13 Trendy Hanging Planters for Your Herb Garden
Have you ever dreamed of plucking fresh herbs right from your kitchen? A hanging herb garden can make that dream a reality!
When space is tight, but your love for cooking with fresh herbs isn’t, hanging gardens offer the perfect solution.
They take up no counter space, add a touch of green to your home, and allow you to access them whenever needed.
A good hanging herb garden does three important things: It saves valuable space, improves the appearance of your home, and ensures that you always have fresh herbs for cooking.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through multiple explorers to make hanging herb garden ideas. These designs work well for indoor and/or spaces, from small apartments to spacious homes.
What is a Hanging Herb Garden?
A hanging herb garden is a collection of herb plants grown in containers from walls, ceilings, or other structures rather than sitting on the ground or countertops.
These gardens are perfect for small spaces and urban homes with limited floor or counter space. To make the most of your available space, you can place them near windows, along walls, or from ceiling hooks.
Hanging herb gardens offer several key benefits:
- They look good and add a natural touch to your home decor
- They provide fresh herbs right at your fingertips for cooking
- They help clean the air in your home
- They need very little day-to-day care once set up
A hanging herb garden turns unused areas into productive growing zones for city dwellers or anyone with limited gardening space. It brings the joy of gardening to those who might not otherwise have the space for it.
A List of DIY Hanging Herb Garden Ideas & Designs To Try
These 13 DIY hanging herb garden ideas let you create a practical and beautiful herb collection in even the smallest homes.
1. Mason Jar Hanging Herb Garden
Mason jars are perfect containers for herbs because of their classic look and practical size. Use metal clamps or purpose-made hanging brackets to mount them on walls or wooden planks.
They work well in kitchens, where the glass sides allow easy monitoring of soil and water levels. The clear glass also allows sunlight to reach the roots, which some herbs enjoy.
Styling tips:
- Paint jar lids in coordinating colors to match your kitchen
- Add small chalkboard labels to identify each herb
- Group jars at different heights for visual interest
- Use copper wire instead of metal clamps for a warmer look
2. Hanging Shoe Organizer Herb Garden
This clever reuse of a pocket shoe organizer creates an instant vertical garden with minimal effort. The multiple pockets give each herb its growing space, and the fabric construction is lightweight enough to hang on doors or walls.
The fabric allows for airflow and prevents water logging, though you may want to poke a few extra holes in each pocket for drainage. Choose a spot that gets adequate light – the back of a door that receives some sun is ideal.
Styling tips:
- Choose a canvas organizer in a neutral tone for a clean look
- Add simple wooden tags to identify herbs
- Place taller herbs at the top, trailing ones at the bottom
- Hang against a bright wall for contrast
3. Hanging Terra-Cotta Pot Herb Garden
Terracotta pots offer excellent drainage and a timeless garden look. Attach them to wooden planks with rope or wire to create a vertical display. The natural clay material helps regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Terra-cotta is porous, allowing excess moisture to evaporate through the sides. This makes it difficult to overwater herbs, an issue for new gardeners.
Styling tips:
- Leave pots natural or paint them in soft pastels
- Use thick, natural rope for a rustic feel
- Stagger pot placement for a more casual look
- Add small wood signs with herb names
4. Paint-Can Hanging Herb Garden
Cleaning and drilling can transform old paint cans into bright, unexpected planters. Their metal construction makes them durable for outdoor use, and their handles make hanging simple.
Before use, clean the cans thoroughly to remove any paint residue. Metal retains heat, which some heat-loving herbs, like basil and rosemary, enjoy. Please cool-climate herbs in partial shade to prevent overheating soil during summer.
Styling tips:
- Paint cans in bright colors that complement your space
- Create patterns or stripes for added visual interest
- Use matching rope or chain for hanging
- Add drain holes and line with landscape fabric
5. Trellis with Hanging Bucket Herb Garden
A simple trellis creates the perfect framework for hanging small buckets filled with herbs. This setup works well against a wall or as a room divider and supports hanging herbs and climbing varieties.
The trellis also supports herbs like oregano that might spill over the sides, creating a lush, full look. This setup can be moved seasonally to catch the best light throughout the year.
Styling tips:
- Paint the trellis in a contrasting color to your wall
- Use buckets in graduated sizes for visual appeal
- Add solar mini-lights for evening ambiance
- Place climbing herbs like thyme at the base
6. Hanging Gutter Herb Garden
Rain gutter sections create long planters perfect for growing multiple herbs in a row. Vinyl gutters are lightweight and won’t rust, making them ideal for this project.
When mounting, drill holes along the bottom and slightly tilt the gutters to ensure proper drainage. This type of garden is ideal for herbs that spread horizontally, such as creeping thyme or trailing rosemary.
Styling tips:
- Paint gutters to match or contrast with your home’s exterior
- Cap the ends with decorative finials
- Mount at slight angles for improved drainage
- Add small stones at the bottom for drainage
7. Window Herb Planter Garden
Hang planters near kitchen windows to place herbs exactly where you need them. Small pots hung from metal pipes or rods keep fresh herbs within arm’s reach while cooking and ensure they get plenty of light.
