutter slope, clogged downspouts, compacted soil	Adjust slope, clean downspouts, aerate soil
Rotting plants	Overwatering, high humidity	Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings, increase sunlight and airflow
Leaf scorch	Too much hot sun	Add shade cloth, mist plants on hot days
Leggy growth	Insufficient sunlight	Prune frequently, choose sunnier gutter or supplement with grow lights
Soggy soil	Liner blocked drainage holes	Use liner with ample holes, elevate planter slightly above gutter bottom

FAQs about Gutter Herb Gardening

What type of gutter is best for growing herbs?

A steel or aluminum gutter with plenty of drainage holes, adequate width (5-6 inches), and sturdy mounting capacity works best. Avoid flexible vinyl gutters.

How much sunlight do gutter herbs need?

Most culinary herbs do best with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Choose a gutter location that receives sunlight for a good portion of the day.

Do I need to use soil in a gutter herb garden?

Yes, gutters do not contain their own soil. A good quality potting mix should be added to provide herbs with nutrients, drainage and support.

What are good companion plants for gutter herb gardens?

Trailing nasturtiums, creeping thyme, arugula, lettuces, and edible flowers make good companion plants for gutter herb gardens.

How often should I fertilize my gutter herbs?

Fertilize gutter herb gardens every 3-4 weeks during the growing season using a natural liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Conclusion

Growing culinary and ornamental herbs in rain gutters can be an innovative way to utilize vertical space while having fresh herbs within arm’s reach. While gutters present challenging growing conditions, certain herbs can thrive if good preparation and care practices are followed. Proper gutter selection, drainage, sunlight, plant choice, watering, and maintenance are key factors in creating a successful gutter herb garden that will yield tasty herbs. With a bit of effort and experimentation, anyone can enjoy the experience of harvesting homegrown herbs straight from their own unique gutter garden.