Hanging baskets are a great way to add splashes of colour to the garden – whatever the season. Whilst beds and borders create structure, and pots support longer flowering shrubs and plants, hanging baskets add height and create moveable pockets of interest around the garden.
Top tips for hanging baskets
Before planting your hanging baskets:
- Give them a good clean and brush up ready to receive your blooms
- Check your liners and consider replacing them if they don’t look like they will last the season
- Take a look at hooks and chains for rust or damage – once in full bloom and carrying water a hanging basket can put strain on them!
Once planted keep an eye on your baskets to make sure they bloom all season:
- Keep them well watered – breezy days can mean they quickly dry out, even in winter
- Deadhead regularly – encourage new growth by keeping your plants dead headed
- Feed regularly – get your most from your plants by adding a suitable feed
What plants to use in hanging baskets
There are lots of options when it comes to filling baskets – here are some of our favourites:
- Year round colour – if you’re keen to keep your baskets going all year, then don’t throw away plants which work all year like Pansies. They can often put on an extra burst of colour and life with some fresh compost, sunlight and warmer days.
- Traditional baskets – old favourites such as Begonias, Fuchsias, Petunias, trailing Lobelia, Geraniums, Osteospermum and Nasturtiums are perfect for spring and summer. Mixed together and well stocked into a basket these will provide an amazing array of colour, shapes and sizes.
- Something different – consider introducing a few more plants that you may be more used to seeing in pots or beds. Using smaller potted versions of Cordyline, Box, Fir or Spruce to introduce different textures and colours. They can also be transplanted into pots, beds and borders to grow on. Heathers are particularly good for spring baskets as they are naturally hardy.
- Scented baskets – use plants with similar or complementary smells, like lemon (Verbena, Thyme, lemon scented Spruce) or even chocolate.
- Single colour baskets – if you love big splashes of interest then plant up baskets of single colour plants. This can highlight and enhance the natural, yet slightly more subtle colour of shrubs and perennials in surrounding beds and borders.
More hanging basket plant ideas
Hanging baskets don’t just have to carry traditional seasonal plants. If you’re a fruit and veg grower, put your baskets to work. Cherry Tomatoes and Strawberries do extremely well in hanging baskets, with tresses tumbling over the sides creating structure, shape and colour; as well as a sweet treat whilst you’re wandering the garden!
Certain herbs also enjoy baskets and can be a pleasant fragrance on the patio. Baskets of herbs close to the back door or kitchen window are great for snipping. Avoid deep rooting and bushy plants such as rosemary or mint and stick to smaller plants such as Thyme. Or try Basil and Oregano – pop in some cherry tomatoes and you’ve got a basket of pizza toppings!
Giving your baskets the best start
Choosing the right compost for your baskets will ensure they grow beautifully through the season. Our Potting Compost is perfect for baskets and can be delivered direct to your home – order online today!