Choose herbs that match your window’s light exposure—south-facing windows for sun lovers, east or west for those who prefer gentler light. Even north-facing windows can support shade-tolerant herbs like mint and parsley.
Styling tips:
- Use clear glass planters to create a floating effect
- Choose uniform pot sizes for a clean look
- Add small LED grow lights for winter months
- Match hanging hardware to your window frames
8. Ladder Hanging Herb Garden
When leaned against a wall, an old wooden ladder creates instant vertical storage. Hang small pots from each rung or place planters directly on the steps for a practical and visually interesting display.
The beauty of the ladder garden is its flexibility—you can move planters around based on their light needs or harvesting habits. A folding ladder works well for small spaces, as it can be collapsed when not in use.
Styling tips:
- Sand and stain the ladder for an updated look
- Hang small baskets from S-hooks for easy movement
- Add fairy lights for evening charm
- Place larger pots on the ground around the base
9. Repurposed Hanging File Organizer Herb Garden
With their built-in compartments, office file racks transform into smart herb planters. Wall-mounted versions occupy minimal space while holding multiple small pots or soil-filled pouches for your herb collection.
The compartments keep herbs separated, preventing aggressive growers from taking over. This setup works well for kitchen walls with limited space, but herbs must be accessible.
Styling tips:
- Choose metal mesh organizers for a modern look
- Line compartments with coconut fiber for better moisture control
- Label each section with small wooden tags
- Paint in a single bold color for visual impact
10. Recycled Milk Bottle Hanging Herb Garden
Cut-open milk or juice bottles make lightweight, free planters for small herbs. They’re easy to hang, completely free, and can be replaced as needed, making them perfect for beginning gardeners.
Plastic bottles help retain moisture, which is good for thirsty herbs. Cut large openings in the sides for planting and smaller holes in the bottom for drainage.
Styling tips:
- Remove labels and paint the outside in solid colors
- Punch decorative patterns for extra drainage and style
- Hang with colorful cord or twine
- Group several at different heights
11. Spice Rack Hanging Herb Garden
Wall-mounted spice racks are already the perfect shape and size for small herb pots. Their tiered design displays herbs while keeping them accessible for cooking and care.
Wooden spice racks can be found secondhand and easily repurposed for growing herbs. This setup is especially useful for kitchen herb gardens, where you can grab a pinch of herbs while cooking without disturbing the entire plant.
Styling tips:
- Use matching pots for a uniform look
- Add small grow lights underneath each shelf
- Choose a spice rack that matches your kitchen hardware
- Label the front edge of each shelf instead of individual pots
12. Stacked Hanging Herb Planters
Tiered hanging pots create a vertical garden in one simple unit. These ready-made planters stack multiple growing areas in a small footprint, perfect for patios, balconies, or any corner that needs greenery.
Commercial stacked planters often have built-in watering systems that let excess water drain from upper levels to lower ones, making them very efficient. Look for planters with varying depths to accommodate different herb root structures.
Styling tips:
- Choose a single-color theme for all tiers
- Plant cascading herbs in the lower sections
- Mix in flowering herbs for color variation
- Hang against a plain wall to showcase the structure
13. Sticky Window Planter Herb Garden
Suction cup planters stick directly to windows, putting herbs in prime light while taking up zero floor or counter space. These unique planters work especially well for kitchen windows where herbs can get maximum sunlight.
Choose small, lightweight containers to ensure the suction cups hold securely. This garden style is perfect for renters who can’t drill holes or hang heavy items, and the planters can be easily repositioned as needed.
Styling tips:
- Choose clear containers to maintain window light
- Use matching suction cups for a cleaner look
- Arrange in geometric patterns on the window
- Mix in small flowering plants for color
Few Additional Tips for a Thriving Hanging Herb Garden
Watering & Drainage Tips: Good watering habits keep herbs healthy. Check soil moisture before adding water. Plants need proper drainage to prevent root rot. Pick pots with holes at the bottom.
Best Herbs for Hanging Gardens: Basil, mint, and cilantro grow well in hanging pots. They need little space and thrive in smaller containers. Thyme, oregano, and rosemary need less care. They can handle drier soil and fewer waterings.
Seasonal Care & Maintenance: Move plants inside during cold or hot days. Cover them with cloth for sudden temperature changes—water less in winter and more in summer. Check for pests weekly throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
A hanging herb garden brightens up any home space. The scent of fresh herbs makes cooking more fun and meals tastier.
It works best to start small. Try two or three herbs first, then add more as you learn. You’ll soon find joy in snipping fresh herbs for your dishes.
Hanging gardens save space and look good, too. With green plants nearby, your kitchen will feel more lively.
Remember, herbs need your care but not your worry. They grow well with basic attention to light, water, and soil.
Ready to start your herb garden today? The steps are simple, and the rewards are plenty.
