Find a suitable fence or wall to attach your fascia brackets. Remember that the guttering will be heavier once it’s filled with plants and (wet) soil, so ensure the wall is load bearing.

Reusing old guttering is fantastic way to recycle but choose larger width guttering as this will give more depth and space for plants. Saw the guttering to length.

Drill drainage holes into the guttering at even spacings. This ensures your gutter planter is free draining and the plants don’t get waterlogged.

Clip your guttering in place and add your external stops so the compost doesn’t fall out when you water. Fill with peat-free compost, mixed with a little grit and well-rotted homemade compost. 

Lay the plug plants on their sides, almost horizontal, as if you were planting up a hanging basket and cover with compost. Plant them further apart than normal so they have lots of growing room.

In early autumn, you could sow cut-and-come-again salads, oriental greens, radish and parsley or plant flowers such as violas or erigeron. In spring, you can add small herbs, lettuces or strawberries. Alpine strawberries have smaller, less weighty fruit.