Hello fellow garden enthusiasts! Let's talk about the joy of starting your own hanging baskets.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, hanging baskets can be a delightful addition to your gardening repertoire. They bring colour, texture, and life to any outdoor space, whether it's a sprawling garden or a cozy balcony.
Why Choose Hanging Baskets?
Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to maximize your gardening space, especially if you have limited room. They can be hung virtually anywhere - on porch railings, shepherd's hooks, or pergolas, adding a touch of greenery and beauty to otherwise unused areas.
Another reason to opt for hanging baskets is the versatility they offer. You can grow a wide variety of plants in them, from vibrant annual flowers to cascading foliage or even herbs and small vegetables. Plus, they can be easily moved around to experiment with different spots and lighting conditions.
Getting Started - Selecting Your Basket
Start by choosing a suitable basket or container. Options range from traditional wire baskets lined with moss or coconut coir to decorative containers made of plastic or ceramic. Make sure your basket has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Choosing Plants
Consider the location where your basket will hang. Is it sunny or shaded? Choose plants that thrive in those conditions. For sunny spots, petunias, geraniums, and verbena work beautifully. In shaded areas, opt for fuchsias, impatiens, or begonias. Mix different plants for a dynamic display of colors and textures.
Choosing Plants for Sunny Hanging Baskets
For sunny locations, it's important to choose plants that can handle direct sunlight and thrive in warmer conditions.
Here are some fantastic options to consider:
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Petunias: These classic annuals come in a wide range of colours and bloom profusely all summer. They're perfect for adding a splash of vibrant hues to your garden!
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Geraniums: Geraniums are heat-tolerant and offer clusters of colourful flowers. They are available in various shades of red, pink, and white, and are super-easy to maintain throughout the summer months.
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Verbena: Verbena produces clusters of small, brightly coloured flowers that spill beautifully over the edges of baskets. They're excellent for attracting butterflies.
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Lantana: Lantana is a tough plant that thrives in hot, sunny conditions. Its clusters of tiny flowers change colour as they mature, creating a stunning effect.
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Calibrachoa: These trailing plants resemble miniature petunias and are perfect for adding a cascade of vivid colour to your baskets.
Choosing Plants for Shaded Hanging Baskets
Shaded locations can still be transformed into lush and interesting displays with the right plants.
Here are some shade-loving options to consider:
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Fuchsias: Fuchsias thrive in partial shade and produce elegant, pendulous flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
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Impatiens: Impatiens are a classic choice for shady areas, offering a variety of colors and continuous blooms throughout the season.
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Begonias: Tuberous begonias or fibrous begonias are excellent choices for shade. They come in various colours, varieties, and add a touch of elegance to any basket.
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Coleus: Coleus is prized for its colourful foliage and thrives in shaded spots. Mix different coleus varieties for a stunning foliage display.
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Lobelia: Lobelia produces delicate, trailing flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white. It's perfect for adding a cool-toned accent to your baskets.
Potting Mix
Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix formulated for containers. Regular garden soil is too heavy and may not provide adequate aeration. You can also mix in slow-release fertilizer pellets to nourish your plants throughout the growing season.
Planting Your Basket
- Begin by filling your basket with potting mix, leaving enough room to accommodate the root balls of your plants.
- Arrange your plants, starting with the centerpiece (taller or focal plants) in the center and trailing plants around the edges.
- Gently tease out the roots before planting to encourage healthy growth.
- Once planted, water thoroughly to settle the soil and hydrate the plants.
For more information on how to plant your hanging basket, please watch our video here
Maintenance
Hanging baskets require regular watering, especially during hot summer months. Check them daily and water when the soil feels dry. Fertilize every few weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer to keep your plants blooming.
Care Tips
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
- Prune leggy growth to promote bushier plants.
- Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, especially aphids and powdery mildew. (This is more important for shade-loving baskets and plants)
Enjoy your Hanging Basket All Season Long
In just a few weeks, your hanging baskets will burst into a riot of colours, spilling over with lush foliage and blossoms. They will become a focal point in your garden or a charming feature on your porch, attracting compliments and admiration from neighbors and visitors.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and start creating your own hanging garden paradise. Whether you're aiming for a cottage-inspired look or a sleek modern display, there are endless possibilities when it comes to hanging baskets.
Happy gardening!
