Pre-Drill the Step Boards

The stairs are formed from two 4-step risers and eight 3 ft. lengths of 5/4 inch by 6 in. boards. Set aside four of the 3 ft. boards for Step Three.

Pre-drill two pilot holes at each short edge of the step board for four in total. These holes should be 3/4 in. from the board's rough edge, and 1 in. from each long edge.

Attach the Back Step Boards to the Risers

Place the stair risers securely against a wall; you may want someone to hold them in place while you work.

Note: To make sure the risers are in the correct position, be sure the 8 1/2 in. sections are horizontal and the shorter 7 in. sections are vertical. (See diagram)

Starting with the top step, line up the edge of the first 3 ft. length of 5/4 in. by 6 in. board with the outer edge of the stair riser and secure in place with two 2 1/2-in. deck screws. Do the same at the other end of the board and the second riser.

Repeat to attach the three remaining boards. The entire unit should be 3 ft. wide when assembled.

Attach the Front Step Boards to the Risers

The front step boards extend slightly beyond the front edge of the risers.

Pre-drill two pilot holes at each short edge of the step board for four in total. These holes should be 3/4 in. from the board's rough edge, and 1 in. from each long edge. Because of the step board's overhang, drill the second pilot hole 1 in. from past the first, so 2 in. from the back edge.

Assemble the Support Frame with Copper Pipe

The support frame is made from two 6-foot pieces of 2 in. by 4 in. boards, two 3 ft. pieces of 2 in. by 4 in. boards, and a length of copper pipe that will be used for hanging plants.

Using 1 in. screws, attach one floor flange to each of the 6 ft. pieces of lumber 3 in. from the top of the board. Secure the copper pipe into the flanges.

Then, drill two pilot holes at the top of each of the 6 ft. boards, 1 in. from both the top and outside edges. Using the 2 1/2 in. deck screws and the pilot holes, affix one of the 3 ft. pieces of 2 in. x 4 in. lumber to the top of the assembly held together by the copper pipe.

Attach the Support Frame to the Staircase Steps

Place the staircase steps in a level position and line up the back edge of the support frame with the back edge of the risers.

With the staircase level, secure the support frame to the sides of the risers with four 2 1/2 in. deck screws.

Attach the remaining 3 ft. piece of lumber between the support frame, behind the staircase steps, approximately 16 in. from ground. This gives the whole unit extra stability.

Stain or Paint as Desired

We have painted the vertical garden in this example a single coat of brown wood stain.

Add Plants

Time to get creative with your vertical garden! Here are some ideas:

• There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that grow nicely in hanging planter boxes.
• The three-bean salad mix planter will gradually grow up the support frame. Hang some twine to wrap the tendrils around as they grow.
• The mixed lettuce bowl can be harvested any time for salads and sandwiches.
• Be sure to start new leaf lettuce seeds every few weeks so you have fresh salad greens all summer long.
• Herbs such as basil, sage, chives, parsley, and oregano are popular choices.
• Hang a pair of herb shears on the plant stand so they're handy when you need them.
• Strawberries grow nicely in hanging baskets and containers. Think strawberries are passé? Try pineberries, which are white strawberries that taste like pineapple.