Fresh herbs can cost a fortune at the grocery store, and they often go bad before you use them all.

Additionally, finding space for a traditional garden can seem impossible when working with limited outdoor areas.

Herb hanging baskets solve both problems perfectly. You’ll save money, always have fresh herbs within arm’s reach, and they work great even in small spaces.

In this blog, I’ll show you how to select the right herbs for hanging baskets, set up your containers for success, and keep your herbs thriving throughout the entire season.

Best Herbs for Hanging Baskets

Not all herbs work well in hanging containers. There are dozens of varieties, and some clearly outperform others in baskets.

Here are my top picks.

• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Chives
• Mint
• Marjoram

These herbs will give you the best results in hanging baskets. They handle container life well and produce a generous amount of leaves for your kitchen needs.

How to Make a Herb Planter for Hanging

Making your own herb planter is easier than you think. I’ll walk you through the simple process using basic materials you can find anywhere.

Materials Needed:

• Large hanging basket (12-14 inches)
• Coconut fiber liner or plastic liner
• Potting soil
• Small drainage stones or gravel
• Strong hanging chain or rope
• Drill with small bits
• Scissors

Step-By-Step Instructions

Creating your own herb hanging basket is easier than you think. It’s a simple way to add fresh flavors to your meals while keeping your garden space neat. Follow these steps to assemble one.

Step 1

Line your basket with either a coconut fiber liner or a plastic liner. If you’re using plastic, ensure that you drill several drainage holes around the bottom to allow extra water to escape easily, keeping the roots healthy.

Step 2

Add a thin layer of drainage stones at the bottom of your basket. This will keep water from collecting at the roots and help prevent rot. The stones also allow air to circulate better around the soil.

Step 3

Fill the basket halfway with a good-quality potting mix. Avoid using regular garden soil because it is often too heavy and may compact in a hanging container. A lighter mix will help your herbs thrive and grow well.

Step 4

Gently plant your herbs, leaving some space between each plant to allow them room to grow. After placing them, water the soil carefully until it is moist but not overly wet. This ensures your herbs settle in without stress.

Step 5

Secure strong chains or rope to your basket and hang it in a spot with 4–6 hours of daily sunlight. Choose an area that is easily accessible for watering and harvesting when your herbs are ready.

Your homemade herb planter is ready to use. With proper care and watering, you’ll have fresh herbs growing right outside your door.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes with hanging an herb basket over the years. Here are the most common errors that can ruin your herb garden.

• Cramming herbs together blocks airflow and hinders growth. Give each plant space to breathe and spread.
• Garden soil is too heavy and drains poorly for hanging baskets. Use a lightweight potting mix to prevent root rot.
• Baskets without drainage holes will kill herbs since water can’t escape, drowning plants in soggy soil.
• Overwatering and underwatering cause issues. Check soil moisture before watering; the top inch should be dry but not bone dry.
• Taking over a third of the plant at once stresses herbs. Regular small harvests keep plants healthy and promote ongoing leaf growth.

Avoid these mistakes and your herb hanging baskets will thrive all season long. Small changes in care make a huge difference in plant health.

Herb Hanging Basket Ideas

Ready to get creative with your herb hanging baskets? Here are seven inspiring ideas that will make your space both beautiful and functional.

1. Kitchen Window Herb Garden

Hang multiple small baskets outside your kitchen window at different heights. Plant cooking essentials like basil, parsley, and chives.

This setup gives you instant access to fresh herbs while cooking. The varied heights create visual interest and make harvesting easy from inside your kitchen.

2. Mediterranean Mix Basket

Combine rosemary, oregano, thyme, and sage in one large basket. These herbs thrive in similar growing conditions and have an incredible aroma when grown together.

They’re perfect for Italian and Greek dishes. The silvery-green colors create a beautiful, cohesive look that complements any outdoor decor style.

3. Tea Lover’s Hanging Garden

Plant mint, lemon balm, and chamomile for homemade herbal teas. Add some lavender for a calming scent. These herbs grow well together, offering a variety of tea options.

Hang near your patio seating area so you can enjoy the relaxing fragrance while sipping your fresh herbal brews.

4. Salad Bowl Basket

Fill your basket with lettuce, arugula, parsley, and chives. This combo provides everything you need for fresh salads, right at your fingertips.

The various leaf textures and shades of green create a visually appealing display. Perfect for small spaces where ground gardening isn’t possible.

5. Pizza Herb Trio

Plant basil, oregano, and rosemary together for all your pizza and pasta needs. These three herbs complement each other perfectly in flavor and growing requirements.

The basil adds bright green color while rosemary provides structure. You’ll never run out of pizza toppings again.

6. Colorful Flowering Herb Mix

Choose summer-blooming herbs like lavender, chives, and nasturtiums with purple, white, and orange flowers, adding color and edible qualities to salads. This basket acts as both garden and decor.

7. Compact Container Herb Wall

Create a vertical herb wall with small hanging baskets at various levels, each holding one or two herb varieties. This maximizes space and creates a living wall effect.

Perfect for balconies, patios, or any vertical space that needs a touch of green life.

These ideas demonstrate that herb hanging baskets can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Select the concept that best suits your space and cooking style.

Seasonal Care & Special Notes

Different herbs have unique needs throughout the year. Here are my top seasonal care tips to keep your hanging herbs healthy and productive.

1. Basil care: Pinch off flower buds promptly to keep leaves tender and flavorful. Bring basil indoors if temperatures fall below 50°F, as it can’t tolerate cold.

2. Adapt to seasonal needs: Move baskets to shadier spots in summer and sunnier spots in spring and fall. Herbs need different light levels as seasons change to stay healthy.

3. Winter Protection: Wrap basket chains with burlap or move containers to sheltered areas. Hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme can survive outdoors with some protection from freezing winds.

4. Adjust watering schedules: Water more in the summer and reduce watering in cooler months. Check soil moisture frequently, as hanging baskets tend to dry out more quickly, especially on windy days.

5. Regular pruning: Cut woody herbs like rosemary and sage in early spring, before new growth, to keep plants compact and promote tender shoots, which enhances flavor in cooking.

Following these seasonal care tips will keep your herbs producing fresh leaves all year long. Pay attention to what each plant needs.

Wrapping it up

Growing your own fresh herb hanging basket flavors right to your kitchen door. You’ve learned how to choose the right herbs, create your own planters, and avoid common pitfalls that kill herb gardens.

These hanging gardens work perfectly for small spaces and busy lifestyles. If you opt for a simple basil basket or create a full herb wall, you’ll save money on store-bought herbs while enjoying a better taste.

Start small with one basket and your favorite cooking herbs. As you gain confidence, try the creative ideas we covered.