6x3 Vertical Herbs: Trellis rosemary, chives pots sides

To create this specific 6x3 foot vertical herb structure, begin with a sturdy frame. Cedar or pressure-treated pine are excellent choices for the two 6-foot vertical posts and the 3-foot horizontal supports. The central area of the frame should be filled with a lattice panel or a grid of galvanized wire to serve as the trellis for the rosemary.

At the base of the trellis, place a large, deep container, at least 18-20 inches in diameter. This is crucial for the rosemary's root system. Select a trailing or prostrate rosemary variety such as 'Prostratus' or 'Irene', as their naturally pliable stems are ideal for training. Plant the rosemary in the container using a well-draining potting mix amended with sand or perlite. As the main stems grow, gently attach them to the trellis grid using soft plant ties or clips. Guide the primary stems upwards and outwards to start covering the 3-foot width. Regularly pinch the tips of the side shoots to encourage bushier growth that will fill in the lattice.

For the chives, attach pot-hanging brackets or rings to the outer faces of the 6-foot vertical posts. Use galvanized screws to ensure they are secure. Mount four to six small pots, around 6 inches in diameter, on these brackets. Terracotta pots work well but will require more frequent watering. Fill these pots with a standard, high-quality potting mix. Plant established chive clumps, or sow seeds directly into the pots. Because these side pots are smaller and more exposed, they will dry out much faster than the large rosemary container at the base.

Position the entire 6x3 structure in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Watering is the most critical maintenance task for this setup. The rosemary at the base should be watered deeply only when the top few inches of soil are dry. The chive pots on the sides will likely need to be watered every day, especially during warm, windy weather. Check the soil in the chive pots daily by touch.

Harvesting from this unit is straightforward. Snip sprigs of rosemary as needed from anywhere on the trellis; this pruning will promote fuller growth. To harvest chives, use scissors to cut the leaves about one inch from the soil line. This allows the plant to quickly regenerate new leaves for a continuous supply. A light application of a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season will keep both the rosemary and the chives healthy and productive.