With the right plants, good soil and regular watering, you can enjoy a mini harvest from your balcony, courtyard or sunny patio - no garden required.
Herbs that love to hang
Herbs are made for hanging baskets. They’re compact, easy to grow and fill the air with fragrance every time you brush past.
- Thyme - a trailing herb that loves sunshine and doesn’t mind drying out a little between waterings.
- Oregano - another sun-lover that grows beautifully alongside thyme.
- Basil - ideal for summer; just keep it in a warm, sheltered spot and pinch off flowers to encourage leafy growth.
- Mint - best in its own basket because it spreads fast.
- Parsley - grows well in part shade and adds a lush, green touch.
- Chives - easy to grow.
- Coriander - prefers cooler weather, so it’s perfect for autumn and winter baskets.
- Rosemary - dwarf or creeping varieties do well if your basket gets full sun.
- Lemon balm - lightly fragrant and looks pretty.
For a mixed herb basket, group plants with similar needs. Mediterranean herbs like thyme, oregano and rosemary love sun and drier soil, while leafy herbs such as parsley and chives prefer a bit more moisture and shade.
Veggies that thrive up high
Many smaller vegetables are perfectly happy growing in baskets - and some even prefer it. Good drainage and airflow mean fewer pests and diseases.
- Cherry tomatoes - look for trailing or compact varieties like ‘Tumbling Tom’, ‘Tiny Tim’ or ‘Cherry Cascade’. They’ll spill beautifully over the edge of the basket.
- Lettuce and leafy greens - loose-leaf lettuce, spinach, rocket and baby kale all grow well and can be harvested a few leaves at a time.
- Chillies - compact plants that love warmth and sunlight. Add a splash of colour to your space and your cooking.
- Capsicum (mini varieties) - small, sweet peppers can grow happily in a deep hanging basket if well-fed and watered.
- Radishes - quick to grow and easy to pick; use a deeper basket for best results.
- Spring onions - slender and space-saving; snip what you need and let the rest keep growing.
- Peas and beans (dwarf or bush types) - trailing varieties can hang down gently, giving you fresh pods within reach.
- Baby carrots - try round or short-rooted types such as ‘Paris Market’; they’re perfect for deeper baskets.
Fruit that fits the space
While larger fruit trees are best left to pots or garden beds, a few smaller fruits are perfect for hanging baskets and look stunning as they grow.
- Strawberries - the all-time hanging basket favourite. They love to trail over the edge, producing sweet fruit and pretty, white flowers.
- Dwarf or mini tomatoes - absolutely perfect for a sunny hanging spot.
- Dwarf capsicum or chilli varieties - colourful, compact and decorative.
Getting the basics right
A few simple care tips will help your hanging baskets to thrive:
- Choose the right basket - a wire basket with a good liner (like coir or sphagnum moss) allows air flow and drainage. Plastic or self-watering baskets are great for hot, dry areas.
- Use quality potting mix - a mix designed for containers holds moisture without becoming soggy. Add a slow-release fertiliser when planting.
- Water regularly - baskets dry out quickly, especially in warm weather. Check daily and give them a good soak when needed.
- Feed often - a liquid fertiliser every two weeks keeps growth lush and healthy.
- Sunlight matters - most herbs and veggies need at least 5–6 hours of sunlight a day. Rotate baskets occasionally so all sides get their share.
- Trim and harvest often - regular picking encourages new growth and keeps your basket looking full.
Design your hanging harvest
Try mixing trailing herbs like thyme and oregano with compact greens or strawberries for texture and colour. A few baskets at different heights can create a lovely, layered effect, turning a small balcony into a mini vertical garden.
Hanging baskets look gorgeous, make great use of vertical space and, best of all, bring fresh flavour right to your doorstep.
