Hanging baskets are great for small spaces and a brilliant way to add colour to otherwise drab walls and fences. They are also fabulous for brightening up patios and around doors
They are the ultimate container for growing trailing varieties of exotic plants whether that’s flowers, vegetables or even interesting foliage.
Choose your plants
A bit of forward planning will allow you to think about the look you are going for with your display. There are a lot of plants available to you in a huge range of colours and types. Have a look around and choose ones that will suit growing in containers/ hanging baskets. Think about your look as hanging baskets offer the chance to show off attractive trailing plants and add riots of colour and scent to your headspace – if you should choose to.
Planting
- Line the basket with a thick layer of fresh moss or use a manmade liner.
- Place a saucer in the bottom of the basket to stop water draining straight through.
- Half fill the basket with a good quality potting compost, such as Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Enriched Compost Pots & Baskets, specifically designed for containers.
- Slip trailing plants through holes made in the side of the liner and cover the roots with more compost.
- Plant up the top of the basket with upright bushy plants, making sure you have plenty of trailing ones around the edge too.
- If you make the basket look full at planting time it will produce a much more colourful, dramatic display.
Feeding
Good quality composts such as a moisture controlling compost contain slow-release plant foods that will feed your plants for up to 6 months. Most other composts will run out of steam early and weekly feeding will be necessary if your plants are to flourish throughout the summer and autumn.
To feed just once a season use a product such as Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food Tabletsinto the compost to feed your plants for the next 6 months. Use four in a standard 30cm (12in) basket, five in a 35cm (14in) and six in anything larger. If you prefer to feed your plants regularly and want fantastic results, then use a soluble plant food or liquid concentrate. Regular feeding will reward you with big, beautiful baskets full of colour for months on end.
Plants for hanging baskets
Examples of plants that thrive in hanging baskets:
| Flowers | Fuchsia, Petunia, Verbena, Geranium (Pelargonium), Impatiens, Lobelia, Tuberous Begonia, Bidens |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Coleus, Cineraria, Felicia, Helichrysum, Lamium, Nepeta, Sage |
| Vegetables/other edibles | Tomatoes (Tumbler), Strawberry, Chive, Thyme, Marjoram |
Safety tip:
Ensure your basket hook is secure and fit for purpose. A full basket can get heavy, especially when the compost is wet and you don’t want anyone getting injured by it falling. Consider where you place them too. Remember that your basket may blow around in the wind, so don’t dangle loosely next to a window, and trailing plants may dangle down so be careful if they are at eye height. You want to happily enjoy your masterpiece for months to come!
