Not everyone has the space for a large vegetable garden, but hanging baskets offer a practical, space-saving solution for growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Whether suspended from rafters, walls, or framing the entrance of your home, hanging baskets allow you to make the most of the space you have while enhancing your garden with edible plants.
Best Plants for Hanging Baskets
You can grow an impressive range of crops in hanging baskets. Cherry tomatoes and strawberries are two popular options, but you can also grow leafy herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley, as well as salad greens, chili peppers, spinach, bush beans, and even cucumbers. These plants thrive in baskets and create a visually appealing display. Additionally, consider adding flowering annuals to attract pollinators, which will support your fruiting plants.
With tools like the Garden Planner, it’s easy to plan where to place your baskets and choose the right plants. You can even adjust the spacing to maximize your basket’s capacity.
How to Plant a Hanging Basket
Hanging baskets dry out faster than other containers, so it’s crucial to use a basket that’s at least 14 inches (35 cm) in diameter. A basket of this size holds around a gallon of soil, which helps retain moisture for longer. However, be mindful of the weight—make sure your basket’s chains and support structure are strong enough to handle it.
A 14-inch basket can hold:
- Three strawberry plants
- Two cherry tomato plants, along with companion plants like French marigolds or basil
- Two to three peppers
- Up to five leafy herbs
- Or a cut-and-come-again salad mix, sown across the surface and lightly covered with soil
Creating a Liner for the Basket
Wire baskets need a liner to keep the soil in place. You can use an old potting soil bag, which is a free and easy option. To make the liner, place the basket inside a bucket that’s slightly smaller to prevent it from tipping over. Cut the bag to size and line the basket with the black side facing out. Pierce small holes in the liner for drainage, but leave the bottom intact to act as a water reservoir. You can also place a pot saucer at the bottom for the same effect.
Filling the Basket with Soil
Use a high-quality, multipurpose potting mix combined with slow-release fertilizer. You can also add a couple of handfuls of well-rotted leaf mold to improve moisture retention. Fill the basket with the soil mix, stopping just below the rim.
Planting Your Basket
Gently remove your plants from their pots and tease apart the roots to encourage healthy growth. Space the plants evenly in the basket and fill in around their rootballs, firming the soil as you go. The soil level should be about an inch (2.5 cm) below the rim of the basket. Trim any excess liner, then hang the basket in a sunny spot—except for leafy herbs and salads, which can tolerate partial shade.
Caring for Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets require frequent watering because they dry out quickly. In hot weather, you may need to water them twice a day. Consider installing a drip irrigation system to make watering easier. Once the slow-release fertilizer runs out, switch to a liquid feed and apply it weekly.
Regularly harvest your crops—picking tomatoes, herbs, or salad greens encourages the plants to produce more. Not only does this provide a continuous harvest, but it also keeps your hanging basket looking fresh and full.
Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to elevate your gardening game, offering both beauty and productivity. They bring your edible plants up to eye level, making it easy to enjoy their vibrant growth. Have you tried growing crops in hanging baskets? Share your experience and tips with us!