‘Tumbler’ Cherry Tomato Basket

Vegetable Hanging Basket Guide

Hanging baskets require special care, especially for vegetable production. Plants tend to be more sensitive to environmental conditions due to the limited root volume, increases temperatures and potential for drought stress. For that reason, we want to clarify that growing in a basket is more involved than growing in soil and may be more tailored for experienced growers. This guide is our recommendations for growing vegetables in hanging baskets, however, this is not a guarantee as there are many factors involved in growing plants.

THE BASKET: We grow our hanging basket vegetables in 10″ or 12″ diameter hanging baskets. These baskets are typically green and have either a metal or plastic hanger. All the baskets we provide have a water reservoir at its base. 

SOIL MEDIA: We grow our hanging basket vegetables in a mixture of soilless, peat-based potting media (Sunshine #4 Organic) and compost. This provides the plant with a suitable rooting substrate for growth, water retention, aeration and nutrition holding while also being relatively lightweight. We also include a slow-release, granular, certified organic fertilizer to promote healthy root and shoot growth. You will still be required to fertilize during the season as the slow-release fertilizer will not be enough to sustain your plant during the fruiting period.

FERTILIZING: You will be required to fertilize periodically during the fruiting season. Typically, one dose every 2 weeks should suffice depending on the crop load and development stage. Weekly feedings at lower doses may be needed to balance growth. We recommend using a liquid fertilizer to provide the basic needs (Orgunique 3-1-4 or 3-2-5). Always ensure you are fertilizing as a dilution with water into the pot that is not dry or completely saturated with water. Water that drains from the pot after watering will remove nutrients. 

WATERING: Hanging basket vegetables are often stressed by drought-like conditions. Ensure that the baskets remain moist; not dry and not saturated. There is a reservoir in the bottom of the basket, however, a mature plant on a sunny day may drain it completely. It may be beneficial to avoid direct sun contact with the side of the basket during the hottest part of the day as water may also evaporate, leaving the soil media dry. Water may be required up to twice a day depending on crop usage and environmental conditions. 

PLACEMENT: It is important to consider the placement of your basket. Tomatoes and cucumbers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to produce fruit. Covered decks and patios are recommended as the basket should receive some shade and be protected from rain (may wash away nutrients, oversaturate media and damage the plant/fruit). Baskets in full sun during the hottest part of the day may dry out more quickly and require more frequent watering. Roots may also become “cooked” during extreme heat events or sunlight exposure causing decreased yields and plant health.