Beautify Your Outdoor Space With Hanging Plants on a Fence

A fence can be a boring, utilitarian structure or with a little creativity it can become a beautiful focal point in your yard. One easy way to transform a dull fence is by adding hanging plants. Not only do hanging plants look great they also help cover up unsightly sections of fencing.

Hanging plants add color, texture and softness to enhance the look of wood, chainlink or vinyl fencing. They are also a smart way to grow flowers, herbs and veggies without taking up limited ground space With the right plants, you can create a lush, vibrant vertical garden on what was previously just an empty fence

Benefits of Hanging Plants on a Fence

There are many advantages to decorating your fence with hanging potted plants:

• Adds visual interest and color to otherwise bland fencing
• Creates a living wall without permanently attaching plants to the fence
• Makes use of vertical space for growing plants and herbs
• Can provide some privacy between yards without total visual obstruction
• Allows you to grow plants that deer or rabbits might eat if planted at ground level
• Prevents flowers and veggies from being stepped on by kids or pets
• Keeps plants up off wet or cold ground
• Allows for good drainage and air circulation around plants to prevent diseases
• Gives patio and yard a relaxed, cottage-like feel

Best Plants for Hanging on Fences

Nearly any type of flowering plant, herb or vegetable can grow well in a hanging pot. Some top choices include:

• Petunias – These pretty, prolific bloomers come in colors like pink, purple, red, white and yellow. They’ll flower all season long with proper care.

• Geraniums – With big, showy flower clusters, geraniums add bold color. Red is a classic but they also come in pink, salmon, white and bicolor blooms.

• Sweet Potato Vine – An ornamental vine that doesn’t actually produce edible potatoes. Grown for its chartreuse or purple trailing foliage.

• Strawberries – Hang everbearing varieties and enjoy a constant harvest of sweet berries all season.

• Tomatoes – Especially compact, bushy varieties that won’t get too heavy. Cherry tomatoes produce lots of bite-size fruits.

• Peppers – Try compact varieties like ‘Munchkin’ that won’t get too large and heavy. Produce colorful mini bell peppers.

• Herbs – Favorites for hanging include basil, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, parsley, chives, mint and cilantro.

-Succulents – Low maintenance succulents like sedum and sempervivum make excellent hanging plants. Their fleshy leaves store water so they don’t need frequent watering.

• Ferns – Fabulous delicate texture. Boston fern and maidenhair ferns are draping varieties well suited for hanging.

Hanging Methods and Hardware

There are several good options for hanging planters from a fence:

Wire Hangers

These are likely the simplest and most inexpensive hanging method. Use galvanized metal wire in various gauges and bend into a hanger shape. An advantage with wire is adjustability – you can easily raise or lower planters along the fence as needed.

Brackets

Decorative scrolled wrought iron brackets are available at garden centers and hardware stores. Often you just slide the bracket through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Make sure brackets are rated for adequate weight capacity.

Hooks

Look for S-hooks, J-hooks and shepherd’s hooks in finishes like black, white, bronze or rust-resistant stainless steel. Hooks add a clean, modern look. Position hooks along the fence top.

Rope, Twine or Cord

Use natural fiber rope or weather-proof nylon cord to create hangers for a casual, natural style. Tie rope around the top of planters leaving long ends to attach to screws in the fence. Knot cord directly through drainage holes.

Chain

For an industrial vibe, hang galvanized or stainless steel chains along your fence and attach pots using S-hooks. Make sure to use rust resistant hardware.

Best Planters for Hanging

You’ll need containers specifically made for holding plants in a hanging position. Look for:

• Drainage holes – Essential to prevent soil from becoming waterlogged

• Saucer – Helps catch drips under the pot

• Lightweight – Heavy planters make hanging difficult and dangerous

• Durability – Withstand weather and resist cracking

• Size – Typically 1 to 5 gallons capacity. Too large gets very heavy

Good planter materials include plastic, resin, clay, concrete, moss, coco fiber, metal and recycled rubber. Self-watering hanging planters are also available. Consider liner pots to make changing out plants easier.

For large containers, include supporting straps across the bottom to take pressure off the sides. Or place very large pots on the ground and grow trailing vines up the fence.

Design Tips

Follow these tips to create an eye-catching display:

• Mix heights – Hang pots at varying levels for visual interest

• Use groupings – Cluster 3-5 same or coordinating planters together

• Alternate pots – Position them at regular intervals for a cohesive look

• Combine textures – Fluffy ferns next to trailing ivy and upright rosemary

• Repeat colors – Unify the look with matching tones

• Contrast colors – Bold red geraniums popping against gray fence

• Include trellises – Provide support