Top Vegetables You Can Grow in a Hanging Basket

Photo by Sasha Kim

Do you love the taste of fresh vegetables but don’t have the space to plant a garden? Did you know you can grow vegetables in a hanging basket?

Many people think you can only grow flowers in a hanging basket, but that’s not the case. Many vegetables can thrive in a hanging basket. Here are some of the top vegetables you can grow in a hanging basket:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a classic choice for a hanging basket. They require full sun and well-drained soil, and they will need to be watered regularly. Be sure to choose various tomatoes specifically designed for growing in containers, for example, ‘Tumbler’ or ‘Patio Prize.’

If you’re about to hang the baskets outdoors, ensure the temperature is warm enough for tomatoes, as they won’t tolerate frost. If grown indoors, put the baskets in a sunny spot near a window so the tomatoes can get enough light.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a great choice for a hanging basket because it doesn’t take up much space. Plus, you can cut the leaves as needed, and they will continue to grow. It prefers cool weather and partial shade, making it ideal for spring or fall plantings.

Look for varieties of lettuce designed explicitly for containers, such as ‘Buttercrunch’ or ‘Salad Bowl.’ And remember to water lettuce regularly and ensure the basket has good drainage. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this will cause the leaves to turn brown and wilt.

Beans

Beans are another great choice for a hanging basket. They need full sun and well-drained soil, and they will need to be watered regularly. Bush beans are the best type of beans to grow in a hanging basket, as they don’t need support and don’t take up much space.

Some suitable varieties of bush beans to try are ‘Provider,’ ‘Tendergreen,’ or ‘Bush Blue Lake.’ Be sure to pick a combination that is disease resistant and matures early so you can enjoy your beans as soon as possible.

Cucamelon

Have you ever heard of cucamelons? They are a type of mini watermelon that looks like a cucumber. They are perfect for growing in hanging baskets and don’t take up much space.

Cucamelons are originally from Mexico, and they like warm weather. They need full sun and well-drained soil, and they will need to be watered regularly. Be sure to pick a disease-resistant variety, such as ‘Mexican Miniature’ or ‘Tiny Tim.’

It’s super funny to grow cucamelons because they look just like watermelon but in a miniature size. Kids would love to see these in the garden!

Cucumbers

Going back to the regular-size cucumber, this is another excellent choice for a hanging basket. However, unlike the smaller pickling cucumber or cucamelons, these need to be given a bit more room to grow. They also require a lot of water, so keep an eye on your cucumber plants and water them regularly.

If you want to grow cucumbers in a hanging basket, look for a bush variety like ‘Patio Pik’ or ‘Bush Pickler.’ These varieties are bred to be more compact and don’t need as much room to sprawl.

Eggplants

How about eggplants for those who want to try something a little different? These beautiful plants can add a touch of flair to any hanging basket. While they require a bit more care than some other vegetables, they are well worth the effort.

Eggplants need warm temperatures to thrive, so place them in a sunny spot. They also require regular watering, so keep an eye on the soil and water when necessary.

If you want to grow eggplants in a hanging basket, look for a bush variety like ‘Fairy Tale’ or ‘Patio Baby.’ These varieties are compact and don’t need as much room to sprawl.

Kale and Other Leafy Greens

Other excellent hanging basket choices are kale, spinach, and other leafy greens. These plants are relatively easy to care for and don’t require as much attention as other vegetables.

Leafy greens need a lot of sunlight to thrive, so place them in a sunny spot. They also require regular watering, so keep an eye on the soil and water when necessary.

If you want to grow leafy greens in a hanging basket, look for a variety that is bred to be compact. ‘Toscano Kale’ and ‘Redbor Kale’ are both excellent choices. They are also relatively disease resistant, so you won’t have to worry about them as much.

How to Thrive with Vegetables in Hanging Baskets

Now that you know what vegetables you can grow in a hanging basket, it’s time to learn how to care for them. While each plant has different requirements, some general tips will help your plants thrive.

First of all, make sure to choose the right size basket for your plants. If the basket is too small, the roots will become crowded, and the plant will not be able to thrive. If the basket is too large, the plant will become rootbound and unable to absorb all of the nutrients it needs.

It’s also important to choose a basket with drainage holes. This will allow excess water to drain from the roots and prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged.

Another important tip is to make sure you fertilize your plants regularly. This will provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. I recommend using a liquid fertilizer that the roots can easily absorb.

Finally, make sure to deadhead your plants regularly. This means removing any dead or dying leaves or flowers. This will help the plant focus its energy on new growth and prevent it from becoming overgrown.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your plants will thrive in their hanging baskets. With a bit of care, you can enjoy fresh vegetables all season long!