Don’t Toss That Laundry Basket — Grow Fresh Veggies in It!
Ready to turn a forgotten laundry basket into a thriving garden? This clever DIY garden hack transforms everyday baskets into productive veggie containers. It’s a budget-friendly and fun way to grow food in small spaces—even on patios or balconies!
Why Use a Laundry Basket for Gardening?
- . Excellent drainage thanks to its built-in holes
- . Portable and lightweight—move it to follow the sun
- . Perfect for small spaces, balconies, and beginner gardeners
- . Recycles old plastic items instead of throwing them out
What You Can Grow in a Laundry Basket
- 🥔 Potatoes: Deeper baskets allow tubers to grow down. Just layer soil as they grow!
- 🍅 Tomatoes: Add a small cage or stake, and enjoy juicy harvests all summer.
- 🧅 Onions: Compact and easygoing, onions love the snug fit.
- 🥬 Lettuce: Quick-growing and perfect for shallow baskets—fresh salads on demand.
- 🥒 Cucumbers: Give them a trellis and they’ll climb with ease, producing delicious fruits.
- 🌶 Peppers: They love warmth and sun—baskets offer great airflow and drainage.
How to Get Started
- . Choose a sturdy plastic laundry basket with holes for drainage.
- . Line it with a breathable material like landscape fabric or burlap to hold soil in.
- . Fill it with high-quality potting mix—don’t use plain garden soil.
- . Plant your chosen veggies and water regularly.
- . Position in a sunny spot (most veggies need 6–8 hours of sun daily).
Tips for Success
- . Add compost or organic fertilizer every few weeks to keep plants happy.
- . Check moisture daily—baskets can dry out faster than ground soil.
- . Rotate the basket occasionally to ensure even sun exposure.
- . For climbing plants like cucumbers, secure a trellis next to or in the basket.
Estimated Nutritional Yields (Per Basket After Harvest)
| Crop | Approx. Yield | Calories | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | 3–5 lbs | 1,300 kcal | 15g |
| Tomatoes | 10–15 fruits | 350 kcal | 10g |
| Onions | 6–8 bulbs | 320 kcal | 8g |
| Lettuce | 10 cups (chopped) | 80 kcal | 6g |
| Cucumbers | 5–7 fruits | 150 kcal | 4g |
| Peppers | 8–12 peppers | 250 kcal | 7g |
Prep Time: 20 minutes setup
Growing Time: 30–90 days depending on crop
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly