Whether short on garden space or looking for a creative way to bring greenery to your apartment, hanging baskets are a stunning and versatile solution. They offer seasonal bursts of colour, a touch of personality, and even the possibility of fresh herbs and veggies—all within arm's reach.
Why Choose Hanging Baskets?
- Maximised Space: Perfect for small areas or vertical gardening.
- Customisable: Reflect current garden trends or showcase your favourite colour combinations.
- Functional: Grow herbs and veggies for an edible garden with flair.
How to Get Started
What You’ll Need
- Hanging basket (with pre-formed or new liner/moss).
- Quality potting mix like Oderings Potting & Basket Mix, containing a wetting agent to reduce watering frequency.
- Optional: Sphagnum moss for extra water retention and Oderings Total Replenish for ongoing nourishment.
Steps to Create a Lush Hanging Basket
- Prep Your Basket:
- If side planting, cut a small cross or diamond shapes into the liner for additional planting space.
- Add Soil:
- Fill the basket with potting mix to just below the first set of cuts. Firm the soil.
- Plant the Sides:
- Wrap plant roots in newspaper to gently push them through the liner cuts. Remove the paper and cover the plant's roots with more soil, repeating until you’re about 5cm from the basket’s top.
- Plant the Top:
- Choose a standout upright plant for the centre, surrounded by cascading or compact plants for balance.
- Fertilise:
- Once plants begin flowering, use Oderings Total Replenish for extended blooms.
Pro Tip: Leave 5cm of space at the top of the basket to make watering easier.
Plant Ideas for Hanging Baskets
For Sunny Spots
Ageratum, alyssum, angelonia, bacopa, dianthus, diascia, gazania, geranium, lobelia, marigolds, nasturtium, petunias, phlox, portulaca, sweet peas, and verbena.
For Semi-Shade
Begonias, impatiens, lobelia, pansies, petunias, and violas.
For Side Planting
Alyssum, bacopa, begonias, lobelia, petunias, nasturtium, and sweet peas.
For an Edible Basket
- Vegetables: Tumbling tomatoes, perpetual lettuces, baby spinach, dwarf beans, and peas.
- Herbs: Basil, thyme, parsley, chives, rosemary, mint, oregano, and catnip.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Size: Larger baskets create bigger displays and require less frequent watering.
- Water Wisely: Even with a wetting agent, check moisture levels regularly to avoid over or underwatering.
- Experiment Seasonally: Refresh your baskets with new plants, colours, and arrangements each season.
It’s easy to transform any space into a lively, colourful haven with hanging baskets. Whether it’s flowers, veggies, or herbs, your hanging basket can be a bold statement of nature and creativity.
