Hanging baskets are a lovely way to add style and colour to any outdoor area. Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, there can be a dilemma about what is suitable to put in your hanging basket, as well as how to hang them on the wall.
The best time to start planting your hanging baskets is at the start of Spring, when the frost has faded and the sun is starting to visit us again. It is helpful to prepare and plan for how you are going to utilise your hanging basket.
How To Hang Your Basket
There are a variety of ways in which you can hang your hanging basket on the wall, mainly through hooks that you place on your wall. In terms of style, it is entirely up to you which hook you may think looks best.
It is important to decide what hanging basket you believe will be suitable for you. Some baskets, such as the rattan hanging basket, come fully lined and are ready to fill.
Other baskets such as the saxon hanging basket will need a coco liner before you start planting. A coco liner is a useful way of giving a hanging basket a more natural and distinctive look.
The natural fibres in the liner enable improved air circulation and drainage for the basket. This leads to healthier growth for your plants, highlighting the importance of liners.
Along with the liner, it may also be useful to place Sphagnum Moss inside your basket. This handy natural product helps retain soil moisture and is highly water and rot resistant, making it perfect for your hanging basket.
Choosing Plants For Hanging Baskets
Now you have the hook, your type of hanging basket, and how to line it. You can then decide what plants you think would look best in your basket.
If you are watering your plants regularly, you will be able to have around one plant per inch. This gives an option for healthy but compact growth.
Popular Flowers
Petunias are a popular plant to grow in hanging baskets. These are available in a wide variety of colours and will add vibrancy to your garden.
All petunias grow and develop differently, so each set will give you a unique display. Another commonly used plant is Calibrachoa, which are long lasting but subtle flowers that grow well in both shady and sunny conditions.
Their ‘trumpet’ appearance makes them eye-catching, and they come in a wide range of colours. Calibrachoa are especially good for planting at the edge of baskets, as they spill elegantly over the sides.
Verbena works in a similar way. These plants offer colourful displays while being very easy to grow, with a compact habit that also flows over the edge of baskets.
Fruit And Vegetables
It is also possible to grow fruit and vegetables in your hanging basket. Tomatoes are a popular option and will add a unique aspect to your garden.
Choose the type of tomato you would like, feed regularly and watch them grow. They are perfect for impressing friends and family with your home grown produce.
You can also grow Strawberries in your basket. Feed them regularly and watch them blossom into the vibrant red fruit we all love, served perfectly with cream or sugar.
Caring For Hanging Baskets
Maintain the growth of your plants, fruit or vegetables by finding the perfect balance of sun, shade and water. In Spring, you will only need to water your hanging baskets every 2–3 days.
As the temperature rises and the sun shines for longer, it may be necessary to water every day. Happy growing!