How to plant a hanging basket

Stacey Solomon shows how she made a hanging basket stand

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

Whether your garden is a slab of concrete outside your front door or acres of land outside your back door, hanging baskets place flowers at the eye level. Hanging baskets of flower can brighten up dull walls and add colour to shady areas. Express.co.uk reveals how to plant a hanging basket, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

How to plant a hanging basket

If you’ve never planted anything before, a hanging basket is a good place to start.

Gardening newbies can plant a hanging basket in just an hour in a few simple steps.

The RHS site says with the right care, hanging baskets can provide months of colour in even the tiniest garden.

READ MORE-  How to make cut flowers last longer

To plant a hanging basket, you need seven pieces of equipment. They are:

  • Hanging basket
  • Basket liner or sphagnum moss
  • Wide short pot and small plastic pot
  • Multipurpose compost
  • Water retaining crystals (optional)
  • Newspaper and scissors
  • Potted plants

Step one

Stand the hanging basket on a wide, short pot to keep it stable.

If the basket isn’t already lined, use moss or a proprietary liner.

If you want, you can mix water-retaining crystals into your compost, but this is optional.

DON’T MISS…
How to clean terracotta pots  [INFORMER]
Monty Don: Gardening expert shares how to weed your garden by hand [INSIGHT]
Monty Don: Gardening expert explains ‘simple’ way to lay paving slabs [EXPLAINER]

Step two

Lay a circle of polythene at the base to help retain water.

Cut holes in the liner about 5cm (two inches) above the base for trailing plants. Fill the basket to that level with compost.

Step three

Wrap paper round the root balls of the trailing plants and push them through the holes.

The roots should be level with the compost in the basket. Add extra compost and firm it around the plants.

Step four

Put a small plastic pot near the centre of the basket to act as a watering reservoir.

Plant short plants at the edge of the basket and taller ones in the centre. Fill in around them with compost and water in well.

Step five

Remember to water your hanging basket regularly.

Summer baskets (like the begonias at the top of this page) appreciate a weekly feed with liquid fertiliser.

Step six

At the end of the season, tip the basket onto the compost heap.

Some hardy plants such as ivies can be re-planted in the garden, but not all.

Source: Read Full Article