How to Plant a Hanging Basket

     Hello friends, I realize that most of you probably know how to make a hanging basket, or that you buy them pre-made(not me, not at prices of 25.00 to 45.00 call me cheap all you want, I enjoy making them myself). These are my simple steps that I do.

Select a basket. There are a variety of baskets available on the market. Consider what will fit with your decor and what theme works well with your garden and plant choices. 

   Also select the size that best suits the type of plant that you will be planting, including consideration for its likely future growth. 

Hanging baskets are typically available in such materials as:

Stout galvanized wire (my favorite)

Solid plastic

Ceramic pot in a macramé or other knotted hanger(which I don’t recommend for outside use).

Ceramic pot attached with wire

Line your basket

      Lining a basket helps to keep the soil in place and reduces the need for watering; it also neatens the appearance of the basket. The best lining for a hanging basket is sphagnum moss. 

     This works especially well with hanging baskets that are wire based.

      Another lining that can be substituted for sphagnum moss is polythene; be sure to punch some holes in the base of this lining to allow the water to seep through and ensure good drainage.(I really don't like this product but if you have hanging plants that are hard to reach, or you forget to water I would use it).

Choose good soil. A good quality potting mix or compost should be used for hanging baskets. Add a slow-release fertilizer and mix well before filling the basket.

Choose Your Plants

    Select strong plants that are appropriate for growing in a basket. The best plants to use in a new hanging basket are well-established plants that are either flowering or are close to flowering. 

   Arrange large plants first and tuck in smaller plants around these, including trailing plants at the edge.

   Here's a few of my favorite plants for hanging baskets, there are so many other ones, and really there is no right or wrong in this.

Lobelia

Gypsophila (baby's breath)

Nasturtiums

Periwinkle

Petunias

Marigolds—help keep bugs away

Begonia

Lantana

Zinnia

My favorite vines to grow.

Trailing Verbena

Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Licorice Vine

Million Bells

     I hope this helped you or at least entertained you, until we meet again.....