12 Hanging Herb Garden Ideas for Indoor Kitchens and Outdoor Patios

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I used to keep a pot of basil on the windowsill. Every week it got knocked over, pushed aside or forgotten behind the dish soap.

Then I hung it up. Suddenly it was in the light, out of the way and right at eye level, so I actually remembered to water it.

That’s the magic of a hanging herb garden. It saves counter space, gets herbs closer to the sun and honestly looks lovely doing it.

Here are 12 ideas for kitchens, balconies, patios and decks. Three of them are easy DIY builds you can finish in a weekend.

1. Kitchen Window Hanging Herb Rail

The kitchen window is the best spot for herbs in most homes. A simple rail across the top lets pots hang right in the light, while the windowsill stays free.

South or west facing windows work best. I’d pick small pots with built in drip saucers, so water never runs down the glass. A set of hanging herb pots with saucers makes it easy.

You’ll need: brass kitchen rail with S hooks, small herb plants

Best for: small kitchens with a sunny window

2. DIY Tiered Hanging Herb Planter

One hook, three levels of herbs. This tiered planter fits a whole herb garden into the space of one hanging basket.

Put sun lovers like basil and oregano on top, and herbs that like a bit of shade, like parsley and mint, on the lower trays. I learned that after my mint scorched on the top tier.

⏱ 2 hours💲 Low🛠 Easy

3. Indoor Kitchen Hanging Pots on a Rod

No sunny window? Hang herbs from a rod above the kitchen island and add a slim grow light. It turns a dark kitchen into a working herb garden.

Rosemary and thyme are great here, because they trail nicely and handle indoor air well. A full spectrum grow light bar with timer keeps them happy all winter.

You’ll need: ceiling mounted black hanging rod, small hanging pots

Best for: indoor kitchens without a sunny window

4. Vertical Wall Pocket Herb Garden

A felt pocket planter turns a plain fence or wall into a living herb wall. It’s one of the most space smart ideas on this list.

Felt dries out fast in hot sun, so water a little every day in summer. Put thirsty herbs like mint and parsley in the bottom pockets, since water drips down.

You’ll need: 12 pocket felt wall planter, potting mix

Best for: fences and outdoor walls with full sun

5. DIY Pallet Hanging Herb Garden

One wooden pallet, a few hooks and some small pots. That’s a full herb garden for almost nothing, and it looks great on a fence.

Choose your pallet carefully. Look for an “HT” stamp, which means it was heat treated. In my experience, a good sanding makes it look brand new.

⏱ 3 hours💲 Low🛠 Easy

6. Balcony Railing Hanging Herbs

A balcony railing is free planting space. Railing planters hook right over, so you don’t need any drilling or tools.

Always hang them on the inside, so nothing can fall on anyone below. Lightweight plastic planters are best here, since wet terracotta gets heavy fast.

You’ll need: lightweight railing planters, set of 2, herb seedlings

Best for: apartment balconies and small spaces

7. Patio Pergola Hanging Baskets

Herbs above the dining table? Yes please. You can snip fresh thyme or mint right onto your plate while you eat outside.

Coco liner baskets drain well and look natural. I’d hang them at slightly different heights, so they don’t block the view across the table.

You’ll need: 12 inch coco hanging baskets, set of 4, heavy duty beam hooks

Best for: outdoor backyards with a pergola or covered patio

8. Spiral Hanging Herb Tower

A spiral holder looks like a little sculpture. The pots wind around in a twist, so each herb gets its own share of light.

It’s perfect for a narrow corner, since it only takes up the space of one hook. Turn it a quarter round every week, so all sides grow evenly.

You’ll need: spiral hanging plant holder with 5 pots

Best for: narrow porch corners and entryways

9. Deck Hanging Herb Ladder

A horizontal ladder is a clever layout trick. Hang it flat from the deck ceiling, and every rung becomes a spot for a pot.

Group herbs by water needs on each side. Rosemary likes it dry, mint likes it wet. Honestly, this one gets compliments every time someone visits.

You’ll need: 5 foot wooden ladder, heavy duty S hooks, 20 pack

Best for: covered decks and porches

10. Hanging Herbs Over a Raised Bed

Already have a raised bed? Add a second level. A metal arch over the bed holds hanging herbs, so you grow twice as much in the same spot.

The herbs up top also attract pollinators down to your veggies. I like this pairing a lot, especially basil hanging right above tomatoes.

⏱ 2 hours💲 Medium🛠 Easy

11. Edible Flower and Herb Hanging Baskets

Who says herb baskets have to be all green? Mix in edible flowers, and you get a basket that’s as pretty as any flower display.

Nasturtiums trail beautifully and taste peppery. Borage and chive flowers look amazing in salads. I’d start them from seed, since a variety pack of edible flower seeds is cheap.

You’ll need: self watering hanging basket, thyme and chive plants

Best for: sunny porches and front doors

12. Macrame Hanging Herb Pots

Macrame hangers make herbs feel like decor. Hang three at different heights by a sunny window, and it looks like a little indoor garden.

Use containers with drainage holes and a small saucer inside the hanger. That way water never drips on the floor or furniture.

You’ll need: macrame plant hangers, set of 3, small ceramic pots with saucers

Best for: indoor windows and boho style homes

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Hanging Herb Garden Ideas

A hanging herb garden is one of the easiest ways to grow food in a small space. Start with three favorite herbs and one sunny hook. You’ll be snipping fresh basil before you know it.

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