My Raised Herb Table

Here’s the backstory:   

I had become very interested in eating as organically as possible for my health. I wanted a little garden for herbs and a few easy vegetables. I also work full time and at the time my daughter was in college and my son was in high school. Doug wanted to use the tiller and fix me a garden near the back of our property. I didn’t love the sound of that because when you are cooking, you don’t want to have to run out the door and dash across the yard to cut some basil.😊 And, then whoops, should have gotten some oregano! Back out the door, run across the yard.....you get the picture.😊 Also, I knew the grass would take over if I wasn’t out there weeding every few days and I didn’t want to do that either. 

So, I pushed for container gardening on the deck. Doug started researching and found this sweet little herb table on This Old House. He showed it to me and I loved it, but I wanted a few modifications: 1) it needed to be a little taller; 2) have turned legs to make it a little fancier; and 3) I wanted to paint it a fun color so it would be a focal point on our deck. That’s not too much to ask, is it? 😊😊 If anyone is up for a challenge like that, it’s Doug! Truly, if I can dream it, he can make it!

The tray is a cement mixing tray from Home Depot that Doug drilled holes in so the soil could drain well. The herb table legs are treated 4x4 decorative deck posts. The sides are untreated 1x6 boards and the cleats that hold the top together also support the tray are made from 1x1s. For the exact measurements, this is the link to the plans we used.

Once the table was built, Matthew and I painted the table this gorgeous robin’s egg blue. Doug and Matthew made this for me in 2016 for Mother’s Day and it’s the gift that keeps on giving! I love planting it every year. In the Spring, I plant my herbs and I’ve learned over the years which herbs will thrive being in the shade. In the Fall, I love to plant ornamental kale and pansies that I can enjoy from the kitchen window.

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned gardener, I think you’d love this little herb table at your place!