Build Your Own Counter Top Herb Garden

Have Fresh Herbs, Salad Greens, or Cherry Tomatoes All Year

Infomercials advertise a plastic lighted hydroponic herb garden for only 4 payments of $39.99. Yes, it looks so cute, and lush sitting on their counter. But do you realize that adds up to $160 plus additional for shipping and handling. A little excessive for something you can build for less than $20. With a trip to the nearest homecenter for a few supplies, you can build your own little garden that can sit in that dark unused corner of your kitchen counter. Requiring no direct sunlight your herbs will grow like wild fire, success is guaranteed.

Hydroponics are a great way to grow vegetables as rapidly as possible. With a little research and a good source of the components to get set up and operating you can have excellent results. A source of everything you would need to set up your own hydroponic garden can be found at. www.hydroempire.com

For this project I think it is far cheaper and more practical to proceed with good old fashion potting soil. The key to success is the fluorescent light that you will be providing to the plants, preferable around the clock. Herbs don't require a large amount of soil to thrive, constant moisture and nutrients in addition to around the clock light is all that is required for a lush, but small garden.

The first step is to go to the electrical department of your homecenter. Find an under counter florescent light fixture about 12"-14" long. A plus would be one with the fluorescent tubes exposed. If the fixture you find has a diffuser to soften the light for the use it was originally intended for, you can remove the lens to expose the bare bulbs.

Next you will need a length of 1"x4" pine board about 8' long, and about 3' of 1/2" wooden dowel, and a small box of 1-1/2" finishing nails and a small container of wood glue. Next go to the garden center and look for a plastic flower box liner, something about 4"-6" wide, 12"-14" long, and 3"-4" deep.

A small bag of top quality soilless potting mix and seeds for what ever you wish to grow, and your all set.