If you’ve ever looked at a tired old laundry basket and thought, “This belongs in the trash,” think again. That humble plastic bin has untapped gardening potential—especially if you’re short on space, tools, or time. With just a bit of creativity (and maybe some leftover soil), it can become one of the most versatile containers in your garden.
Thanks to built-in drainage holes and generous depth, laundry baskets are surprisingly ideal for growing a wide range of veggies, herbs, and even flowers. Whether you live in an apartment or just love a good DIY moment, this trick works on balconies, patios, porches, or tucked into corners of your yard.
From leafy greens to root veggies, these 17 ideas prove that with a little imagination, you can turn just about anything into a thriving mini-garden—yes, even that laundry basket you thought was destined for donation.
Basil
With its aromatic leaves, basil proves to be a delightful companion in the culinary world. Even in the confines of a laundry basket, it flourishes splendidly. Simply ensure good drainage, and watch those vibrant green leaves reach for the sun.
Basil is not just about aesthetics; it’s a culinary powerhouse. From pesto to salads, its versatility in dishes is unmatched. Place the basket in a sunny spot and water regularly.
Enjoy fresh basil all season long, right at your fingertips, making every meal a touch more gourmet.
Mint
Known for its refreshing scent, mint is an herb that quickly becomes a gardener’s favorite. Within the confines of a laundry basket, mint spreads its aromatic leaves generously.
This hardy plant thrives with minimal effort, needing only a bit of sunlight and a well-drained container. Perfect for teas, desserts, or garnishes, mint adds a fresh note to any dish.
Keep it near your kitchen, ready for a quick snip whenever your recipes call for a burst of flavor. Its vibrant growth rewards with minimal fuss.
Lettuce
Lettuce, a staple in salads, proves surprisingly easy to cultivate, even in a laundry basket. With a few seeds scattered and regular watering, you’ll have fresh greens in no time.
This leafy delight is perfect for small spaces, making it an accessible choice for urban gardeners. Enjoy the convenience of harvesting crisp leaves whenever needed.
Choose a sunny spot and enrich the soil with nutrients to keep your lettuce thriving. Relish in the satisfaction of home-grown salads.
Strawberries
Imagine plucking juicy strawberries right from your basket garden. With their sweet allure and bright hue, strawberries bring a touch of summer to any space.
These fruits thrive in laundry baskets with adequate drainage and sunlight. They require a bit of care, but their delicious yield is well worth the effort.
Position the basket where it can bask in the sun, and enjoy a fresh, home-grown treat that turns any snack into a special occasion.
Spinach
Spinach, with its rich nutrients, makes a superb addition to any garden—even one made from a laundry basket. Plant seeds directly in the soil and witness rapid growth.
Ideal for smoothies, salads, or sautés, spinach provides versatility and health benefits. This leafy green prefers cooler temperatures, so choose a shaded spot if possible.
With regular watering and care, you’ll enjoy a plentiful harvest that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Convenient and rewarding, spinach is a gardener’s delight.
Cilantro
Cilantro, a staple in many cuisines, brings a burst of flavor when grown at home. Plant it in a laundry basket, and watch it thrive with minimal fuss.
Known for its distinctive aroma, cilantro enhances dishes with its unique taste. Ensure the basket has enough drainage and place it in a sunny area for best results.
Regularly trim the leaves to encourage new growth. This herb’s vibrant presence will make your home-grown meals all the more special.
Parsley
Parsley’s vibrant green leaves promise more than just garnish appeal. In a laundry basket, it becomes a thriving mini-garden.
This hardy herb requires routine trimming to maintain its lushness and promote fuller growth. Parsley’s subtle flavor complements soups, salads, and meats perfectly.
Place the basket in a sunny or partially shaded area and water consistently. With a little care, parsley grows abundantly, offering more than just a decorative touch to your dishes.
Thyme
Thyme’s earthy aroma and resilient nature make it a perfect partner for your laundry basket garden. This herb thrives with ease, lending an aromatic touch to your space.
With its tiny leaves, thyme is perfect for seasoning a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to marinades. It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil.
