How do I plant hanging baskets?

Start with a sturdy basket and line it with coir, moss or a ready-made liner. Add a layer of good quality compost, ideally mixed with slow release fertiliser and water retaining granules. Position the largest plants first, usually in the centre, then add trailing plants around the edges. Firm everything in gently, top up with compost, and water thoroughly. Hang the basket somewhere sheltered for a few days so plants can settle before moving it to its final position.

When should I plant hanging baskets?

Summer hanging baskets are best planted from late April onwards once the risk of frost has passed. If planting earlier, keep baskets in a greenhouse or porch and only hang them out when nights are reliably mild. Winter hanging baskets are planted in early autumn, usually September to October, giving plants time to establish before cold weather arrives.

How many plants in a hanging basket?

This depends on the basket size. As a guide, a 30 to 35cm basket usually takes five to seven plants. A larger 40 to 45cm basket can take seven to nine plants. It can feel tempting to squeeze in more, but overcrowding leads to poor growth and drying out, due to the competition for nutrients. A little space allows plants to fill out naturally and perform better.

What should I plant in hanging baskets for winter?

Winter baskets focus on structure and foliage rather than flowers. Popular choices include pansies, violas and heuchera. Mixing upright plants with trailing foliage creates interest through the colder months and keeps baskets looking smart even in dull weather.

Why does the water run straight through my hanging basket?

This usually means the compost has dried out too much and become water repellent. When that happens, water rushes through without soaking in. The fix is simple. Take the basket down and soak it in a bucket of water for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbles stop rising. Regular watering and the use of water retaining granules help prevent this happening again.

Should you water a hanging basket every day?

In warm or windy weather, yes, daily watering is often needed as baskets dry out quickly. During very hot spells, morning and evening watering can be necessary. In cooler or wet weather, watering every few days may be enough. The best approach is to check the compost with a finger. If it feels dry below the surface, it is time to water.

Plants for Hanging Baskets

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Hanging Baskets

Quick and easy - we all understand the benefits a well put together hanging basket or two can bring to our gardens. Whether displayed by the front door, along a fence, on a balcony or brightening a patio, hanging baskets packed with flowers create eye-catching impact without taking up valuable ground space. From tumbling summer colour to reliable winter interest, hanging basket plants work hard to keep gardens vibrant across the seasons.

There is a huge choice of hanging plants for hanging baskets, from classic trailing varieties to compact flowering stars bred to perform beautifully in containers. Popular options include begonia trailing plants, petunias, calibrachoa and lobelia, all chosen for their long flowering season and cascading habit. For gardeners short on time, pre-planted baskets offer instant results, while creating your own allows full control over colour, texture and plant combinations. Even the smallest spaces can be transformed with the right baskets, making them a favourite choice for both new and experienced gardeners.
Hanging baskets are also surprisingly easy to grow. With the right compost, regular watering and feeding, many of the best flowering plants for hanging baskets will bloom continuously for months.