Re-Purposed Gardening: Beginnings

I have recently started our spring garden. After doing a little research online, I decided that we were going to try re-purposing items around our house to use as containers.  One of the ideas I loved was using an old dresser as a vertical garden.  This was recommended for people who didn't have a lot of space to grow gardens.  We have lots of space so we changed the idea up a little.  When I graduated from college and was very poor, I bought a dresser at a thrift store for around $20.  That was eleven and  half years ago. The dresser finally died a structural death but we salvaged it enough to turn it into the garden you see above.  Two drawers were modified so that their bottoms are window screen, not wood.  This will allow for drainage and stops any pesky subterranean rodents who may want to eat some fresh veggies. In each of these drawers we planted the following plants:

• tomatillos
• jalepenos
• marigolds
• garlic

This is a close up of the largest part of the dresser garden.  We used the main structure of the dresser for a deeper raised bed.  It was also modified with a screen bottom and all of the cross members were removed (they can be seen lying next to the big box in the first photo).  We are using those as the stakes for the taller plants.  The end (or what was the original bottom) of the dresser also needed some reinforcement to hold the weight of the dirt and water.  In this raised bed we planted:

• tomatoes
• tomatillos (love these)
• onions
• garlic
• marigolds

As you can probably guess, we love Mexican and Italian food so we choose to grow many of the ingredients necessary for dishes such as homemade chili verdes, salsas of various types, marinara sauce, etc.  As of this morning, we have ten baby tomatillo flowers already.  I can't wait for harvesting!!!!

In the small containers at the end of the garden, we planted mint, parsley ad marigolds.  Herbs are something I feel is a must grow.  I get physically ill when I see how much grocery stores charge for fresh herbs.   BUY THE PLANTS!!! One plant that will produce for months if not years costs virtually the same as one small pack of herbs. I also have rosemary, cilantro, and thyme in other locations.


We have plans for an additional bed to be built out of salvaged wood from various projects around the property.   I think we will be adding squash, watermelons, and some more herbs (chives, oregano, and sage).  I also have one more small drawer from the dresser that may be put into use.  I will post more pics as the garden grows - stay tuned!!