Wednesday, 24th April 2024
To guardian.ng
Search
Breaking News:

Hanging baskets

By Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer
24 September 2016   |   3:44 am
Hanging baskets, containers and flower pouches add a whole new dimension to gardening, helping to utilize all the available space. No matter how small your garden, there is always room for a hanging basket.

Hanging baskets, containers and flower pouches add a whole new dimension to gardening, helping to utilize all the available space. No matter how small your garden, there is always room for a hanging basket. Hanging baskets are versatile planting option that can suit any outdoor area. If you have a small outdoor living area, baskets are a great way to maximize planting space on patios, balconies, and decks. Even if you have a sprawling garden, hanging baskets can enhance the landscape, entrances or add color to every level of outdoor space. With hanging baskets, you can brighten up a sunny wall with the right choice of plants, even add color to those tricky shady areas. You can grow fresh herbs with an indoor basket on the sunny kitchen window.

Do you struggle every year to decide what plants to use in your hanging baskets or to know how to plant in your baskets?
Although there are many plants that thrive in hanging baskets, the rules of container gardening still apply; use nutrient rich soil, be sure to allow for drainage, choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and the spot where you plan to hang the basket; water often-without much soil to retain water, hanging baskets need vigilance or they will dry out.

HOW TO PLANT PERFECT HANGING BASKETS
Every type of planting has its own unique process. So the more one simplifies the process, the better. Follow these easy
steps to plant the perfect hanging baskets every time.

1 CHOOSE YOUR BASKETS
There is no end to the different styles, shapes, materials and sizes of baskets available. Each material offers a unique look and different benefits, so it is a matter of personal preference. For example, wire baskets are a popular option because of their durability and classic appearance. However, material is just one element of your hanging baskets. While material will affect the overall look of your presentation, the size is most essential in the decision making process. In this case, the bigger the basket, the better. A basket that is too small for the maturing plants will require you to prune and water more often. A larger basket will retain water better, preventing the need for constant maintenance and allowing for healthier plants

2 LINE YOUR PLANTS
Liners are essential when it comes to basket planting. A properly lined hanging basket will maximize your soil’s water retention so you don’t have to water as frequently. As with baskets, each liner type has advantages and disadvantages. So choose the best option for your needs.
Moss is a great natural liner option that offers excellent water retention and pest resistance. However, it is one of the more difficult liners to work with and requires more effort.

Burlap liners are a popular choice for organic planting because they are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, this lining option retains very little water and requires you to hydrate your plants more often.Coco liners are becoming popular for lovers of hanging basket. These liners typically come molded to perfectly fit specific sizes and shapes of baskets, making them easy to set up. In addition, they create a natural and organized presentation that makes the flowers eye catching

3 PLANTING IN YOUR BASKET.
First, place your chosen liner material in your basket. Then fill your basket halfway with planting soil and add the proper fertilizer. This will provide your plants with the essential nutrients they need since they cannot retrieve them from the ground soil. Now its time to plant. If you are using seedlings or other pre-started plants, fill the basket to the outer rim, leaving room for growth. You can mix and match plant varieties in the same basket, but be sure to plant the tallest in the centre and the low growing varieties closer to the edge. Then add more soil to fill in the remaining gaps. If you are starting your baskets from seeds, place your seeds in the soil, making sure not
to overfill so that your plants have enough room to grow. Don’t be afraid to plant a variety of colors in one basket.

4 HANGING YOUR BASKET
When your flowers are planted, you are ready to hang your basket. When you have located the perfect spot with adequate sunlight, make sure you have a sturdy hook that can support the weight of the basket. It should be able to hold the basket even when it is heavy with water. For the best results, the hook should be anchored in a solid structure, or support your plant on a sturdy Sheppard’s hook. Hang the attached basket chain from your chosen support and adjust as needed. Water your plants as often as necessary.

BEST PLANTS FOR HANGING BASKETS
Selecting the perfect plants for your hanging baskets can be a difficult process. Of course you want flowers that are bright and colorful, but its necessary to choose plants that are easy to maintain and does well in your environment. Examples of versatile flower options include; black eyed Susan vine, Geranium, Begonia, Petunia, Sweet Alyssum, dwarf Lavender, lobelia, impatiens, spider lily, verbena, tradescantia, fountain grass, fuchsia, lantana, signet marigold, moss rose, sweet potato vine, spider plant, rosy periwinkles, ferns. Hanging baskets are a great way to enjoy your favorite plants, anywhere and anytime. They are great indoors and out. Whether you are growing house plants, your favorite perennial and annual hanging plants, the option of what to grow are nearly endless, making it easier to find a plant to suit your specific needs, while some of the better options for hanging basket include trailing plants, nearly any plant will work, including vegetables, when given the proper growing conditions. However, some plants do work better than others. For this reason, mentioning some of the most popular annuals and perennials should make choosing plants for hanging basket a bit easier.

In this article

0 Comments