Transforming a humble ladder into a thriving vertical garden is not just a charming DIY project, it’s a smart way to grow fresh food and herbs in tight spaces.
Repurpose an old ladder that has passed its prime, or create your own for garden art with edible results.
Firstly, whether you’re working with tin cans, mugs, baskets, or quirky repurposed containers, here’s a guide to plants that thrive in small hanging planters with limited root space and great visual impact.
Top Edibles to Grow in Small Hanging Containers
1. Strawberries
- Compact, shallow-rooted, and perfect for trailing over the edges.
- Bonus: Pretty flowers before the fruit sets.
- Ideal for sunny spots.
2. Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Rocket, Spinach)
- Quick-growing and great for repeat harvests.
- Use fibrous liners (like coir) to help retain moisture.
3. Herbs
- Thyme, chives, oregano, mint, and parsley all do well in containers.
- Most herbs love good drainage — perfect for tin cans or metal pots with drilled holes.
- Mix in a few edible flowers like nasturtiums for color and pollinator appeal.
4. Radishes
- Surprisingly container-friendly, especially in slightly deeper hanging pots.
- Fast-growing, ready in about 4 weeks.
- Adds a crisp, peppery harvest to your ladder lineup.
5. Miniature Peppers or Chilies
- Opt for dwarf or patio varieties like ‘Mini Bell’ or ‘Basket of Fire’.
- Need warmth and sun, but worth it for visual interest and productivity.
- Add a splash of color to your vertical garden!
6. Edible Flowers
- Nasturtiums, calendula, and violas are all edible and bring pollinators to your garden.
- Nasturtiums love to cascade, softening the lines of the ladder.
TIPS: Drainage is everything: Always drill holes in your containers and consider adding gravel or broken pot shards at the bottom. Watering trick: Use coconut coir or a layer of wool at the bottom of the planter to retain moisture without waterlogging.
This project makes a traditional doweling ladder look with all new material. No dowelling or drill set? Use simple slats of wood and nail directly on to upright lengths.
Hooks can be purchased in your local DIY store in the hanging basket aisle and creative repurposing of tin cans and even kitchen equipment, makes for some fun growing containers. Be sure to drill holes in the bottom for drainage. Planters will benefit from a fibrous base layer before adding soil to help contain moisture.
How to Make a Growing Ladder
You’ll need
- 2 x 1.8m 65 x 32 lengths of dressed pine
- 3 x 0.9m pine doweling 25mm
- 12 x 50mm screws
Method
Step 1: Use a sander or plane to smooth off the sharp corner edges of the upright lengths of dressed pine for aesthetics – optional.
Step 2: Cut each 3 x 0.9m doweling in half (totaling 6 equal length rungs). Quickly sandpaper ends which will help for an easier fit into the pre-drilled holes in the uprights. Dowelling work is now complete.
Step 3: For this project, rungs were spaced 30cm apart, starting 4cm from the top of the 1.8m lengths of pine. Mark these measurements with pencil on the broadest side of the wood.
For ease and accuracy, clamp marked uprights together and drill a pilot hole through both at the same time. Separate and continue to drill doweling holes with a 25mm wood drill. Use sandpaper to smooth off any rough edges. Uprights are now complete.
Step 4: Insert dowelling into the holes made in the upright lengths of wood. Use a hammer to help tap them into place if tight. On one side only, screw through uprights into each piece of dowel to secure. Countersink with the screw to fit snugly.
TIPS: Remove pesky stickers on the wood or doweling with a paint scraper and mineral turpentine, particularly if planning to stain or paint.
As seen in NZ Lifestyle Block Magazine, written by me!
