Hanging Plants on a Fence: A Guide to Adding Greenery and Color

Hanging plants on a fence is a great way to add visual interest and color to your outdoor space. Not only does it liven up an otherwise bland fence, but it also allows you to grow flowers, herbs, and other plants even if you have limited yard space. With the right techniques and hardware, you can create a beautiful “living fence” that changes with the seasons.

Why Hang Plants on a Fence?

There are many benefits to hanging planters and pots on your fence:

• It makes use of vertical space, allowing you to grow more plants in a small area Fences provide an ideal spot for displaying trailing flowers, vines, or any plants that tend to sprawl

• Hanging planters help disguise or soften the look of a chainlink privacy fence or other unsightly barrier. The plants literally cover up what you don’t want to see.

• It adds curb appeal and personality to your home, providing color and texture to what would otherwise be a plain fence

• You can conveniently grow herbs, greens, strawberries, and other edible plants right outside your kitchen door for easy harvesting.

• It creates a living screen for privacy if you use tall plants or trellised vines.

• Plants help filter dust and pollution when placed near a property line or busy road.

• You can group planters together to create a lush vertical garden on spaces that would otherwise go unused.

Best Plants for Hanging on Fences

The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing plants for fence planters. Here are some top options:

Flowers: Petunias, pansies, fuchsias, million bells, trailing nasturtiums, lobelia, sweet potato vine, flowering tobacco, verbena

Vines: Morning glory, clematis, passionflower, black-eyed Susan vine, honeysuckle, climbing roses

Herbs and Vegetables: Parsley, oregano, thyme, sage, mint, lettuce, kale, spinach, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, peas, beans

Houseplants: Spider plant, pothos, philodendron, wandering Jew, Swedish ivy, heartleaf philodendron

Plants like petunias, fuchsia, and flowering tobacco that cascade over the edges of the planters look especially full and attractive. Avoid top-heavy plants that could easily tip over. Sturdy vines that can cling to the fence or trellises work wonderfully too.

Hardware for Hanging Planters on a Fence

You have several options when it comes to hardware for displaying your hanging fence garden:

• Built-in hanging planters: These plastic or metal pots have hooks, loops, or brackets already attached for easy hanging. Look for ones with drainage holes.

• Metal brackets or holders: Brackets screw or bolt directly into the fence and hold flowerpots in place. Some clasp onto the rim and others support the bottom.

• S-hooks: Hooks that attach to the planters let you hang them from nails, screws, or existing holes in chain link fences.

• Lattice panels: Installing latticework against the fence provides shelves to set pots on and visually hides the barrier.

• Hanging basket chains: Simple chains allow you to suspend planters from fence tops or between posts and poles.

• Wall mount systems: Some systems screw onto wooden fences and provide adjustable arms for flowerpots. These allow you to easily move and angle plants.

Make sure any hardware extends at least 2-3 inches from the fence so planters don’t press flat against it. Allow enough room for air circulation and plant growth.

Tips for Hanging a Fence Garden

Follow this advice to ensure your living fence thrives:

• Plan out your design and spacing first so everything looks cohesive once installed. Map locations so hardware placements make sense.

• Use containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Add rocks, pebbles, or styrofoam peanuts to the bottom below the soil.

• Go for lightweight potting soil mixes rather than heavy topsoil or compost. Remember – you have to lift these!

• Use saucer-like planters or add drip trays to catch excess water and prevent stains on fences.

• Stagger heights and sizes of pots for visual interest. Layer trellised vines on top of shorter pots.

• Group 3-5 compatible pots together on panels or in rows for a fuller look. Repeat patterns or colors for rhythm.

• Add decorative touches like bows, shells, flowers, ribbons, or chalkboard plant labels on the pots.

• Consider installing an automatic drip irrigation system with timers if you’ll be away often.

• Remove faded plants after blooming and replace them with something new to sustain your display.

Ideas for Hanging Planters on Different Fence Types

You can hang planters on just about any type of residential fence. Here are some creative ideas:

Wood privacy fences: Screw s-hooks, rings, or lattice panels directly to the boards to hold your pots. Paint the fence a bright color and let the greenery pop against it.

Chain link fences: Weave plastic zip ties through the links and use them to support brackets, baskets, or poles for hanging planters. Durable metal hooks also work well.

Picket fences: Set matchingplanters along the tops of each picket for an orderly, balanced look. White picket fenceslook classic with red geraniums.

Split rail fences: Tuck flower potsinto the openings between rails or hang them from the edges with hooks. Try rustic terra cotta pots.

Wrought iron fences: Hook planters right onto the metal sections, posts, and rods. The intricate patterns make a nice backdrop.

Arbors or pergolas: Weave vines through the overhead structure and hang trailing flowers along the sides. Use weights in pots to keep upright.

No matter what type of flowers, arrangements, or hardware you choose, a fence hanging garden is sure to elevate your landscape. It provides a fun, creative way to add a vertical element and make the most of your outdoor space. Let your imagination run wild!