Why This Viral DIY Planter Hack Isn't As Convenient As It Seems

If you don't have a very large garden, then finding new ways to fit in extra plants is always a bonus. Fortunately, people are always coming up with creative ideas, like this inexpensive IKEA hack that enables you to garden in a small space by turning a bag dispenser into a planter. A viral DIY hack suggested by Chloe Taylor, who goes by wildlychlo on Instagram, would seem like another great suggestion.

Chloe uses sections of gutter to create horizontal beds that are easy to fix to wooden fences or gates using standard gutter clips. They are inexpensive, easy to cut to whatever length you need, and will obviously withstand all kinds of weather. Chloe suggests they're ideal for nasturtiums, which will grow almost anywhere, and might also be a way to grow strawberries if you don't have space for a garden bed.

Unfortunately, the shallowness of the gutter could lead to problems, and this particular planter hack may not be as convenient as it seems. The lack of soil could restrict root growth, the planter would need frequent watering to prevent it from drying out, and there's a danger the soil could get washed out by heavy rain. There are other issues we need to look at too, though there are a couple of things to try that might stop it being a total loss.

Chloe Taylor hails from the U.K., where the guttering is often half-round. The standard size is 112 mm in diameter (4.4 inches). That means there's only a fraction over 2 inches of maximum planting depth. As noted by a couple of people who left comments on the video, that's not very much for root development. Another said, "It was a total failure. They dried out so quickly and died in midsummer." Daily watering would help but won't be convenient for many. The lack of protective soil depth also means there's a risk of plants like strawberries either overheating in summer or freezing in winter. Moving the gutter to a shady position may not be practical, and although insulating against the cold with bubble wrap is an option, the need to remove it for watering is hardly convenient either.

Although half-round guttering is available in the US, K-style guttering is more common and much deeper at 3.5 inches. More soil reduces the problems mentioned but probably doesn't solve them completely. However, while it's not going to be a way to create a flourishing vegetable garden in a small space, one person did have success with succulents. There are also plants like campanula and some herbs that have shallow roots, so it may be worth giving them a try. As any keen gardener will tell you, choosing the right plant in the right place is half the battle.