Planting Herbs in Hanging Baskets: A Backyard Homestead Guide

Updated at: 29/05/2025

Transform your backyard into a fragrant and functional oasis with the simple joy of planting herbs in hanging baskets! This versatile gardening method maximizes space, adds a touch of whimsical charm to any outdoor setting, and offers a convenient way to harvest fresh herbs right from your doorstep. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, hanging baskets present a rewarding and accessible approach to growing your own culinary delights. Imagine the aroma of basil wafting on a summer breeze, or the convenience of snipping fresh rosemary just steps from your kitchen.

This guide will lead you through a straightforward, step-by-step process of planting and maintaining a thriving herb garden in hanging baskets, ensuring a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season. From selecting the perfect herbs and containers to mastering watering techniques and pest control, we'll cover everything you need to know to cultivate a beautiful and productive hanging herb garden. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Hanging baskets
  • Soil
  • Peat moss
  • Vegetable food
  • Herbs (lemon thyme, rosemary, oregano, lavender, chocolate mint)
  • Potting soil
  • Watering can
Safety Guidelines
  • Choose the right basket and liner: Ensure your hanging basket has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot. Use a liner that allows for drainage yet retains moisture.
  • Avoid overcrowding: Give herbs enough space to grow. Overcrowding leads to competition for resources and poor air circulation, increasing the risk of disease.
  • Water regularly, but avoid overwatering: Hanging baskets dry out quickly. Check moisture levels daily, especially during hot weather. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather Supplies

    • hanging baskets, soil mix (dirt, peat moss, vegetable food), herbs, and additional potting soil.
    Gather supplies: hanging baskets, soil mix (dirt, peat moss, vegetable food), herbs, and additional potting soil.
    Gather Supplies

  2. Prepare Soil Mix

    • Combine dirt, peat moss, vegetable food, and fluffy potting soil for optimal drainage and nutrition.
    Prepare the soil mix: Combine dirt, peat moss, vegetable food, and fluffy potting soil for optimal drainage and nutrition.
    Prepare Soil Mix

  3. Plant Lemon Thyme

    • Create a small hole in the soil, gently separate the thyme roots, and plant, burying the roots and filling the space with soil.
    • Water the lemon thyme thoroughly.
    Water the lemon thyme thoroughly.Water the lemon thyme thoroughly.
    Plant Lemon Thyme

  4. Plant Rosemary

    • Dig a hole and plant the rosemary, ensuring the roots are well-covered with soil.
    Plant rosemary: Dig a hole and plant the rosemary, ensuring the roots are well-covered with soil.
    Plant Rosemary

  5. Plant Oregano

    • Prepare a small hole, and plant the oregano, ensuring the roots are well-covered with soil.
    Plant oregano: Prepare a small hole, and plant the oregano, ensuring the roots are well-covered with soil.
    Plant Oregano

  6. Water All Plants

    • Water all plants thoroughly after planting.
    Water all plants thoroughly after planting.
    Water All Plants

Read more: DIY Rustic Hanging Fruit Basket from Dollar Tree

Tips

  • Use a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot.
  • Gently separate herb roots before planting to encourage better growth.
  • Water thoroughly after planting to help the herbs establish themselves.
  • Consider using stronger hanging baskets or additional support to hold the weight of the plants and soil.
  • Starting herbs from established plants rather than seeds can increase success, especially for beginners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overwatering

Reason: Excess water leads to root rot, which can quickly kill your herbs.
Solution: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, ensuring good drainage.

2. Insufficient Sunlight

Reason: Most herbs require ample sunlight (at least 6 hours daily) to thrive; insufficient light results in leggy growth and poor flavor.
Solution: Hang the baskets in a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.

FAQs

What are the best herbs to grow in hanging baskets?
Trailing herbs like rosemary, thyme, and creeping oregano work well, as do compact varieties of basil, mint, and parsley. Avoid herbs with particularly aggressive root systems, which can quickly outgrow the basket.