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Best Hanging Baskets, Plants And a Complete Guide on How To Hang Baskets

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GardenJack

,

Best Hanging Baskets and A Complete Guide To Hanging Basket Flowers

Who does not love to see sprawling petunias, smiling purple and yellow pansies or a burst of red geraniums in hanging baskets at their door, their favorite coffee shop or lining the streets of their hometown? Growing plants in hanging baskets adds beauty and design to any area. But with hanging baskets you must take extra care. If not properly assembled and placed, for sun or shade, many hanging gardens will never blossom or will dry out quickly.

Types of Hanging Baskets

There are several types of hanging baskets that you can choose from, depending on your gardening needs and preferences. Some common types of hanging baskets include:

  1. Wire baskets: These baskets are made from wire mesh and have a sturdy, lightweight design. They are widely available and are often the least expensive option.
  2. Plastic baskets: Plastic baskets are a lightweight and affordable option that is easy to clean and maintain. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and some are even made to look like natural materials such as wicker or wood.
  3. Woven baskets: Woven baskets are made from natural materials such as willow, rattan, or seagrass, and have a more natural, rustic look. They tend to be more durable than plastic baskets, but may be more expensive.
  4. Clay pots: Clay pots can be used as hanging baskets by attaching them to a hanger or hook. They are heavier and more fragile than other types of baskets, but they have a classic, traditional look and are good at retaining moisture.
  5. Self-watering baskets: These baskets have a built-in irrigation system that helps to keep the plants watered and healthy. They are convenient for gardeners who may not have the time to water their plants daily, but they can be more expensive and may be heavier than other types of baskets.

Benefits of Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are a popular gardening option for many people because they provide a number of benefits. Some of the benefits of hanging baskets include:

  1. Space-saving: Hanging baskets allow you to grow plants in areas where there is limited space, such as balconies or small patios.
  2. Decorative: Hanging baskets add visual interest to your outdoor space and can be used to complement your existing garden or landscape design.
  3. Versatile: Hanging baskets can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, including flowers, herbs, and even small vegetables.
  4. Easy to care for: Many plants that do well in hanging baskets are low maintenance, making them a good choice for busy gardeners.
  5. Mobile: Hanging baskets can be easily moved around your outdoor space to take advantage of different light conditions or to change up the look of your garden.
  6. Climate control: Hanging baskets can provide some protection for plants from extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or intense heat.
  7. Accessibility: Hanging baskets can make it easier for people with mobility issues to garden, as they can be hung at a comfortable height for tending and harvesting.

Choose the Right Supplies

The Basket

The first thing you will need is a metal basket. Metal is the most reliable because it will support the weight of the hanging basket’s soil, plants and water. Though, for petunias, you can use 12-inch plastic containers. They are light and hold water.

Decide what type and size basket you want for the area where it will hang. Generally, a container with a 10- to 12-inch diameter will be sufficient for petunias or two or three geraniums.

The Soil

Then, buy a nice light potting soil that retains moisture and contains peat and perlite. Most potting soil comes in bags and is already moistened.

The Plants

Select plants in packs: bacopa, nemesia, alyssum, pansies, calendula, schizanthus, campanula, and snapdragons are all cool-season annuals that do well in hanging baskets.

For a more permanent basket, consider succulents, low-growing perennials, or even ivy, but make certain that all the plants you use have the same feeding, growing and watering requirements.

Things you will Need
  • The right hanging basket
  • Potting Soil
  • Pick the Right Plants
  • Use the Right Fertilizer
Warnings
  • Allow for the combined weight of soil and basket when hanging
  • Not all plants are suitable for hanging!
  • Make sure you top up nutrients!

Preparing the Basket

  1. Line the basket so that the soil doesn’t fall out. There are pre-cut affordable cocoa mats available at most garden stores. They are easy to use and can look nearly as nice as sphagnum moss without being as drying. Or, if you choose, you can use a black plastic garbage bag to line the basket.
  2. Or combine the two. Find the center of the bottom of the bag and cut out a large circle, roughly 5 inches across.
  3. Place the bag inside the cocoa mat-lined basket, making sure the drainage hole is open. As you add the soil, make certain the hole stays open for drainage.
  4. Secure the lining to the basket with wire or twist ties.
  5. Settle the plant in and cover the roots with soil. For a 10- or 12-inch basket, use three 4-inch plants. For 14-inch baskets, use three or four plants.
  6. When planting, you want to leave room between the plant and the edge of the basket. For larger and deeper pots, plant layers of plants, with the ones that need the most water at the bottom, continue adding layers and soil until you come to within 3 inches of the top.
  7. Remember that the plants will eventually grow and cover whatever you use as a liner.
  8. Finish the basket by attaching the wire hanger to the top rim, spacing the hooks evenly around the rim of the basket. Make certain they are secure.

Settling the Plant In the Basket

Use a slow-release fertilizer, and then supplement that with a liquid fish or some other low-nitrogen fertilizer applied at one half strength each time you water. Lightly water the plants to settle them into the soil. They are now ready to hang and add months of colorful delight to your garden design.

Remember, hanging baskets are heavy, and as they bloom, they grow even heavier, so make sure their weight is supported. Water every day in hot weather, every other day in cool weather and enjoy!

Tips and Warnings

Nitrogen is consistently needed by all plants. You can use any plant food to promote growth.

No matter the size of the container, it is crucial to soak it at each watering. Water until it runs out of the bottom, that way the roots can grow properly. Remember that the more plants you crowd into a basket, the more often you’ll need to water it.

Pinch off the wilted flowers in order to divert the plant’s energies from seed making to blossom producing. Annuals benefit greatly from this kind of grooming.

Avoid fertilizer damage. Always water your container thoroughly before applying fertilizer to it.

  • Feed your plants.
  • Water your plants.
  • Get rid of wilted flowers
  • Avoid Fertilizer damage