Growing Cucumbers, Strawberries & Other Edibles in Hanging Baskets
Not just for Flower Baskets
Growing cucumbers and strawberries in hanging baskets is an excellent, space-saving method, particularly for patios, balconies, or small gardens. This approach keeps fruit off the ground, reducing slug damage, mould, and improving air circulation.
Though I have grown strawberries and tumbling tomatoes in hanging baskets before I have never tried a cucumber. So this is my attempt this year.
First choose your variety: Look for compact, bush, or trailing, and "mini" or ridge varieties. Examples include 'Patio Packer', 'Mini Munch', or 'Quick Snack'. I was given a variety called ‘Peticue’ so I'll see how it compares to Mini Munch, our best seller.
Select a Basket: I’m using a large wire hanging basket (minimum 14 inches/35-40cm) with good drainage, as it needs space for roots. Due to its size, it is recommended to use only one plant per basket.
Line the Basket: I’m using a recycled fibre one, but you could line the wire cage with a coir one or sphagnum moss or a hessian liner to hold the compost. If using a plastic liner to retain moisture, pierce drainage holes in the sides. I put a saucer in the bottom as a reservoir before filling with compost.
Fill the Basket: Add a handful of slow-release fertiliser to your high-quality, moisture-retentive potting compost.
Add the Plants: A single cucumber plant will suffice but herbs such as oregano, dill, thyme or basil make good companions. Or sow baby lettuce and radishes in the top for a complete salad crop. Or go pretty with nasturtiums or French marigolds to encourage pollinators.
Positioning: Mine will hang by my front door in full sun (6-8 hours), necessary for healthy growth.
Watering is critical: Cucumber are mostly water and will need frequent watering. I will feed regularly with a high-potash fertiliser (same as for tomatoes) once it starts flowering.
Don't like cucumbers? Then try a Strawberry one.
Growing Strawberries in Hanging Baskets
Strawberries are ideal for hanging baskets and can produce fruit from June until early autumn if varieties are chosen well. Choose trailing, everbearing, or alpine varieties. Examples include 'Ruby Ann', 'Toscana', 'Summer Breeze Rose' and 'Summer Breeze White' (which both feature long lasting 'double' flowers).
Sow in February, germination may be slow. Plant out late May once the risk of hard frost has passed, or late summer/early autumn for the following year.
A 35cm (14 in) basket can hold 4–5 plants. To get a full effect, create small slits in the side of the liner and insert young strawberry or herb plants from the outside inwards.
Then hang in a sunny, sheltered, south-facing spot to maximize fruit production and sweetness and water frequently.
My Key Tips for Edible Basket Success
Watering: Plants in hanging baskets dry out much faster than plants in the ground. A water reservoir at the bottom of the basket is highly beneficial.
Soil: Use a high-quality, lightweight, nutrient-rich multipurpose compost with added slow-release fertiliser.
Feeding: Because you are watering frequently, nutrients will leach out. Use a liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks.
Location: Sunny, sheltered spots are best to help fruits ripen and avoid damage from wind.
Support: Ensure brackets are secure to hold heavy, fully watered baskets.
If neither of those take your fancy, then there are still some varieties to choose from
Top Edible Plants for Hanging Baskets
- Vegetables: Tumbling tomatoes ('Tumbling Tom Red'), trailing bush cucumbers, cucamelons, chilli peppers, dwarf beans and peas (mangetout or snap peas)
- Salad Greens: 'Cut-and-come-again' lettuce, salad leaves, spinach, radishes and small beetroot.
- Fruits: Alpine strawberries and everbearing/trailing strawberries.
- Herbs: Creeping thyme, parsley, mint, rosemary, marjoram / oregano or chives. In the heat replace with summer basils.
- Edible Flowers: Nasturtiums.
Whether you choose crisp cucumbers, sweet strawberries or a mix of edible flowers, herbs and salad crops, hanging baskets can be rewarding way to make the most of even the smallest growing space. With regular watering, feeding and plenty of sunshine, you can enjoy a productive and attractive display right outside your door all summer long. Why not experiment with a few different combinations this year and discover just how much you can grow above ground?