Chalkboard Planters

Published July 19, 2012

Having your own herb garden outside your kitchen door is a wonderful concept.  However, today’s space considerations make this kind of luxury impossible for everyone. So why not bring the garden inside and create a kitchen windowsill of fabulous herbs that not only look beautiful but also create a scented garden that will tantalize any taste buds?

This is a great idea for you avid gardeners. It’s easy, extremely practical and makes a wonderful gift.  The label can be changed, as many times as you need and the pots may be stored away for next season or used inside all year round. The premise behind the idea is to use inexpensive, terra-cotta pots and chalkboard paint. The paint may be purchased at most paint supply stores. Just make sure you check with your salesperson that the colour is either green or black. You can use both depending on whether it’s for you or a gift.

 

Materials

  • Chalkboard paint (green or black)
  • Small terra cotta pot (with plain finish i.e.: no design on the front)
  • Small terra cotta pot drainage dish
  • White chalk
  • Paintbrush
  • Rubber gloves
  • Newspaper
  • Fresh herbs
  • Potting soil

 

Begin by cleaning off your terra cotta pot of any dirt or residue. With your rubber gloves on begin painting the pot by placing your hand inside and turning the pot upside down. This is the easiest way to get full coverage. Let the first coat dry and repeat again.

Once the pot is completely dry. Fill the pot with potting soil (preferably organic) and place one of your herbs inside. Choose herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme and sage for gifts. These are some of the more popular ones used for cooking. Write the name of the herb on the pot with the chalk and place the drainage tray on the bottom.

If you would like to give this away as a gift simply wrap the pot with clear cellophane and tie with a pretty ribbon.