How to Build a Herb Stand for Your Outdoor BBQ Area

Building a herb stand is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor kitchen, providing fresh herbs at your fingertips while adding a stylish and functional feature to your space. Whether you're a passionate DIYer or simply looking for a weekend project, this guide will walk you through the steps to create a custom herb stand for your home.

Why Build a Herb Stand?

A herb stand is not just a practical addition to your outdoor space but also a great way to improve your cooking experience. Having fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and rosemary nearby adds vibrant flavours to your meals. Plus, growing your own herbs is more sustainable and cost-effective than constantly buying from the store. It’s also a fun way to personalise your outdoor kitchen or BBQ area.

By building your own herb stand, you can tailor the design to fit your space, and it can easily double as a storage solution for your BBQ accessories, garden tools, or small planters. Here’s how to get started.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the tools and materials you'll need for your project:

For those who want a quicker solution, consider purchasing handing plant containers or pre-built plant stands that can be easily adapted to your space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Herb Stand

https://youtu.be/NnACI9glcIQ

Step 1: Prepare your screen

First up, drill four 3mm holes in your screen using your 3mm drill bit. Two holes will need to be about 20mm in from the bottom corners of the screen. The other two holes will need to line up with the centre of the benchtop frame. Make these 20mm in from the sides of the screen at your desired height. These holes will anchor your screen to the barbecue kitchen.

Your screen will sit vertically against your barbecue kitchen, anchored into the frame underneath the benchtop and lower shelf. We’ll be using battens to pack the gap between the frames and the screen.

Step 2: Cut your timber 

Using a circular saw, cut two pieces of 20mm x 70mm Natural Pine Decking, 600mm in length to use as battens. Or, if you’re using a different screen, the pieces need to be the same width as the screen you’ve chosen. These pieces will help us mount the screen to the outdoor kitchen without interfering with the shelf and benchtop overhang.

Tips for Maintaining Your Herb Stand

1. Placement: Herbs need a good amount of sunlight to thrive, so place your stand in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

2. Watering: Most herbs prefer well-drained soil, so make sure your pots have drainage holes. Water your herbs regularly but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.

3. Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth in herbs like basil and mint. Harvest your herbs frequently, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.

FAQs

How much sunlight do herbs need?

Most herbs thrive in full sunlight and require at least 6 hours of sun a day. However, some herbs like mint or parsley can tolerate partial shade.

What herbs should I grow in my outdoor kitchen?

Popular choices for outdoor herb stands include basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, mint, and oregano. These herbs are easy to grow and frequently used in cooking, especially for BBQ recipes.

How do I protect my herb stand from the weather?

Using treated timber and applying a wood sealer or outdoor varnish will help protect your herb stand from moisture and sun damage. Positioning the stand in a sheltered spot can also help extend its lifespan.

Can I build a herb stand if I have limited space?

Absolutely! A vertical herb stand or a wall-mounted option is perfect for small spaces like patios or balconies. You can also consider using hanging baskets for a space-saving solution.

How often should I water my herbs?

A: It depends on the herb and weather conditions. In hot climates, herbs may need to be watered daily. However, always check the soil before watering—if it’s still damp, you can wait another day or two.

Conclusion

Building a herb stand is an easy and rewarding DIY project that adds both functionality and beauty to your outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing fresh herbs in a custom-built stand will elevate your cooking and BBQ experience.

At Mitre 10, we have everything you need to get started, from tools and materials to plants and accessories. Explore our full range of BBQ accessories, outdoor plants to make your herb stand truly one-of-a-kind!