How to Create a Hanging Garden

Get Out and PLAY Event – Day 19

For the past four summers I have been cultivating a small, urban vegetable garden in our backyard.  The challenge was how to not completely take over our small plot of land so we could leave space for Atg_headerthe kids to play, but to still be able to grow a substantial amount of food in the small space.  This year we decided to look for vertical options, using space that has until now, been completely unutilized in our yard.

The answer was a Lakeland Mills Hanging Garden from ATG Stores that allows us to create a whole new dimension of gardening and turn everything we know about gardening {literally} upside down. 

Hg236Hanging gardens can be planted in one of two ways – in baskets or buckets that take your container garden and suspend it, or upside down in planters that allow your plants to actually grow downward instead of up {often called inverted gardening}.  With the Lakeland Mills Hanging Garden, you can plant either upright or upside down, and in a variety of different configurations to suit your garden, which makes it ideal for gardeners of all types. 

Because we grow lots of tomatoes, vining cucumbers, beans, eggplants, peppers, and peas, we designated a portion of the hanging garden to upside down planting in large buckets, and then we did some herbs, lettuce and pepper plants in the tops of the buckets, maximizing the space for vegetables and herbs and giving them the best environments to flourish.

  Steps to create a hanging garden:
Hg3581)    Purchase the Lakeland Mills Hanging Garden from ATG Store that suits your needs – choose from small, medium, or large.  We chose the medium size which was perfect for our fence height and raised bed size.
2)    Purchase 4-6 buckets with nice metal hangers.  The buckets we bought were standard size and grade because we wanted them to match, but you can actually get free or cheap buckets at many restaurants.
3)    Drill small holes in the buckets for drainage and large holes for inverted planting.
4)    This step is only for inverted planting only: Starting inside the bucket, I worked the tops of our vegetable starts through the drilled holes, leaving the root ball inside the bucket all ready for fresh soil to be added to the top. 
5)    Hang the buckets by their metal handles by unhooking one side and re-attaching it once around the cross bar, and then fill 2/3 full with a mix of organic vegetable soil. 
6)    Add herbs and small veggie starts on top and fill to ¾ with dirt.

As an added bonus, if you are starting your planting early in the season {or happen to be having a cold spring as we are in Washington}, you can easily cover your vegetable starts by draping a cover over the hanging garden without damaging the plants inside.  It’s a great way to extend the growing season and protect against unexpected spring frost, which would have been really nice this year. 

Hanging Garden Medium How we designed our garden:  We used 6 buckets for our garden and opted to use 3 of the buckets for inverted planting with plants on top and then 3 buckets that only have starts at the top.  This was a good way for us to almost triple the space we had available this year by utilizing the tops and bottoms of the buckets as well as the raised beds below the hanging garden.  While we could have easily added even more vegetables to the hanging system, we wanted to see how we did with a smaller amount first and will likely try even more next year to even further maximize its usefulness. 

Another huge bonus of a hanging garden is that it requires less weeding and pest control than in-ground or raised bed gardening does.  Typically the slugs get my lettuce in my raised bed, so I was really happy to raise it up out of harm’s way this year on the hanging garden cross bars.  When the garden does need tending to, I also find that it is easier to care for the hanging garden as the plants are all higher and easy for me to reach without having to stoop or require knee protection.  Since I was in a bad accident a few months back that gives me limited mobility, I really appreciate the ease of caring for the hanging garden this year especially.  

Hg3300-alt Whether you are working with a small lot, a concrete or wood slatted space, or simply want to raise your vegetables out of reach of animals and pests, growing a vertical vegetable garden just makes sense.  You can easily produce a good deal of fresh vegetables without taking up excess space or needing to give up your entire yard with this easy-to-use, and high quality system from ATG Stores.  In addition to hanging gardens, ATG Stores has a variety of different items to help make your backyard your own oasis, including patio furniture, grills, and more.  Whether you are looking to create a backyard “room” or a play area for kids and adults, ATG Stores is a great place to start your search.   

Want to see what’s top of my wishlist for my garden for next year?  I will definitely be ordering this compact greenhouse from ATG Stores to kick start my garden next spring… or maybe I should just get it for the fall? 
And Now For the Giveaway!

One very lucky Rave and Review reader will win a $100 Gift Code to spend at ATG Stores!

To Enter: Simply visit ATG Stores and tell me what set you would choose to spend your $100 credit on

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Like ATG Stores on Facebook – a great way to keep up on contests and promotions!

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

Win a $100 Gift Certificate to @ATGStores from @raveandreview #giveaway http://bit.ly/kPVHfB US & CAN

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (3 extra entries – just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) NEW!  “Like” Rave and Review on Facebook! (3 entries)

On July 22nd at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Open to US & Canadian Addresses.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to:

#736 Liz Neal said… FB follower

Leanne Signature 2 Thank you to ATG Stores for getting us started with inverted gardening with the Lakeland Mills Hanging Garden as well as offering a $100 giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

760 thoughts on “How to Create a Hanging Garden”

  1. I would probably spend my $100 on a cocuple new lighting fixtures. karasceviour at hotmail dot com

  2. I don’t think my mandatory went through …I would love the Algoma Hammocks 6250G Imported Cotton Rope Stand Combo Outdoor Hammock

  3. If I won, I would get this fantastic multitool: SOG Knives PowerAssist EOD Multi Tool Multitool
    Thank you for the chance to win!

  4. At ATG Stores, I would put the gift certificate toward the purchase of the Wayborn Furnityre 4530 Easel, #437857G.
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway. -Pauline

  5. sorry for the double post – please use it as my tweet entry instead
    http: //twitter.com/OhioCatfish/status/82122764160479232

  6. i would get the little tikes 451a fold store picnic table
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  7. This hanging garden is really a good idea for people who’d want to raise greens but don’t have a lot of space in their homes. Very nice! ♥

  8. LOVE LOVE, SIMPLY LOVE the one you have, the lakeland mills hanging garden with the baskets. I Want this soooo bad!!!!

