Colourful hanging baskets are a simple solution to dress up a plain wall or fence, but you don’t have to limit yourself to just flowers either. Why not produce a quick-growing salad harvest or an appealing assortment of fresh herbs close to the back door? Here is a step-by-step guide of helpful hints to allow you to make the most of your hanging baskets, whether you are maximizing your vertical space or filling empty pots on your patio.
1. Get your basket ready!
Start off with lining your basket! When it comes to lining a wire planting basket, you have many options. The most popular materials, which provide great drainage are coco coir or moss liners. Premium basket liners, like the magni moist liner, are available from some stores and help boost water retention. These liners are more expensive than regular coco coir liners, but they might help plants that are sensitive to drought.
2. Prepare the lining!
To stop extra water from gushing out of the bottom of the basket whilst being watered, most garden centers will line the bottom of the basket with a coco coir liner to maximize water retention, you can put a piece of a plastic waste bag or a plastic dish in the bottom of the liner for the same effect.
Then, cut some holes in the liner to allow for drainage and air movement if you like to line the full piece of coco coir for optimal water retention.
3. Fill your basket!
Next, add your soil. The most crucial step in creating a healthy hanging basket is choosing premium potting soil for it to be filled with. Heavy garden soil can contain germs that may harm your plants, so be wary.
4. Planting your flowers!
Choosing a plant with a lengthy blooming period and vigorous performance is important since the first plant you install in the hanging basket will serve as a focal point in the basket. The center of the basket should be filled with attractive flowers like Celosia, Salvia, or Angelonia to draw attention. These plants will not be overshadowed by the other plants as they grow older because of their upright growth patterns and spiky blossoms. Include more plants around your primary plant that have similar light, moisture, and fertiliser needs and have mounding or trailing growth tendencies.
