Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to maximize your gardening space, especially if you have limited ground area. They can add beauty and functionality to your home, making it easy to grow fresh herbs within arm’s reach. Herbs are particularly well-suited for hanging baskets because they often require good drainage and ample sunlight, both of which can be easily managed in a hanging basket setup.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to ten herbs that thrive in hanging baskets. Each herb has its unique characteristics and growing requirements, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your vertical garden. Let’s explore these wonderful plants and see how they can enhance your garden space and culinary adventures!
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a versatile herb that grows exceptionally well in hanging baskets. Its trailing growth habit makes it an excellent choice for this type of planting. Native to the Mediterranean region, thyme prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it relatively low-maintenance.
One of my favorite things about thyme is its versatility in the kitchen. It’s perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and stews, adding a savory, earthy flavor to your dishes. Thyme is also a wonderful pollinator attractor, bringing bees and butterflies to your garden. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth, ensuring a constant supply of fresh thyme throughout the growing season.
Mint
Mint (Mentha spp.) is another excellent herb for hanging baskets due to its vigorous growth and spreading nature. By planting mint in a hanging basket, you can control its tendency to take over the garden. Mint prefers partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential to keep it healthy and thriving.
I love growing mint because of its refreshing aroma and flavor. It’s perfect for making tea, adding to salads, or using as a garnish. There are many varieties to choose from, including peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint, each with its unique taste and scent. Growing mint in hanging baskets not only keeps it contained but also allows you to enjoy its fragrance and beauty up close.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a hardy perennial herb that does well in hanging baskets. Native to the Mediterranean, oregano thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its trailing stems make it an attractive and practical choice for vertical gardening. Oregano is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance.
One of the reasons I enjoy growing oregano is its robust flavor, which is essential in Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisines. It’s perfect for seasoning pizzas, pastas, and grilled meats. Oregano also has medicinal properties, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular harvesting encourages new growth, providing a continuous supply of fresh oregano for your culinary creations.
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular herb that grows well in hanging baskets, especially varieties like ‘Spicy Globe’ or ‘Greek Basil’ which have a more compact growth habit. Basil prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Pinching back the tips encourages bushy growth and prevents the plant from flowering too early.
I love basil for its versatility and vibrant flavor. It’s an essential ingredient in many dishes, from Italian pesto to Thai curries. The aromatic leaves can be used fresh or dried, adding a burst of flavor to salads, sauces, and more. Growing basil in hanging baskets keeps it within easy reach, making it convenient to harvest and use in your daily cooking.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a hardy perennial herb that thrives in hanging baskets. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for hanging baskets that offer good drainage. Sage is relatively drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering. Its beautiful gray-green leaves and purple flowers add aesthetic appeal to any garden.
One of the reasons I enjoy growing sage is its strong, earthy flavor, which pairs well with poultry, pork, and vegetable dishes. Sage also has medicinal properties, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Regular harvesting of the leaves encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody. Sage is a wonderful addition to any culinary herb garden, providing both beauty and functionality.
Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a versatile herb that grows well in hanging baskets, particularly the curly leaf variety. It prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. Parsley requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather.
I love growing parsley for its fresh, bright flavor that enhances a wide range of dishes. It’s perfect for garnishing, adding to salads, and incorporating into sauces like chimichurri and tabbouleh. Parsley is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Regular harvesting encourages new growth, ensuring a constant supply of fresh parsley throughout the growing season.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant, woody perennial herb that thrives in hanging baskets. Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
I enjoy growing rosemary for its robust, pine-like flavor, which is perfect for seasoning meats, potatoes, and breads. Its aromatic leaves can be used fresh or dried, adding depth to your culinary creations. Rosemary also has medicinal properties, known for its memory-enhancing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Its trailing growth habit makes it an attractive addition to hanging baskets, providing both beauty and functionality.
Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a hardy perennial herb that grows well in hanging baskets. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Chives produce attractive, grass-like foliage and beautiful purple flowers that attract pollinators.
I love growing chives for their mild onion flavor, which is perfect for garnishing soups, salads, and baked potatoes. The flowers are also edible, adding a pop of color and a mild onion taste to dishes. Chives are easy to grow and maintain, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular harvesting of the leaves encourages new growth, ensuring a constant supply of fresh chives.
Tarragon
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb that thrives in hanging baskets, particularly French tarragon. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Tarragon is relatively drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering.
I enjoy growing tarragon for its unique, anise-like flavor, which is perfect for seasoning poultry, fish, and egg dishes. It’s also a key ingredient in classic French sauces like béarnaise. Tarragon has medicinal properties, known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular harvesting encourages new growth, providing a continuous supply of fresh tarragon for your culinary adventures.
Cilantro
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a fast-growing annual herb that does well in hanging baskets. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Cilantro requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather.
I love growing cilantro for its fresh, citrusy flavor that enhances a wide range of dishes, from salsas to curries. Both the leaves and seeds (coriander) are used in cooking, making it a versatile herb. Cilantro also has medicinal properties, known for its digestive and detoxifying benefits. Regular harvesting of the leaves encourages new growth and prevents the plant from bolting too quickly. Cilantro is a wonderful addition to any culinary herb garden, providing both flavor and functionality.
By incorporating these herbs into your hanging baskets, you can create a beautiful and functional vertical garden. Each of these herbs offers unique flavors and benefits, ensuring that your garden remains vibrant and productive throughout the growing season.
