Hanging baskets are the perfect way to add a touch of colour to your outdoor space. Nothing compares to a vibrant and healthy hanging basket, full of blooming flowers and foliage. However, creating a perfect hanging basket can often seem like an impossible task to most people. But, with some essential know-how and little creativity, you can easily create a stunning hanging basket that will brighten up your garden. Here’s our guide on how to create the perfect hanging basket.
Liner
You must completely cover the inside of the basket with a good quality liner, typically a cocoa liner is the most popular choice or as an alternative why not try an eco-friendly supamoss liner which is made from recycled material that looks just like moss without the added problems. Always ensure to leave a little extra overlap on the basket so when it’s filled with soil it won’t go below the edge of the basket when watering. We’d also recommend overlapping your liner at the bottom of the basket to slow water flow and retain moisture for as long as possible.
For added visual effect use a basket with holes in its body and make small cuts in the liner, when filling add small plugs into the holes in a staggered pattern working from the bottom up until you create a full basket of plants.
Soil and Plant Selection
The soil you select for your hanging basket is equally important as the basket itself. Look for a good-quality potting soil that is lightweight, airy, and has good drainage. Don’t be tempted to use a budget potting soil as this will impact the growth of your plants, the quality of the soil is imperative to the end result.
Choose the right plants that thrive in your area’s climate and require the same sunlight and watering needs. You can also experiment with different plant textures, colours, and heights to create a unique look. Bear in mind, it is essential to choose plants that have similar water and sunlight requirements.
We’d recommend using trailing plants for the bottom and sides of the basket and those which will provide height at the top. It’s important to visualise how you want your basket to look when it’s in the height of the season – if you want to create a feature use bold colours or if you want to simply add to your existing landscape choose more subdued colours.
Here’s a few plants we’d choose for sunnier locations:
- Ivy geranium
- Petunias/trailing petunias
- Trailing lobelia
- Creeping Charlie
- Verbena
- Osteospermum
- Calibrachoa
- Scaevola
For shaded areas, the following plants are great choices:
- Begonia
- Creeping jenny
- Bacopa
- Impatiens
- Fuchsia
- Coleus
- Lamium
- Mimulus
Remember you need to use a lot more plants than you think to create a lush and vibrant appearance, so don’t be shy with how many you use. We’d recommend planting in early spring to give your baskets the optimum time to grow to their full potential, but you can still plant up to mid-summer depending on the choices of flowers.
Watering and Fertilising
Watering and fertilising are critical components for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your hanging basket. The majority of hanging baskets require frequent watering as the soil tends to dry out faster than traditional containers. Be diligent in watering the basket every day and raise the frequency during hot spells to ensure the root systems aren’t damaged. Fertilise the basket every two weeks, using a well-balanced fertiliser, to provide the necessary nutrients for your plants’ growth. During planting add a slow-release fertiliser to the soil to ensure optimal results.
Choosing the Right Basket
When it comes to creating the perfect hanging basket, choosing the right basket is crucial. The basket’s size, shape, and material play a vital role in the plant’s health, growth, and overall look. Choose a basket that is deep enough to accommodate the roots of the plants, and ensure it has enough drainage holes to allow excess water to drain. Hanging baskets are also available in different shapes, such as round, cone, or square. Select a shape that complements your style for optimal visual effect. Also take into consideration where the basket will hang, if it’s against your house or large structures, opt for a larger basket which will make a statement.
Placement and Maintenance
The placement of your hanging basket is also of prime importance. Hang it in an area that is exposed to sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours every day, but shade it during the hottest periods. A hanging basket situated near a seating area or your garden’s entrance provides a warm welcome and brightens up dull areas. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your hanging basket in good condition. Check for any dead or damaged foliage and remove it often.
Tips and Tricks
Lastly, here are some important tips and tricks for creating the perfect hanging basket that you must remember:
- Consider using a water-absorbing substance, such as moss or coco, inside the basket for added water retention.
- Plant tall plants in the centre of the basket and trailing plants around the edges for an optimal visual effect.
- Add a layer of mulch on top of the soil to prevent soil erosion and provide additional nutrients.
- If you want to create a long-lasting hanging basket, choose perennials instead of annuals.
Creating the perfect hanging basket is not as complicated as most people believe. By following these essential steps and adding a little creativity, you can easily build a stunning and healthy hanging basket that will impress your neighbours and brighten up your garden for seasons to come.
