How to Plant Hanging Baskets

Spring is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to brighten your garden with a colourful hanging basket. Whether you're looking to create a bold floral statement or a relaxed cottage-style display, hanging baskets are a simple way to add instant charm to any front garden.

And the best part? You don’t need to break the bank to create a stunning setup. With a few clever planting tips, budget-friendly supplies, and a little creativity, your space will bloom in no time. Let’s get planting!

Choosing the Best Plants for Hanging Baskets: What You Need to Know

Picking the right plants is key to creating a hanging basket that thrives through spring and summer. The best plants for hanging baskets combine eye-catching colours with easy maintenance - perfect if you want maximum impact with minimal fuss.

For a full, trailing look, go for popular trailing plants for hanging baskets, such as lobelias, petunias, and ivy. These varieties tumble beautifully over the edges and are some of the best flowering plants for hanging baskets, thanks to their long-lasting blooms and vibrant colours.

There are also plenty of beautiful plants that thrive without full sun. Shade-loving plants like fuchsias, trailing begonias, or hardy ferns thrive with less sun and still deliver an impressive display. If you're looking for texture and greenery, the best green plants for hanging baskets, like ferns or ornamental grasses, are also great choices.

Not sure where to begin? The Hanging Baskets 6-in-1 Speedy Seed Collection is a fantastic way to start. With a curated mix of easy-to-grow seeds tailored specifically for hanging baskets, it’s a brilliant shortcut to a blooming basket full of colour

When Should You Plant Hanging Baskets? Timing is Everything

The ideal time to plant outdoor hanging baskets is from late April to early May - once the risk of frost has passed. This gives your plants the perfect conditions to settle in and thrive as temperatures rise.

Plant your hanging baskets indoors or in a greenhouse if you’re itching to start. That way, your plants can get a head start, and by the time they’re moved outside, they’ll already be strong, healthy, and ready to put on a show.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant a Hanging Basket

Planting a hanging basket can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry - we’ve broken it down into easy steps to ensure your basket blooms beautifully all season long. Whether you're new to gardening or need a refresher, follow our simple steps for a basket that’ll bloom all season long.

1) Pick Your Basket and Bracket: Let’s Get Hanging!

Choose your hanging basket style based on the look you want - whether it’s a traditional wired basket or something more modern like the Wilson Gregory Hanging Flowerpot in Pink or White. Make sure to pair it with a sturdy metal bracket to keep your display secure.

2) Line the Basket and Fill with Compost

Start by lining your basket with a liner or moss to keep the compost in place. This helps retain moisture and keeps the plants snug. If you’re using moss, make sure to wet it down first to make it pliable. Fill your basket with compost, leaving enough room at the top for your plants. When planting a deep basket, tightly pack the compost to avoid any air gaps.

3) Get Planting: Pop in Your Perfect Plants

Now, the fun part – planting! Start by placing the largest plants in the centre of the basket and then work your way outwards with smaller plants. Place trailing plants for hanging baskets around the edges so they can spill over beautifully as they grow.

4) Watering and Care: Give Your Baskets Some Love

Once your basket is planted, water well to help the plants settle in. Keep an eye on them over the season and water them regularly, especially during warm, sunny days. Pinch off dead flowers to encourage fresh blooms and keep the basket looking full and vibrant.

Fun Ideas for Planting Hanging Baskets: Mix It Up!

Looking for inspiration? There are so many ideas for planting hanging baskets that go beyond the basics. Try combining trailing petunias with upright geraniums for a classic, colourful display. Fancy something different? Add herbs like mint, thyme, or basil for a fragrant, functional twist.

Ideal plants for hanging baskets include easy-going varieties like pansies, lobelias, and begonias - perfect for beginners. For shadier spots, opt for shade-loving plants like fuchsias or impatiens that thrive with minimal direct sun. You could even take your baskets to the next level with a few quirky additions like mini garden stakes or seasonal decorations to suit any occasion.

How to Keep Your Hanging Baskets Blooming All Season

A little ongoing care will keep your baskets blooming right through the summer. Here’s how to get the most from your hanging basket plants:

• Sunshine or Shade? Pick Plants to Match the Light - Some plants love the sun, while others prefer the shade. Pick the right plants based on how much sunlight your basket will get.
• Regular Pruning - Trim back dead flowers or leaves to keep your basket looking fresh and encourage new growth.
• Feed Your Plants - A monthly feed with a liquid fertiliser will help your plants stay strong and vibrant. 

With the right mix of light, water, and a little TLC, your basket will keep bursting with life week after week.

Final Touches: Strawberries, Tomatoes, & More

Hanging baskets aren’t just for flowers! For a tasty twist, try growing tomato plants in hanging baskets or even strawberry plants. They’re perfect for small spaces and make a great talking point. Just be sure to choose trailing varieties and give them plenty of sunlight and water.

Make This Spring Unforgettable with Beautiful Hanging Baskets

There you have it - everything you need to know about how to plant hanging baskets that wow! From the best plants for hanging baskets to fun ideas for every season, you can create a show-stopping display without spending a fortune.

So grab your basket, pick your plants, and get creative. Whether you’re growing bold blooms, herbs, strawberries or tomatoes, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your garden come to life. Shop for your gardening essentials in-store or online, and let spring be the season for your garden to truly bloom.