Hanging baskets are a delightful addition to any garden or outdoor space. They bring a burst of color, texture, and life to your surroundings. Whether you have a small balcony, a sunny patio, or a cozy porch, creating a stunning hanging basket is easier than you think. Let’s dive into the art of crafting the perfect hanging basket!
1. Choose Your Basket
Start by selecting a suitable basket. Opt for a pre-molded coir basket or a metalware basket with a diameter of around 36cm. The coir basket is convenient and requires minimal lining, while the metalware basket provides a sturdy base.
2. Lining the Basket
- Prop the basket on a bucket or any stable surface.
- Line it with moist grass clippings or use a pre-molded coir basket.
- To retain moisture, add a layer of plastic inside the basket.
3. Select Your Plants
- It doesn’t matter which plants you choose, as long as you have a mix of center-fillers and trailing plants.
- Consider vibrant options like diascia, fuchsia, heuchera, and calibrachoa (‘Million Bells Cherry’).
- Aim for a harmonious color palette – think pinks, oranges, and purples.
4. Planting the Taller Plants
- Snip a few drainage holes into the plastic lining.
- Fill the basket two-thirds full with multi-purpose, peat-free compost mixed with water-retaining gel.
- Plant the taller plants (like Ipomoea ‘Sweet Caroline’) off-center for visual interest.
5. Adding Trailing Plants
- Plant the trailing plants around the edge, allowing their flowers to spill gracefully over the sides.
- Consider Osteospermum ‘Tresco Purple’ and Diascia ‘Red Ace’ for a lush effect.
6. Feeding Your Plants
- Keep your plants well-fed. Boost them with liquid plant food (such as tomato fertilizer) during planting.
- Regular feeding ensures healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
7. Watering
- Give your newly planted basket a good soak.
- Allow it to drain before hanging it in its final position.
- Water your basket at least once a day, especially during hot and windy weather.
8. Hang It Up!
- Find a sunny spot where your hanging basket can thrive.
- Enjoy the eye-catching display of colors and textures throughout the summer.
