The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (with Gourd!)

A gourd is a type of hollow pumpkin that was used in the past for many things.

Its main use though was for water storage.

In this instructable we will make a simple hangable flower pot.

This pot has the advantage of keeping away crawling pests like snails and slugs.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

You will need :

• a medium sized gourd
• a screwdriver (optional)
• a utility knife
• some hanging wire or a string
• soil
• a plant
• a rasp (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Gourd

Make a circular hole to the gourd using the knife.

Widen the hole with your rasp if you wish.

Then gut the gourd removing all the seeds from the inside.

Step 3: Make Some Draining Holes

Drill some draining holes at the bottom of the gourd.

I made them with a Phillips screwdriver, twisting it in my hand.

4-6 holes will suffice.

Step 4: Prepare the Bottom

It is a good practice to block the holes with curvy pieces from broken bricks.

If you don't do it, the plant will eventually extend its root system to the point of blocking completely the draining holes.

When this happens, all the water is retained inside the gourd and the plant will die.

The only solution would be to brake the gourd and replant.

Step 5: Fill in the Gourd

Fill in the gourd with soil.

Also, tie a string (or some wire) to the stem. This will be the hanging point.

Step 6: Finished!

Plant, hang and water.

In the photo I have planted spearmint.

You can plant flowers, strawberries, herbs etc and keep those pesky snails off your green friends!