Growing a Hanging Garden

Do you like the idea of having plants cascading down from the ceiling in a lovely hanging herb garden?   Well, so do we 🙂   

Step 1 – Think about what you want to grow

Step 3 – Consider the Root Capacity Requirements

• This is really important.  If the pot size is much much larger than the root capacity, your roots will have a hard time establishing themselves, but more importantly, if the root capacity of your planters is too little, your plants growth will be stunted and you simply will not achieve optimal results. 
• As a general rule, fast cropping plants like lettuce, spinach, and soft herbs need a root growth capacity of approx 2 liters if growing in regular potting mix, or minimum of 1 litre of growing hydroponically with coco coir as the growing medium.   Read more about why coco coir is so awesome here
• So it’s generally better to have a larger pot than a smaller pot, but not too big.    (Sorry if this is confusing!)   

Step 4 – Decide Where You Want to Grow it

• Sunlight is KEY!    Think about the position of the sun.  In the hot summer months, the sun tracks higher in the sky.   This means hanging form a balcony with large overhang, you’ll likely have very little sun exposure.    The sun exposure will likely increase in the winter as the sun tracks lower in the sky.   
• Most vegetables need a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, so choose a location that has maximum sun exposure for best results.

Step 5 – Think About the Potting Mixture

• Choose the potting soil that matches your needs. If you live in an area that is really hot and sunny, materials like coco peat that can help hold moisture are recommended.   If you get a lot of rain, choose a mixture that contains sand for drainage.  
• Garden soil may be higher in clay, which is heavier and doesn’t give roots as much freedom to move. Quality may not be the same from vendor to vendor, either.
• Tip!   If you’re using potting mixture, it’s worth spending the extra $5 on that premium option.

Step 6 – Secure a Strong Hook 

• Obviously there loads of different considerations here mainly based on what material you are hanging your garden from.   Plasterboard, brick, tile, plastic, tin etc etc
• The important thing to note is that whatever you’re hanging the planter from, make sure it’s load bearing.   (ie. you would not want to hang a garden from plasterboard, find the wooden studs and drill into those!)
• As a rule of thumb if you’re faced with a decision on how heavy duty to go with your hook, it’s better to have more strength than less strength.   The last thing you want is the thing falling on you or loved ones…   Make it heavy duty to ensure no issues. 

Step 7 – Get to Planting

• Fill your hanging planter with premium potting mix, or coco/perlite (if going hydroponic) and scoop out appropriate size holes at each of the 4 outer clovers to make room for your plants.
• Transplanting plants from the original container to the hanging basket is the fun part. Simply place your hand around the base of the plant to hold it in place and turn the container upside down. If the plant doesn’t fall out, squeeze the container lightly (if you can) or tap it. Once the plant slips out, turn it right side up, place it in your pre-scooped hole, cover it with soil and water.

Step 7 – Hang Your New Garden

• Now, it’s likely that with plants, soil and moisture your hanging garden will be quite heavy, so you may want to wait to water it until it’s hung. 
• Also it’s worth considering how high you want to hang it.   Too low and you’ll be bumping your head on it, too high and you may have difficulties getting water and sunlight to it…. 
• Use the chain provided with the planter set and simply hang it to your heavy duty hook or other device you have fastened.