Repurposed Balcony Planters: Rain-Gutter Garden

Forget the bright lights of a stage — big-city dreams are made of cilantro, basil, red lettuce, and tomatoes. This week, we'll show you a few creative, repurposed planters that will green the concrete jungle and put fresh food on your plate. With these space-saving gardens from Alex Mitchell's book "The Edible Balcony," your dreams of becoming a big-shot gardener could come true.

Tip #1: Catch Greens in the Gutter

The gutters that bring April showers to your May flowers can also bring delicious greens to your dinner table. Attach a few rows of gutter to your wall, cap the ends, fill with potting mix, and plant your favorite lettuce, spinach, chard, or arugula. Harvest your greens' baby leaves and pair with other fresh veggies for a homegrown salad. This sleek garden is best for shady walls to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly. 

Tip #2: Hang Plants from a Hatstand

Tip #3: Shoe Gardens

Image: iStock/vandervelden