Gardening above the ground with hanging baskets
There are so many reasons why I love landscaping and gardening, this hobby offers so many benefits that can help us in so many ways. We are free to let those creative juices flow and just go for it as we create that garden of our dreams.
A herb garden is no different and is a great investment keeping us healthy and helping us to save those hard-earned dollars. I have written articles on starting a herb garden including the healthy side of these SUPERFOODS.
In this article, however, we will be looking at the other side of herb gardening but not in the traditional setting that we are familiar with but rather growing herbs from hanging baskets. I know when we hear of hanging baskets our first thoughts are beautiful flowering plants or hanging vines but we are going to break the rules as we let our creative juices flow and turn our attention to growing herbs in hanging baskets.
The advantages of hanging baskets
Before we touch on growing herbs from hanging baskets let’s take a look at some of the advantages.
- By growing herbs from hanging, baskets will utilize space
- With these baskets the investment cost is low
- There is not much maintenance that has to be done saving you time
- Baskets can be hung or mounted just about anywhere
- Mounting these baskets from your kitchen will give instant access to fresh herbs at your fingertips
- Growing rosemary from a hanging basket in your kitchen will fill it with such a nice aroma
- Pest issues are kept at a minimal
Extending the Season with Hanging Baskets
The great part about hanging baskets is that you can extend the season, don’t let the winter months keep you, hostage, by stopping you from growing your favorite herbs. Indoor hanging baskets can help you extend the season so you can have fresh herbs all winter long as you prepare those delicious meals.
Herbs which can be grown in hanging baskets
Here are a few herbs to consider growing from hanging baskets.
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Parsley
- Sage
- Chives
Herbs in Hanging Baskets
Thyme
Thyme is one of my all-time favorites, this garden herb has a unique flavor that is so great. I have cooked with thyme for years and still do to this day. Installing thyme in hanging baskets requires soil that has good drainage and is organic-rich. The basket should be a material that has coconut lining, although there are many basket type coconut lining that seems to work the best.
When adding the soil the basket should be filled make about 2-3 holes depending on the size of the hanging basket and add your thyme. The basket should be hung in an area that gets full sunlight, the soil should be somewhat moist and not waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out a bit before adding more water.
If you are starting from seeds instead of seedlings plant seeds in early spring, seeds should be planted about 3-6 inches apart. Seeds will germinate in 1-12 weeks, following the direction on the package will help also.
Rosemary
Plant seedlings as you would with thyme, Choose a sunny location, make sure the soil is a well loamy drain soil. Rosemary succumbs quickly to root rot so do not overwater, it is best to purchase this herb from your nursery when they are about 4-6 inches.
Mint
Install mint in your hanging baskets by following the same example of listed herb, a soil that is well-drained such as good garden soil is ideal. If planting mint from seeds plants about 2 inches apart seeds will germinate in about a week or two, The basket should be hunged in a sunny location. Ensure that the soil is somewhat moist at all times and not waterlogged which will lead to root rot.
Parsley
The soil of parsley should be a good garden soil that drains well, install in a basket as listed herbs. Parsley grows well in partial to full sun. If planting seeds you should place about 3-4 seeds per hole and plant anywhere from 1/2 – 1 inch in the soil. The soil of parsley should be moist, allow plants to dry out between watering, and then give parsley a good soaking. Parsley seeds will germinate in 21 -28 days.
Chives
When installing chives in hanging baskets a well-drained garden soil is a must, chives should be planted about 6 inches apart. The basket should be placed in a sunny location, The soil of chives should be moist. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering, removing the flowers from chives will cause herbs to be fuller. The flowers of chives are also edible.
Sage
Growing sage from a hanging basket is possible with a prostrate variety. This variety is known as salvia officinalis prostrates. The use of good garden soil that is well-drained but will hold the right amount of moisture make a good choice.
When placing hanging baskets place in an area that gets some sun but also will provide some shade because this herb cannot withstand constant heat.
Lavender
Another herb that can grow in a hanging basket is lavender, this herb has a beautiful aroma and will flavor your dishes. Lavender requires lots of sunlight to grow its best so meeting this requirement is so important.
The potting soil should be a soil that has good drainage but will hold the right amount of water. Keeping the soil somewhat moist and not waterlogged is a must. The removal of flowers will help greatly in giving you a fuller plant, the flower is also edible.
Additional Information
1. If your basket is being hung from a level that requires a ladder then, by all means, get one. A step ladder will work perfectly.
2. Ask for help to hold the ladder when needed to avoid falling and injury.
3. The hanging basket should be removed watered well then return to its location.
4. Having a pruner or scissors on hand will help when harvesting herbs.
5. Ensure that the scissors or pruner is sharp at all times.
6. When harvesting what you want is when removing plant parts is that you want to ensure that the plant keeps its natural form as it regrows.
7. After each use of the tool clean with a clean damp cloth.
Other herbs that can be grown from hanging baskets
- Oregano
- Dill
- Cilantro
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Basil
Fertilizers
Our herbs will need a little help along the way, the use of fertilizers such as an all-natural fertilizer liquid kelp seaweed, fish emulsion, worm casting tea, and organic granules are just a few to consider. We want to use these types of fertilizers seeing that we are growing edible plants.
Plant pests of herbs
It is possible to have visits from uninvited guests ( garden insect pests) but don’t despair because the use of organic pesticides such as neem oil or homemade remedies will bring pest issues under control.
Hanging baskets not limited to the outdoors
These baskets don’t need to be limited to the outdoors but can be brought indoors as well. When growing herbs in baskets indoors ensure that the light requirements are met, this is so important for herbs to survive along with the other listed steps.
The final word
Growing herbs from hanging baskets is a great way to extend the season while utilizing that space. These baskets are a great idea for gardening in small spaces. Growing herbs from baskets are so easy to maintain and the good part is you won’t have to worry about weeding which can be tedious and time-consuming so go for it and extend the season with this type of garden that has proven to be so beneficial
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.