As the weather warms up and spring arrives, there’s nothing quite like the side of a beautiful hanging basket gracing a porch or balcony. The vibrant colors and lush foliage of the plants sway in the breeze, inviting you to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature.
The best part? You can create your very own hanging basket, tailored to your personal tastes and style. Our step-by-step guide covers selecting the perfect flowers and plants, gathering the necessary supplies, and planning and planting your own stunning hanging basket.
With a touch of creativity and gardening know-how, you too can bring a touch of the outdoors into your home with a beautiful hanging plant or flower basket.
Selecting Flowers and Plants for Hanging Baskets
Choosing the right plants that will thrive in the basket’s environment is essential to creating a breathtaking, long-lasting display. The options available for flowers and plants are virtually limitless.
Imagine cascading petunias In a variety of colors, or delicate fuchsias with their elegant, dangling blooms. Perhaps you prefer the softness of ferns or the whimsy of trailing ivy.
Whatever your preferences, consider the climate and sunlight requirements of your chosen plants, as well as their water and fertilizer needs. With careful consideration and a little bit of research, you can create an eye-catching hanging basket display that will bring joy and beauty to your home all season long.
Hanging Flower Baskets
What better way to add a splash of color and life to your outdoor space than with a hanging flower basket? With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which flowers are best suited for your basket.
Petunias are a classic choice that never disappoint, offering a profusion of blooms in various colors and their trailing habit that spills beautifully over the edges of the basket. They’re also hardy, making them suitable for a range of temperatures and perfect for novice gardeners.
For a burst of color and minimal maintenance, consider begonias. These charming flowers come in a variety of colors and are a popular choice for hanging baskets due to their compact habit and resistance to pests and diseases.
Fuschias are another excellent choice, with their elegant, pendulous flowers and attractive foliage. They prefer a slightly shaded location, making them perfect for hanging baskets that receive partial sunlight.
If you’re looking for a more whimsical and playful touch, lobelia is a great options. These delicate flowers come in shades of blue, purple, or white, and their trailing habit adds a touch of whimsy to any display.
Hanging Plant Baskets
In addition to flowers, there are also several types of plants that are well-suited for hanging baskets. These plants not only add a pop of color and texture to your display, but also help create a lush and vibrant ambiance. Need some inspiration? You can come see the bright and beautiful variations at your local Wilco Farmstore!
Ferns are a popular choice for hanging baskets, with their delicate foliage and graceful arching fronds that create a soft and soothing atmosphere. They prefer partial to full shade, making them a great option for porches and balconies that don’t receive direct sunlight.
Ivy is another classic choice that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any display. Their trailing vines and glossy leaves are easy to care for and can grow quite long, creating a dramatic effect as they spill over the sides of the basket.
Succulents are also gaining popularity as a plant choice for hanging baskets, thanks to their unique and sculptural forms and their tolerance of dry conditions. Their fleshy leaves come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a great option for adding interest and texture to your display.
Supplies You Will Need
Before you start creating your own hanging basket, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here are the supplies you will need to plant hanging baskets:
- Hanging basket: Choose a sturdy basket in the size and shape of your choice, and ensure it has proper drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
Green Thumb, Growers Hanging Basket with Coco Liner
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- Liner: A liner helps to retain moisture in the soil and can be made from various materials such as coconut coir and sphagnum moss.
- Potting soil: High-quality potting mix ensures that your plants have their necessary nutrients.
- Gloves: A good pair of gardening gloves will protect your hands from dirt and other debris.
American Glove, Bamboo Gardener with Natural Rubber Palm Gloves, BBG C5301
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- Scissors or pruners: These tools will help you shape and trim your plants as needed.
- Fertilizer: Fertilizer gives your plants the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Boosted, 10-52-10, 1 lb.
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- Watering can: A watering can with a long spout will make it easier to water your plants without splashing water everywhere.
Choosing the Right Basket
Your hanging basket is the canvas upon which you’ll paint your vibrant, living masterpiece. Selecting the right basket is the first step towards creating a stunning display that will captivate the eyes and elevate the atmosphere of your space.
Types of Hanging Baskets
- Wire baskets: Wire baskets are a classic choice, offering a timeless and versatile appearance. The open structure of the wire allows for good air circulation and water drainage, ensuring a healthy environment for your plants. Wire baskets can be found in various shapes, sizes, and designs, from ornate vintage styles to sleek modern versions.
Green Thumb, 14" Black Finial Motif Round Hanging Plant Basket
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- Coir or moss-lined baskets: These baskets are designed with a natural, organic touch, featuring a lining made from coir (coconut fiber) or sphagnum moss. This lining not only adds an earthy appeal to your hanging basket but also retains moisture well, making it ideal for plants that prefer a consistent level of dampness.
- Plastic or polypropylene resin baskets: For those seeking a low-maintenance and durable option, plastic or PP resin baskets are a good choice.These baskets are lightweight, weather resistant, and available in many colors and designs. Some plastic baskets even mimic the appearance of other materials, such as terracotta or wood, giving you the benefits of plastic with the look of more traditional materials.
Factors to Consider
- Size: When choosing your hanging basket, consider how many plants you want to place in each basket and growth potential of your chosen plants. Larger baskets provide more room for roots to grow, offer better moisture retention, and can accommodate a greater variety of plants. Smaller baskets maybe ideal for limited spaces or for showcasing a single plant type. Balance the visual impact your desire with the practical considerations of weight and space constraints.
- Material: The material of your hanging basket can affect the aesthetics, durability, and maintenance requirements. Consider the appearance you want, as well as the climate and condition in which the basket will be hung. For instance, wire baskets are well suited for good air circulation and drainage, while coir or moss-lined baskets provide excellent moisture attention and an organic look. plastic or resin baskets offer durability, weather resistance, and ease of maintenance.
