subject: How To Plant A Hanging Basket In 5 Easy Steps [print this page] Hanging baskets are a perfect way to create beautiful floral displays for your home or business. This can be achieved by following certain simple steps and choosing the right plants.
However problems with over-crowding plants, watering too heavily or not using the right fertiliser means that some hanging baskets do not provide the intended display.
This how to guide looks at how to plant a hanging basket in 5 easy steps to product healthy plants and a beautiful appearance.
Step 1 - Preparation
As with most gardening tasks preparation is important. Start by getting together all the various items you will need. This will include the hanging basket frame and chain, compost, slow release fertiliser, water retaining gel, plants for top and side planting if required and finally a liner which typically made from coco or synthetic material.
Most hanging baskets have a round base so it is advisable to place it in a bucket to make it stable for when you are planting up.
If you are planting a hanging cone then you will need similar materials apart from a liner as they are normally made with an integrated plastic liner. If this is the case it is worth making a few small holes towards the bottom third of the cone to allow water to drain through and to avoid it pooling.
Step 2 - Add compost to the half way level
The next step involves adding compost. Start with a good quality compost and put enough in to get to the half way level. Please check that the compost you are using is suitable for the plants you will be displaying.
Step 3 - Use slow release fertiliser and water retaining gel
Once you have added the compost you should add in a slow release fertiliser and water retaining gel.
The fertiliser is normally sold in small round pellets and the water retaining material as a gel or crystal. There are also pre-mixed products available which include both fertiliser and gel in a single mix. The fertiliser typically lasts for 4-6 months so provides food for the plants over the summer period.
The water retaining gel is there is protect the basket from drying out and to provide a more constant supply of water. Take a hand full of slow release pellets (or as advised on the pack) and mix this fully into the compost. The slow release fertiliser is important for hanging baskets because of the amount of water that is washed through the compost during watering and the need to preserve nutrient levels. Mix the water retaining gel into the compost as well and as advised on the pack.
Add a further layer of compost on until you get to just below the brim of the hanging basket. Mix in more slow release fertiliser and water retaining gel as required.
Step 4 - Positioning your plants
Once the basket is filled with compost you should think about the position of the plants. You can use your finger to prepare holes for the plants to go in and this will give you an ideal of the spacing.
The best plants to use tend to be quite vigorous so it is best to use only a few and allow them to grow on over time. Many beginners will try to create an instant basket using too many plants in one go. For a 12" frame 5-6 plants on the top should be sufficient. When choosing which plants to use it is common to go for 2-3 different colours of the same flower such as Begonia, Impatiens or Pansies as the main theme. A tall central plant such as a Fuschia makes a nice centrepiece. Trailing plants such as Bacopa, Lobelia or Helichrysum make an ideal frame behind and below the main plants or if side planting.
Finally using trailing ivy such as Hedera will complete the display. Of course, there are thousands of varieties that you can you and sometimes it is best to experiment to see which colours and styles match your taste.
Step 5 - Growing on
The hanging basket should ideally be grown on in a greenhouse or area protected from the elements. A cold snap or frost will permanently damage plants which means they will have to be replanted. The growing on period will vary depending on the climate but should allow enough time for the plants to settle in and grow to fill out the basket with flowers.
Throughout the summer months the plants should be regularly watered which means once or even twice a day. Be careful not to over water the plants. Water should be added steadily until it starts to gently drip from the underneath. You should avoid a situation where water is streaming through the basket which washes out the nutrients in the soil and will damage the health of the plants. Hang the basket securely from a bracket or hook and enjoy the display.
In summary, if you follow these steps you will have created a beautiful and healthy hanging basket which should last throughout the season.
