As May nears its end, summer seems to be just around the corner. The days are growing longer, temperatures are rising, and the soil is warming up, creating perfect conditions for gardening enthusiasts to get their hands dirty. Now is the ideal time for planting summer bedding in most regions, as the threat of frost has largely passed.
However, it is still important to monitor local weather forecasts. If nighttime temperatures are predicted to drop below 7°C, tender plants may still be at risk. In such cases, protect your plants overnight by covering them with horticultural fleece, hessian, or even a light sheet.
Hanging baskets are an excellent way to add an instant splash of vibrant colour and make a big impact, especially in smaller outdoor spaces like balconies, porches, and patios. With the right plants and proper care, your hanging basket can become a miniature floating garden that blooms throughout the summer.
For reliable results, consider using well-known favourites such as calibrachoa, petunias, pelargoniums, fuchsias, marigolds, verbena, and lobelia. These varieties are renowned for their abundant blooms. If your basket will be in a partially shaded area, opt for busy lizzies, begonias, or fuchsias, which can thrive without full sun exposure. For a trailing effect, ivy, Helichrysum, or cascading ivy-leaved pelargoniums can create a lush, flowing appearance.
To plant your hanging basket, start by placing the wire frame on a bucket or plant pot to prevent it from rolling. Traditionally, sphagnum moss was used to line the basket, but it is important to avoid harvesting it from the wild. Sustainable alternatives include coir and cardboard. Once the basket is lined, cut several small slits near the bottom to allow for planting trailing varieties at the lower level.
Next, fill the basket halfway with high-quality potting compost. For easier maintenance, mix in a slow-release fertiliser and water-retaining gel pellets. Despite these additives, daily watering is essential in warm or windy weather, as hanging baskets tend to dry out quickly.
Begin planting by carefully inserting trailing plants through the slits at the base. Gently push each plant through from the inside out, ensuring the root ball remains within the basket. Space the plants evenly for a balanced appearance. Add more compost as you go, and if your basket is deep enough, you can add another layer of plants midway up. Finish by planting the top of the basket, starting in the centre and working outward, with trailing plants around the edge for a full, cascading effect.
Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, water the basket thoroughly and hang it in its chosen spot. During very hot spells, you may need to water both in the morning and evening, but be careful to avoid overwatering, which can wash away nutrients. A weekly feed with a high potash liquid fertiliser will help prolong flowering throughout the season.
With a little effort and the right care, hanging baskets can transform any outdoor space into a vibrant, flower-filled retreat all summer long.
