Hanging Baskets

How to Plant Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are a charming way to add some colour to walls, doorways, and awnings, and are brilliant at adding vibrancy in a very small space!

Choose a varied selection of seeds to plant into your hanging basket. If your hanging basket isn’t lined, you’ll need to affix a liner, either natural coco or jute are popular choices. Next, fill your basket ¾ full with a peat-free compost before scattering your seeds – spaced evenly to ensure they’re not fighting each other – and cover with a thin layer of compost.

It’s important to keep your hanging baskets well-watered, especially in the summer months. Check regularly to see if the basket feels light – if so, give it some water.

Which plants are good for hanging baskets?

Bold and colourful flowers look great in hanging baskets, but be wary of space – as it’s a relatively small section compared to a garden bed, you want to make sure everything has a chance to flourish!

In which case, smaller flowers like lobelia and alyssum are excellent at making your hanging basket look full and vibrant. Next, look to add some climbing plants which look great when they climb up the chain, and trailing plants which will spill over and add some drama and beauty.

When Should You Put Plastic Hanging Baskets Outdoors?

As your hanging basket is exposed to the elements from all sides, you should plant it and hang it after your last frost date, which depends on where you live, but aim for springtime for safety.

When hanging your basket fixture, be sure to use the appropriate fixings to keep it safe and avoid any damage to the wall.

FAQs

How long will my hanging baskets last?

With the proper care, hanging baskets can stick around for a good few years. It's all about giving them the love they need, like shielding them from extreme weather and giving them a good pruning each season. And don't forget, the type of plants you've got growing in those baskets plays a role too!

What do I need for hanging baskets?

To start, grab a moulded metal or plastic basket—whichever one tickles your fancy. Then, make sure you've got some basket liners handy to hold the soil and hooks to hang the basket up. And don't forget about your trusty pruning garden shears, watering cans, and any other gardening hand tools you might need along the way!

How do you make hanging baskets last longer?

Opt for plastic liners with holes at the bottom to ensure proper drainage. When it comes to compost, go for a high-quality option with a high nutrient content.

Where should hanging baskets be placed?

Be creative about where you want to add the decoration! Hang them on garden arches, tree branches, or on your porch. Ideally, use them to add texture to plain walls and windows.

How often should you rotate hanging baskets?

Try rotating the baskets on a weekly basis or even every few days if you can manage it. This way, you'll ensure that one side doesn't grow more than the other—usually, it takes about two weeks for this to happen.

Can you put too many plants in a hanging basket?

The ideal number of plants to put in a basket depends on the basket size and the type of plant you're working with. Generally, giving your plants enough space to stretch out their roots comfortably is a good idea. Aiming for two to three plants in an average-sized basket should give them plenty of room to grow bigger and last longer.

How many plants go in a hanging basket?

We recommend 2 to 3 plants for smaller baskets of 12 to 14 inches. Baskets of 16 to 18 inches can take 4 to 5 plants. At this point, you need a deeper basket to accommodate all the roots. You can plant others on the sides to avoid intertwists.

Do you need to water hanging baskets every day?

Watering your plants daily is crucial, especially when they're battling hot and dry weather conditions. Aim to give them a good drink at least every two days in cooler weather to keep them happy and healthy.