hanging planter

Last year, unwelcome pests in my garden wreaked havoc on my herbs and veggies. My green thumb takes over as soon as Spring arrives, and this year I've been looking for a noninvasive solution for having fresh cuts in my backyard without enticing hungry animals to have the first taste. Better Homes & Gardens suggests planting herbs and small vegetables in hanging planters to save on ground space, but I think it may be the perfect solution for a growing pest problem too. Not only is putting the goods out of reach visually appealing, it also leaves the delicious plantings safe and sound high above the ground. If, like me, you decide to hang your small varieties, just be sure you water them frequently as hanging planters and baskets tend to dry out faster than earth-grown plants.

I fell in love with the topsy-turvy tomato planters when I first found them a year or two ago, but I'm so excited to see the concept taken to a sleeker level.

Ranging in price from $25 to $75, the Boskke Sky Planters are made in New Zealand from black or white ceramic. They're modern, beautiful, and completely unexpected.

Created by designer Patrick Morris, the stoneware ceramic planters can conserve up to 80 percent of the water normally used to water houseplants, thanks to the self-watering system, which only needs to be replenished twice a month at most. These planters are also a great choice for studio apartments, as they free up valuable floor space.

Have you used upside down planters in the past? What was your experience? Do these planters turn your head as well?

While hanging baskets are a beautiful way to display your Summer blooms, they also require more frequent watering. That is, unless you plan ahead. Or should I say, unless you "plant" ahead?
Before you plant your flowers, place a small pot in the middle of the hanging basket. Make sure this pot has a drainage hole, so you don't get a too-soggy hanging basket. After you place the small pot in the middle of the basket, plant it as usual, with high-quality potting soil and flowers. Next time you water, the pot will hold more of the water, so you won't have to water your hanging basket as frequently.

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