Hanging baskets are versatile for growing food. When deciding on what to grow, you'll need to think about space, weight, and how deep the roots grow.
Soil is the secret to a thriving garden. When growing in baskets, opt for potting soil or create your own mix to ensure your plants have all the required nutrients to thrive. "Don't dig up regular garden soil for your hanging basket," says Pam Farley, author of The First-Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening. "Garden soil is too dense and could have fungus, microbes, seeds, bugs, or other critters that will damage your plants."
She recommends a potting mix for your hanging baskets.
"At the end of the growing season, put the soil and any roots that remain into your compost bin."
This will create a closed-loop system and keep nutrients in your garden.
"Next season, you can use the compost to fertilize your new hanging basket garden!"
Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris
Light needs: Full sun
Soil type: Loamy, well-drained
Thyme is a savory herb that loves warm weather and likes to bask in the sunshine. Place thyme in a sunny area that receives sunlight throughout the day. Farley says that thyme will often cascade over the side of the basket, so plant it along the edges if you're growing multiple herbs in one container.
"It's so satisfying and economical to gather herbs fresh from your garden when you're cooking," she adds.
