How to Create Deck Privacy With Plants

If you live in an area where your house is close to other houses, you probably don't get much privacy when sitting on your deck. Although you could install privacy walls around the deck, that solution takes away from the ambiance of sitting outside in good weather. Instead, you may want to consider using a more natural and lush solution. The solution outlined here involves using tomato plants that grow to a height of 5 to 6 feet as a natural barrier. As a result you can spend months of the year sitting in the middle of a tomato garden. This is especially inviting if you like tomatoes picked fresh off the vine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 8 to 10 large planters approximately 16" in diameter
• Enough potting soil to fill the planters
• 8 to 10 tomato cages
• 8 to 10 tomato plants that grow to a height of 5 to 6 feet
• Plant food
• Hanging plant pole
• 2 full bodied plants or flowers in with hangers

1. Determine which sides of your deck are most exposed to undesirable views and which areas you would like your natural barrier to be.

2. Find out when the tomato growing season for your area begins.

3. Place the pots at equal distances apart in the areas you would like to shield.

4. At the beginning of the growing season plant the tomato seedlings and insert the tomato cages in the pots. The cages will force the plants to grow upward and form a better barrier.

5. Place an outdoor table and chairs on the portion of the deck where the plants are located.

6. On the side of the deck that is particularly exposed install a duel hanging plant pole and hang the full bodied plants or flowers on it.

7. Be sure to keep the plants watered and add plant food as directed.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check the tag on the tomato plants to see how tall they grow. You will want the tall variety.
• When buying plants or flowers to hang make sure that they are suited for the amount of sun or shade the deck experiences.
• Inexpensive plastic planters can be purchased at your local home store.
• Although this solution creates a great sitting area on your deck, it is only good for the tomato growing season. If you live in an area where the weather permits use of the deck year round you may want to use other greenery.