- Drainage: Proper drainage is essential for the health of your plants ensure that you’re chosen hanging basket has drainage holes or a design that allows access water to escape. Wire baskets often provide natural drainage while plastics baskets should have pre-drilled holes. For coir or moss-lined baskets, the lining itself can help with drainage, but you may still want to ensure there’s a way for excess water to escape.
Planning and Planting Process
Now that you have your supplies, it’s time to start planning and planting your hanging basket. start by choosing your desired hanging baskets shape and size. Your hanging basket should have proper drainage holes to prevent water-borne plant diseases.
When selecting your plants, consider grouping them by color and texture, and arrange them in a way that creates a balanced display. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and heights to achieve the desired effect.
As you plant each flower and plant, be sure to add enough potting soil to provide the necessary support, and apply fertilizer according to the instructions on the package. With each addition to your hanging basket, you’ll see the display take shape, transforming into a work of living art that will bring a smile to your face every time you see it.
Wilco, Professional Potting Soil
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Basket Preparation
Preparing your basket is a vital step in creating a successful hanging basket. Start by choosing your desired hanging basket. Choose a basket that will be able to support your desired plants. Then, add a liner to improve water retention in the soil.
Coconut coir liners are a popular choice, thanks to their natural materials and excellent moisture retention properties. Sphagnum moss liners also offer good drainage and are ideal for plants that require well-aerated soil. Alternatively, landscape fabric is another efficient option that can work if you’ve got a roll on hand.
Green Thumb, Round Coco Planter Liner
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After you’ve selected your liners, fill the basket with the potting soil, leaving enough room for your plants. Consider adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil to provide them with nutrients throughout the growing season.
Before adding your plants, water the soil thoroughly to help it settle and ensure that it’s evenly moist. Then, arrange your plants in the basker, considering their height, color, and texture to create a visually appealing display.
Hanging Basket Placement and Care
Once your hanging basket is planted, consider its placement and care. Hanging plant care is just like caring for the same plants you would in container gardening or if growing in the ground. Hanging plants are typically best suited for areas that receive partial sunlight and protection from strong winds.
When watering your plants, be careful not to overwater or underwater, as both can be detrimental to their health. You’ll also want to fertilize your hanging basket regularly to ensure the plants receive the necessary nutrients to thrive.
As your plants grow, be sure to prune and trim them as needed to maintain their shape and prevent overcrowding. WIth proper placement and care, your hanging basket will continue to blossom and grow, adding a touch of natural beauty to your home.
Placement Considerations
Choosing the right location for your hanging basket is key to its success. Before hanging your basket, consider the amount of sunlight and wind exposure that your chosen location receives.
Many plants prefer partial shade, so it’s important to select a location that provides some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Alternatively, if you’re using succulents or other plants that require full sun, be sure to select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Wind exposure is also an important consideration, as strong winds can damage delicate plants and cause soil to dry out quickly. Hanging your basket in a sheltered location, such as under a porch or eaves, can help protect it from strong winds and maintain proper moisture levels.
Additionally, be sure to hang your basket securely, using a sturdy hook or bracket that can support the weight of the basket and its contents. Consider the height of the basket when hanging it, ensuring that it’s at a comfortable viewing level and not in danger of being bumped or knocked over.
Watering
Watering your hanging basket effectively is crucial for the health and growth of your plants. Here are some practical tips to help you water your hanging basket.
- Collect dripping water: Place a drip tray or saucer under your hanging basket to catch any excess water that drips out. This will help prevent water from damaging your floors, furniture, or other surfaces.
- Water from the bottom: If your hanging basket has a detachable liner, consider watering it from the bottom by placing it in a tray of water until the soil is moist. This will allow the roots to absorb water without getting too wet.
- Water in the sink or shower: Alternatively, you can water your hanging basket in the sink or shower to minimize mess and ensure that water reaches all parts of the soil.
- Use a watering wand or hose attachment: If your hanging basket is in a hard-to-reach location, consider using a watering wand or hose attachment to deliver water directly to the soil.
Dramm, 16" One Touch Rain Wand
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Maintenance and Pruning
Maintaining and pruning your hanging basket is key to keeping it healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season. Regular maintenance can help prevent pest infestations, promote healthy growth, and extend the life of your plants.
One of the most important aspects of maintenance is watering. Hanging baskets tend to dry out more quickly than other containers, so it’s essential to water them regularly, checking the soil for dryness and ensuring that it’s evenly moist.
Pruning is also important for maintaining the health and shape of your plants. Regularly removing dead or damaged foliage and spent blooms can help promote healthy growth and prevent disease. Use sharp scissors or pruners to make clean cuts, and be sure to sterilize your tools between plants to prevent the spread of disease.
Corona, Curved Grape & Floral Pruners
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Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and address any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading to your other plants. Regularly inspecting your hanging basket can help you catch any problems early, allowing you to take action before they become more serious.
Shop for Your Hanging Basket Needs at Wilco Farm Stores
Creating your very own hanging basket is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that brings the beauty of nature into your home. With the right plants, supplies, and care, you can create a magnificent display that will last for months.
If you’re looking for hanging basket supplies or advice, visit Wilco Farm Stores, where you can purchase locally-grown, premium hanging baskets at your local Wilco Store.
Annual Flowering Hanging Basket 10"- Comes in assorted colors and types
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From high-quality potting soil mix to fertilizer, gardening gloves, and baskets, Wilco Farm Stores has a wide variety of gardening supplies to meet all your needs.