Minimal maintenance is required, making it ideal for busy gardeners. Grow thyme for its timeless appeal and flavor-enhancing properties, right at your fingertips.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and color. Despite their size, they pack a punch when it comes to taste.
In a laundry basket, these little fruits grow surprisingly well. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and have a sturdy support structure for their vines.
With regular watering and care, cherry tomatoes offer an abundant harvest. Perfect for salads or snacks, each bite brings a sweet, tangy delight. Enjoy the satisfaction of growing fresh tomatoes at home, right from your basket garden.
Carrots
Carrots might seem unlikely candidates for basket gardening, but they adapt well to this environment. Their slender roots need loose, sandy soil to thrive.
Plant seeds evenly, and they’ll reward you with a sweet, crunchy harvest. Patience and consistent watering are key to their growth.
These vibrant vegetables not only enhance your dining table but also provide essential nutrients. Enjoy the pleasure of pulling fresh carrots from your own garden, nestled within a simple laundry basket.
Radishes
Radishes add a peppery crunch to salads and snacks. Known for their rapid growth, they’re perfect for impatient gardeners.
This vibrant root vegetable thrives in a laundry basket, with seeds maturing into crisp, colorful radishes. Ensure good drainage and regular watering for best results.
Harvest them while young for a milder flavor. Radishes transform everyday meals with their bold taste and are a testament to the versatility of basket gardening. Discover the joy of growing your own with ease.
Peppers
Peppers bring a vibrant splash of color and heat to your basket garden. These spicy delights thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
From sweet bell peppers to fiery chilies, the variety is vast. Ensure your basket has good drainage and nutrient-rich soil. Regular watering will support their growth.
Harvest them at different stages for varying flavors and spice levels. Growing peppers in a laundry basket offers both culinary diversity and visual appeal, making them a delightful addition to any home garden.
Zucchini
Zucchini plants, with their large leaves and edible blooms, thrive surprisingly well in a laundry basket. They require space and regular watering to reach their full potential.
Choose a sunny spot for your basket, and enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season. The plant’s prolific nature means a constant supply of fresh produce.
From grilling to baking, zucchini’s versatility is unmatched. Embrace the joy of harvesting this garden staple from your personal, unconventional vegetable patch.
Kale
Kale, the trendy superfood, makes an excellent choice for basket gardening. Its hardy leaves withstand various conditions, offering a robust harvest.
Plant seeds directly and thin them out as they grow, ensuring ample space for each plant. Kale thrives in cool temperatures, making it ideal for fall planting.
With its rich, earthy flavor, kale enhances salads, smoothies, and more. Growing it in a laundry basket combines convenience with nutrition, providing a home-grown supply of this versatile green.
Chives
Chives, with their mild onion flavor, are a delightful addition to any herb garden. They grow well in confined spaces like a laundry basket.
Simply scatter seeds in well-drained soil and place the basket in a sunny location. Regularly clip the stalks to promote new growth, ensuring a steady supply for your culinary needs.
Their delicate purple flowers add visual interest, making chives both functional and attractive. Easy to grow and maintain, chives are a charming component of any home garden.
Bok Choy
Bok choy, with its crunchy texture and mild flavor, adapts well to basket gardening. This leafy vegetable grows quickly, providing a rapid reward for your efforts.
Ensure the basket has rich, moist soil and is positioned in a shaded area, as bok choy prefers cooler temperatures. Regular watering is essential to maintain its growth.
Ideal for stir-fries and soups, bok choy adds nutritional value and a delightful crunch. From seed to table, growing bok choy in a laundry basket offers a satisfying gardening experience.
Oregano
Oregano’s robust flavor makes it a culinary favorite. Growing it in a laundry basket is both practical and rewarding.
This hardy herb thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, flourishing into a leafy mass that enhances various dishes. From pasta sauces to grilled meats, oregano’s versatility is unmatched.
Trim regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape. With minimal effort, you enjoy fresh oregano at your fingertips. Elevate your garden and kitchen with this aromatic herb’s presence.