  9. I would like to get the Nesco American FS-150PR Professional Food Slicer
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  10. I would love to get a toaster oven for my home then I do not need to heat up the whole house during the summer with the main oven.

  11. This is so very cool! I’ve grown a little vertical but nothing like that. I’d love their large set. Thank you! 🙂

  12. I would love to get the Hoover UH70120 WindTunnel TSeries Rewind Bagless Upright Vacuums and Floor Maintenance
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    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

  13. “Like” Rave and Review on Facebook! (Margaret E. Smith)
    Thanks
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    Entry 1

  14. “Like” Rave and Review on Facebook! (Margaret E. Smith)
    Thanks
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
    Entry 2

  15. “Like” Rave and Review on Facebook! (Margaret E. Smith)
    Thanks
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
    Entry 3

  16. I might use it towards the awesome looking Bunn HT-D Phase Brew High Altitude Cup Thermal Carafe Home Coffee Brewer (It’ll be back in stock soon)

  17. I need artwork for my newly painted kitchen, I would apply it toward that ! I love the Bassett Mirror Spring Coutryard framed.

  18. i left a comment on your summer solice post.. at least i think it went through.. please let me know if it didnt

  19. Oh my gosh, that looks so nice! I’d love to try this, we have a small backyard so I’d go with the Small Lakeland Mills Hanging Garden! Thanks 🙂

  20. I’d love to have the Poly-Tex HG3301 Cold Frame Single Garden Greenhouse to get early lettuce and spinach next spring.

  21. I would spend the gift certificate on the Nuevo Living HGCE115 Rotation Hanging Wqll Clock.
    blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com

  22. My grandson loves plants, but I am not too fond of them. I might get the Popup Walk In Patio Greenhouse for him!

  23. I would use it towards the Prairie Leisure 55 Herb Garden Planter
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

  24. #1, I “Like” Rave and Review on Facebook
    (Tamara Bennington)
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  25. #2, I “Like” Rave and Review on Facebook
    (Tamara Bennington)
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  26. #3, I “Like” Rave and Review on Facebook
    (Tamara Bennington)
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

  27. I would love the Minka Lavery 1423-84 3 Light Paradox Mini Chandelier, Brushed Nickel for our dining room
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  28. I would use it for the KidKraft 00128 Kraft Pirate Sandboat Kids outdoor furniture Set
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  29. I would purchase the Imports Unlimited 175R Half Round Doormat, Black.
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  30. I’d love to get the Anderson Teak Set-119B Patio Dining Furniture Set.
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  31. I’m a facebook fan of ATG Stores under username Jennie Tilson.
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  32. I’m a facebook fan of Rave and Review under username Jennie Tilson. #1
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  33. I’m a facebook fan of Rave and Review under username Jennie Tilson. #2
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  35. I would LOVE to get the Amerock BP55343 Revitalize Cabinet Pull for my kitchen cabinets. What a GREAT!!! way to get a NEW!!! and UPDATED!!! look for the kitchen.

  36. I love your hanging garden-so clever! If I won I would get the Neonetics Chrome Green Standard Neon Hanging Clock. I love it!
    smchester at gmail dot com

  37. I would use the $100 towards the Altra Furniture Sliding Glass Bookcase Bookshelf, High Gloss White. I have been looking for a nice bookcase for a while. Thanks!

  38. I would get the Disney HC111ABV Serve Store Sweet Hunny High Chair for my little grandson to sit in when he is at Grandma’s

  39. I would get the Rumford Gardener WD6050 Tuff Guard Flat Hose Irrigation System from ATG Stores.
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  40. Mandatory
    I like the Sephra 17307 Classic Fondue LSST Dessert Fountain.
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  41. I’d like to get a Nine Stars U.S.A. DZT-80-4 Infrared Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Lid Open Stainless Steel Gal Trash Can.

  42. I would put the $100 towards getting the Convenience Concepts R8-106 Designs Comfort Times Square Ottoman

  43. I’d probably choose the Home Bazaar HB-9045 Backyard Bird Cottage Birdhouse in yellow… that is so cute!
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  44. Entry 1 I subscribed via email (and confirmed!) 🙂
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  45. Entry 2 I subscribed via email (and confirmed!) 🙂
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  46. I would put it towards the Wynwood 1381-51 Kennett Square Mobile Pedestal Filing Cabinet so I can start getting my messy office organized.

  47. I might use the $100 toward the Black & Decker CTO7100B Slice Digital Rotisserie Convection OVen

  48. id get the Unique Arts M59020 Round InGround Bird Outdoor Bird Bath
    14″ W x 28″ H x 14″ L but i do also like the Poly-Tex HG3300 Cold Frame Double Outdoor Greenhouse

  49. I would maybe get my hubbby the Skil 144128881 Volt Variable Speed DrillDriver Cordless Drilling. Thank you!!

  50. If lucky enough to win, I would probably buy a new chair for my desk. I’m currently using an old kitchen chair that is KILLING my back!

  51. I would select this from ATG stores:
    Southern Enterprises Arch Top Spacesaver Over-Toilet Shelving

  52. Thanks for the giveaway…would like to pick up a “George Kovacs P210-084 Table Lamp Fixture, Brushed Nickel” @ ATG Stores !
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  53. As I’d love to plant some grape vines, I’m looking at the All Things Cedar TA90U Trellis Outdoor Arbor!

  54. I would spend it on the Rustic Natural Cedar 31148 Looks Raised Bed Garden Planter, Unfinished.

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