Thinking about making your own hanging basket, but not sure where to start? You're in the right place. Whether you're planting up your very first basket or just want a refresher on how to get the best results, this guide will walk you through the whole process, from choosing the right basket and plants to keeping your display looking good all season.
Looking for hands-on help? Local readers can join our Bents Hanging Basket Workshop for expert guidance and inspiration.
Choosing the Right Basket
The most common basket options are wire, plastic, and coir. Wire baskets are classic and look natural once covered in growth. Plastic baskets are lighter and often come with built-in reservoirs to help with watering. Coir baskets offer a natural look and are good for trailing plants.
A 14-inch basket is a practical starting point, as smaller baskets dry out quickly and are harder to maintain through summer. Whichever type you choose, make sure it has plenty of drainage holes and feels sturdy enough to hold the weight of moist compost and plants.
Smart Garden Oceana Faux Rattan Cone Hanging Basket 14in
The Best Plants for Hanging Baskets
The key to a good-looking basket is combining upright plants in the centre with trailing plants around the edges. The uprights give height and structure, while the trailers soften the sides and create a full, rounded shape as the season progresses. For a sunny spot, try pelargoniums or petunias as uprights with trailing lobelia or bacopa around the edges. For shade, fuchsias and begonias work well.
Three simple combinations to get you started:
- Summer: Upright pelargonium with trailing lobelia and bacopa.
- Spring: Pansies and violas with trailing ivy.
- Winter: Cyclamen and primroses with hardy trailing ivy.
Thompson & Morgan Flower Seeds - Lobelia (Trailing) Sapphire Cascade
Make Your Hanging Basket in 3 Easy Steps
1. Line and Prepare Your Basket
If you are using a wire basket, start with a coir liner to hold the compost in place and give a neat finish. Moss looks natural but coir is easier to work with.
Fill the basket with a good-quality multi-purpose compost. Two additions are worth making at this stage. Slow-release fertiliser granules mixed into the compost will feed plants steadily through the season without any extra effort. Water-retaining gel crystals added to the compost absorb water and release it slowly, which makes a noticeable difference in warm or windy weather.
2. Plant Up
Place your upright plant in the centre first, then arrange trailing plants evenly around the edge. Don't be afraid to plant densely. A full basket looks best from the start and the plants will soon grow together.
Fill in around the rootballs with compost, firming it gently as you go. Leave a small gap at the top of the basket so water does not run straight off the surface. Water thoroughly after planting to help the plants settle in.
3. Position and Hang
Make sure your fixing point is secure enough to take the full weight of a watered basket, which can be considerable. A heavy-duty wall bracket is worth the investment over a lighter fitting. For the best effect position your display at eye level, which also makes it easy to reach for watering and maintenance. If you find the basket is difficult to water in position, a pulley system lets you lower it to a comfortable height.
Smart Garden Basket Accessory Extra Heavy Duty Wall Bracket 16in
How to Keep Your Hanging Basket Looking Good
A little regular care will keep your hanging basket looking good through the season. Here is what to focus on:
- Watering: Check your basket daily, especially in hot or windy weather. Push a finger into the compost and if it feels dry an inch down, it needs water. In summer, baskets may need watering once or twice a day.
- Feeding: Use a liquid plant food every week or two once plants are established to keep flowers coming.
- Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage new blooms rather than the plant putting energy into setting seed.
- Troubleshooting: Trim leggy plants back by a third to encourage new growth. If plants wilt despite regular watering, check for vine weevil grubs in the compost.
Westland Boost All Purpose Liquid Plant Food 1L
Refreshing Your Display Through the Seasons
You don't need to start from scratch each season. Plant up spring baskets in March or April with pansies, violas, and primroses. Replace these in late April to May with summer bedding once the risk of frost has passed. In September, swap out tired summer plants for winter varieties such as cyclamen, heathers, and trailing ivy to keep the basket going through to spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you put in the bottom of a hanging basket?
Start with a fitted liner to hold the compost in place. A small saucer or piece of plastic sheeting at the base can slow drainage further, useful in hot or exposed spots.
How do you keep hanging baskets from drying out?
Add water-retaining gel to the compost at planting, water consistently, and choose a sheltered position out of strong wind. Good-quality compost also holds moisture better than cheaper alternatives.
When should you plant hanging baskets in the UK?
Plant summer baskets from late April to May, once the risk of frost has passed. Harden off tender plants by leaving them outside during the day for a week or two before hanging. Plant winter baskets in September or October.
How do you make a winter hanging basket?
Follow the same process as a summer basket but choose hardy varieties such as cyclamen, heathers, ornamental cabbage, and trailing ivy or take a look at our guide to the best plants for winter containers. Position in a sheltered spot, water less often than in summer, and hold off feeding until spring.
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