Traditional summer hanging baskets are a great way to add movement and colour to your walls and surrounding areas. Try going for plants that are less traditional, like herbs or succulents that look good and help you make the most of vertical space in your garden.
What you’ll need to plant a hanging basket:
- Hanging baskets (Wired, woven or wood)
- Basket liner (with a thick layer of moss from your garden)
- Plants
- Hand trowel
- A short pot for balancing the basket on while planting
- Peat-free multi-purpose compost
- Newspaper and scissors
Use these steps to start the hanging process:
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS
Decide on the type of plant you want to go with. It could be seasonal annuals or hardy plants for that longer-lasting display. You can mix the plants with showy flowers and some taller or bushier plants that fill out the basket.
STEP 2: PREPARE FOR PLANTING
Stand your basket on a wide, short pot to keep it stable. If the basket isn’t already lined, lay moss in it and get it ready for the organic compost.
STEP 3: ADD PEAT-FREE COMPOST
Plant your compost. You can add a wrap of newspaper around the root balls of your plants and push them through the holes of the basket. Add extra compost to cover the roots and gently firm it down.
STEP 4: PLANT THE TOP OF THE BASKET
Add more compost and start planting short or trailing plants around the edge and taller plants in the centre. Fill in around them with compost so the final compost level is just slightly below the rim of the basket.
STEP 5: WATER YOUR BASKET
Water slowly but thoroughly before hanging it up, using a watering can with a fine rose to prevent the soil from being disturbed. Check the compost regularly, as hanging baskets may need watering daily during hot summer days.
Types of plants to plant in your hanging basket
- English Ivy
- String of pearls
- Morning glory plants
- Spider plants
Compiled by Chumasande Matiwane
First published on Garden and Home
