Unfortunately we will not be making up hanging baskets this year as our gates are closed to visitors, but that does not mean that you can't make some fantastic baskets at home. For a quick and easy guide, please follow the steps below.

1. Gather all your equipment.  Hanging basket, gloves, compost, snips, fab plants.  

At the nursery, we use 5 plants for 12" baskets, 7 plants for 14" baskets, 9 plants for 16" baskets.  Remember that your plants will spread pretty quickly, and more plants than this will use nutrients very quickly.

Some baskets come with a plastic liner sown in, but if you are using a wire basket and liner, it is good to add a piece of plastic (from a dis-used compost bag) at the bottom to help retain moisture.

 

2. Pierce the plastic liner a few times to allow water to drain.

 

3. Fill your baskets to 2 thirds with a good quality compost.  You can add moisture retaining gel, or fertiliser pellets if your compost doesn't contain food.  Alternatively use a liquid feed diluted in your watering can once every 2 weeks to ensure the best flowering possible.

   

4. Tap the basket down to remove any air pockets.

 

5. Place your plants in position (in their pots to start with), starting with the central plant.  Choose a plant with an upright habit for this.  For example Nemesia, Diascia or bush type Fuchsias and upright Begonias work well.  Arrange the trailing plants around the edge spacing them evenly.

     

6.  Once you are happy with the plant combinations, remove the plants carefully from their pots, delicately picking off any leaves at the bottom of the plant that are yellowing or have died.  This will help keep your plants healthy.  Place them back in their positions.

     

7. Fill with compost between the plants and carefully down the sides.

   

8. Place your fingers around the base of each plant and give a good firm in once. Tap the basket carefully on the ground to even the rest of the compost out.

   

9. Give your basket a good water in.  If it is a hot day, do this in shade to avoid scorching the plants.  If you are hanging your baskets out in April/early May, keep an eye on the weather for any chance of overnight frost.  Bring your baskets in if this is likely.

 

10.  Keep your baskets well watered all through the summer and enjoy your wonderful display.