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Patio inspiration · AI-generated scene Illustrative US planning allowances in USD, prepared October 31, 2026. These are editorial estimates, not measured market averages, live retailer prices or quotes. Tax, delivery, labor and optional equipment are excluded. Actual cost varies by location, size, season and brand. Check local prices before buying.
01 Beginner · Setup 45–60 min
A sunny-window herb pair Two freestanding pots: 20 cm internal diameter, 18 cm fill depth. About 12.4 L with 10% extra; one 15 L bag.
Estimated materials $48 – $107
View plan & materials How to get started Check daylight and seed-packet requirements. If light is insufficient, choose another location; a grow light is not included. Use pots with drainage over waterproof saucers on a protected stable surface. Fill with suitable container mix; keep drainage clear. Sow basil and parsley separately at packet depth and spacing. Water gently, empty standing water and thin seedlings as instructed. Materials to include Uncheck materials you already own; the estimate updates. Seeds are included; mature plants cost extra. Time estimates cover setup, not growing time.
2 × Resin & plastic 20 cm × 18 cm · Estimated unit cost: $8 – $16 2 × Plant saucer 20 cm · Estimated unit cost: $3 – $7 1 × Container growing mix 15 L · Estimated unit cost: $8 – $16 1 × Basil seeds 1 · Estimated unit cost: $2 – $5 1 × Parsley seeds 1 · Estimated unit cost: $2 – $5 1 × Hand trowel 1 · Estimated unit cost: $6 – $15 1 × Watering can 1 · Estimated unit cost: $8 – $20 Selected materials estimate: $48 – $107
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02 Beginner · Setup 60–90 min
Three-pot balcony color Three round pots: 30 cm internal diameter, 25 cm fill depth. About 58.3 L with 10% extra; three 25 L bags.
Estimated materials $103 – $221
View plan & materials How to get started Confirm balcony filled-load limits, wind exposure and safe drainage. Use freestanding pots; no railing mounts are included. Choose locally suitable flower seeds for the measured sun exposure and container size. Check pet and child suitability. Fill and sow according to seed instructions, water without runoff onto neighbors, and check moisture regularly. Materials to include Uncheck materials you already own; the estimate updates. Seeds are included; mature plants cost extra. Time estimates cover setup, not growing time.
3 × Resin & plastic 30 cm × 25 cm · Estimated unit cost: $12 – $25 3 × Plant saucer 30 cm · Estimated unit cost: $4 – $9 3 × Container growing mix 25 L · Estimated unit cost: $10 – $20 2 × Region-appropriate flower seeds 1 · Estimated unit cost: $3 – $6 1 × Hand trowel 1 · Estimated unit cost: $6 – $15 1 × Garden gloves 1 · Estimated unit cost: $5 – $12 1 × Watering can 1 · Estimated unit cost: $8 – $20 Selected materials estimate: $103 – $221
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03 Beginner · Setup 45–60 min
Patio salad in two grow bags Two grow bags modeled at 30 cm internal diameter and 25 cm fill depth. About 38.9 L with 10% extra; two 25 L bags.
Estimated materials $53 – $120
View plan & materials How to get started Choose a lettuce variety and planting date for your local season. Check the seed packet for light, spacing and heat limits. Place bags on a suitable level surface with safe drainage. Confirm the actual bag volume and adjust mix quantities before buying. Sow at the stated depth, water gently and thin seedlings. Check moisture more often in warm weather and harvest as directed. Materials to include Uncheck materials you already own; the estimate updates. Seeds are included; mature plants cost extra. Time estimates cover setup, not growing time.
2 × Grow bag 30 cm × 25 cm · Estimated unit cost: $6 – $14 2 × Container growing mix 25 L · Estimated unit cost: $10 – $20 1 × Leaf lettuce seeds 1 · Estimated unit cost: $2 – $5 1 × Hand trowel 1 · Estimated unit cost: $6 – $15 1 × Garden gloves 1 · Estimated unit cost: $5 – $12 1 × Watering can 1 · Estimated unit cost: $8 – $20 Selected materials estimate: $53 – $120
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04 Beginner · Setup 90–150 min
Refresh a small mulched bed Example only: 2.4 × 1.8 m bed, 5 cm added depth. With 10% extra: 237.6 L; five 56.6 L (2 cu ft) bags.
Estimated materials $38 – $82
View plan & materials How to get started Measure the bed and inspect existing mulch. Choose the actual added depth for the plants and site; 5 cm here is only a quantity example. Remove weeds by an appropriate method and protect existing plants. This plan involves no digging, edging or landscape fabric. Spread the selected mulch evenly, keeping stems, trunks, vents and drains clear. Water as needed and check the settled layer. Materials to include Uncheck materials you already own; the estimate updates. Seeds are included; mature plants cost extra. Time estimates cover setup, not growing time.
5 × Wood mulch 56.6 L / 2 cu ft · Estimated unit cost: $4 – $8 1 × Garden gloves 1 · Estimated unit cost: $5 – $12 1 × Hand rake 1 · Estimated unit cost: $8 – $18 1 × Garden bucket 1 · Estimated unit cost: $5 – $12 Selected materials estimate: $38 – $82
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Where will you grow? 01 Balcony Small spaces and container arrangements 02 Patio Modular growing spaces 03 Small backyard Borders and raised garden beds MEASURE FIRST. BUY WITH A PLAN. A little less Quick growing-mix estimate for identical, straight-sided round pots. Use internal dimensions and actual fill depth.
Raised bed or tapered pot? Full calculator EXPLORE YOUR NEXT GARDEN PROJECT Find your garden essentials. Browse by category Pots & planters
Terracotta Add to list + Garden tools
Watering can Add to list + Garden tools
Bypass pruners Add to list + Seeds & propagation
Seed-starting cell tray Add to list + Landscape materials
Container growing mix Add to list + Garden tools
Hose & nozzle Add to list + Planter accessories & outdoor living
Freestanding plant stand Add to list + Garden tools
Garden gloves Add to list + Illustrative product images generated with AI. Choose a type, then confirm the actual product with your supplier.
Product-type planning guide. Confirm exact specifications with your supplier. Prices and stock are not provided.
THE WEEKEND NOTEBOOK / PROJECT 01 Your own littleherb corner. Start with a freestanding cluster of pots. Check balcony load limits, wind and where drainage water will go.
A planning example for three herbs in separate pots. Choose plants and containers for your light, climate and mature root size.
3 pots. One manageable place to start.
Choose your containers WHAT GOES INTO THE PLAN 01 Give roots some room Example: three straight-sided pots, each 12 inches inside diameter and 10 inches of fill depth. Leave watering space at the top.
02 Bring only the useful tools A hand trowel, comfortable gloves and a watering can. Add suitable container mix and plants chosen for your conditions.
Explore the essentials 03 Make the numbers work About 55.6 liters before extra. With a 10% allowance, plan 61.2 liters: three 25-liter bags, with about 13.8 liters left beyond that estimate.
Keep your new corner growing SOMETIMES, AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS HELPS. Your plan. Browse free garden service listings by ZIP code and call a provider directly. Providers charge separately for work and materials. Availability depends on local signups; there may be no listings in your area.
Planning a bigger patch? Measure materials and compare your own bag and bulk quotes.
