I live in a condo. That means that all the windows have to be uniform on all the "units." I've always wanted a greenhouse window in my kitchen so that I could enjoy herbs growing right there where I need them. But being that I live in a condo, I can't install one.

On either side of my kitchen sink window, that is, the window that's right in front of my sink, there are these tiny shelves. They're not very useful except for putting cute things on. So a couple of days ago, I went out and bought a piece of wood that has the same depth (or width) as those little shelves, and created my own little makeshift greenhouse window! I just placed the wood on those little shelves for support, and here's the result:


Next step as the herbs grow and need more light is to place another plank of wood at the top shelves, and affix a grow light to the underside so that it'll shine directly on my herb plants!

I guess I could sand and stain the planks too, but right now, I'm enjoying the fragrance of fresh-cut wood as I wash my dishes.

Hope this is useful to someone.

Love this idea--it is a perfect solution.

Debra!

Awesome use of your space and light! I see two more shelves in your greenhouse window in the near future!!

Great idea

Cheryl and Ginny!

Joanna, how creative and a perfect solution ... love it!

plantladylin said:Joanna, how creative and a perfect solution ... love it!

Thanks Lin, what I love best about it is how simple it is! No screws or drilling, no assembly. And all my little pots are now at eye level! Well, I'm kinda short, so a little above....

You're a genius, Joanna! That is a great work around and I also think you need a few more shelves if it doesn't cut down too much on your light.

Phase two:

The upper shelf can be raised as the plants grow, and grow lights can be daisy-chained if I need more light. In the future, the top shelf will also be home to some plants. Which? Don't know yet!

And the cord will be pinned up so that it'll be less conspicuous, and the whole thing will be on a timer.

If anyone is going to use grow lights in this fashion, be advised that they are not the actual size they are supposed to be. My is supposed to be 2' wide, but it's about 2" less! What's that about?

I love this idea! Great use of space.

pod said:I love this idea! Great use of space.

Thanks Kristie!

The herb seeds I planted have come up and are enjoying the space.

This is an excellent gardening idea. I just tossed some your way.

greene said:This is an excellent gardening idea. I just tossed some your way.

Thank you very much on both accounts!