In this how to guide we will show you how to plant a hanging basket.
Step 1 - Getting ready
Make sure that you have all the materials easily to hand - the hanging basket frame, hanging basket liner, compost, plants, reservoir, slow release fertiliser and water retaining gel. It is a good idea to position your hanging basket frame in a bucket or on a potting table to avoid it moving around.
Step 2 - Fit the hanging basket liner
Fit your hanging basket liner and, in summer months, place a 12" diameter piece of polythene in the bottom of the basket which will act as a reservoir to aid water retention. Do not use this in a winter basket as root damage will occur if the water in the reservoir was to freeze.
Step 3 - Start filling the hanging basket liner with compost
Use a good quality multi purpose potting compost to fill your basket to about a third of the way up the basket.
Step 4 - Add slow release fertiliser in with more compost
It is always advisable to add one of the many slow release fertilizers which are available. Most fertilizers are soluble, so that each time you water your basket you will wash out (i.e. waste) some of it. Slow release fertilizers on the other hand, have the fertilizer sealed within a resin shell which releases it gradually over a long period through micropores in the resin casing.
Overwatering should have no effect on the release period. Slow release fertilizers can be obtained to give 6/12/18 and 24 month release periods to suit various purposes. 6 month being ideal for a basket, tub or other container planted up for summer in the UK. Soluble fertilizers can give even better results but these require constant monitoring, so devoted care is required, when using them, to obtain the best from your basket.
Step 5 - Add water retaining gel in with the compost
Wetting agents can be used to minimise the need for watering and avoid the risks of drying out during a got day. The gels can be added to the compost when making up or later as a top dressing. This is important as on a very hot day a basket filled with Surfinia petunias in full bloom can require 3 or 4 waterings in order to keep the compost moist. If the water is not applied the compost tends to dry out from the centre and form a crust and when water is applied it tends to run off the top surface and over the sides, giving the impression that your basket is well watered, when in fact it is still very dry internally. A good wetting agent allows water to flow through and be absorbed by the compost.
Water retaining gels can also be incorporated into the compost. These gels usually come in crystal form and can soak up over 100 times their own volume of water. They should be used sparingly otherwise you could find your footpath, below where the basket hangs, covered in a gelatine-like substance which is very slippery and could cause an accident to the unwary. These gels do have their benefits but do not let them give you a false sense of security where you think you can avoid watering. Regular watering is absolutely essential.
Step 6 - Position the plants in the hanging basket
Your basket should be nearly full with compost, fertiliser and gel by now so dig small holes in the compost to position the plants on the top or the sides. When planting your basket do not, as many beginners do, try to create an "instant" basket. Each plant that you use will need time, space and sufficient light to reach their potential so leave a minimum of 2 inches or 5cm between plants.
Water the basket thoroughly to ensure the compost is completely wet through and display the basket on a hook or hanging basket bracket. If you follow these steps, the plants will grow quickly to fill in any gaps on top and cascade over the side of the basket to create a beautiful hanging basket display. We have a large range of hanging baskets and hanging basket plants on our website.