How to Plant Hanging Baskets

The hows of hanging

Container gardening basics

Hanging flower baskets are usually crafted out of wire or plastic and have advantages and disadvantages. Plastic baskets are inexpensive and easier to plant while also retaining water better. Wire baskets allow for more flexibility in planting and are often considered more attractive.

Be sure to select a potting mix that is lightweight and that will provide excellent drainage and aeration. Many potting soil and soilless mixes are available that work well but ordinary garden soil, typically, will not be appropriate.

Selecting plants and location for hanging baskets

Choosing the correct plants for where you plan to have them, and how much sunlight they will receive, is also important and shouldn't be overlooked. Some plants thrive in constant and direct sunlight while others only prosper in the shade. Keep in mind that most hanging baskets will be viewed from below but you should attempt to hang it as close to eye level as possible to make watering easier as well as allowing it to be viewed.

Choose healthy and young plants for planting in hanging baskets. These adapt to being transplanted faster and have a better chance of survival. In addition, you'll want to plant them much closer than you would in a flower garden so smaller plants will make this task easier as well.

Be creative and select a variety of plants. Tropical plants, vines, annuals, herbs, and even some vegetables will all grow in hanging baskets. Many plants that are typically grown indoors as houseplants are also ideal in outdoor hanging baskets as well.

Caring for hanging basket plants and flowers

Hanging baskets can dry out quickly to they should be watered, at a minimum, daily. You can determine whether or not they should be watered by feeling the soil and, if it is not damp, watering them until water runs out the drainage holes.

Watering frequently flushes nutrients from the soil so a fertilizer should also be used. Both time-release fertilizers as well as liquid are available and appropriate for hanging flower baskets.

Maintain your flowers and plants as the season progresses. By removing flowers as they fade and die, hanging flower baskets will continue to bloom longer.

More information on hanging baskets