It’s no secret that fruits and vegetables can take up a lot of space in your garden – now where are you going to plant all of those gorgeous perennial flowers? And for those of us who don’t have space to spare, edible gardens can seems out of reach. Turns out, hanging your veggies can be one major space-saver.
This new trend of edible hanging gardens has been sweeping the internet, and now, you can be a pro hanging gardener too with our DIY tips and tricks!
1. Know What to Plant
Not all plants are going to take too kindly to being hung, rather than being traditionally planted. Fruits, such as citrus and other tree-like plants, should definitely not be hung due to their growth and water consumption. Other vegetables that require deeper ground for growth, such as carrots, should also not be used in hanging planters as they require access to deeper soil to fully mature.
We recommend trying lettuce, peas, strawberries, and certain smaller peppers for your first time!
2. Use the Right Soil
There are many different types of soil you can use for planters. You’ll want to use a soil that holds plenty of moisture in to make sure that your edible garden is getting all the water it could possibly need.
We recommend using a blend of peat, vermiculite, and compost to give your plants the best environment to grow in. Make sure your mix is 1/3 of each different soil types!
3. Getting Your Planter Just Right
You’ll want to make sure that your hanging garden is planted in a sturdy metal frame with a thick inner-lining. Like any potted plant, you want to make sure your hanging planter is getting plenty of drainage while not drying your plants out.
Try placing a baby diaper in the bottom of your planter to lock-in some extra moisture! Trust me – it really works!
4. Stack Your Planters to Save Space
If you’re like me, your garden is probably insanely just a little cramped. By stacking your edible garden, you can not only save space, but also save water! Plus – let’s be real – it looks amazing. Try keeping your plants that need the most water at the bottom of your stack to let them soak up any and all runoff. Trust me, your wallet will thank you!
5. Try Upside Down Gardening!
Another great space-saving method is upside down gardening. I know, it looks insane but it turns out that certain plants, such as tomatoes and strawberries, actually grow the same if not better when allowed to grow with gravity, rather than against it. Pro tip: You absolutely have to trim these guys – you don’t want them to grow too heavy and possibly fall out of your hanging garden!
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Think Outside of the Planter!
Not every hanging planter has to be, well, hanging. Don’t be afraid to try new things, like converting an old shoe rack into an herb garden. This is all about you growing your own fresh produce – the possibilities are endless!
Let us know in the comments how your edible garden endeavors are going!
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