What You’ll Need:
• Hanging basket (wire or plastic, with or without a liner)
• Basket liner (coco liner or moss if not pre-lined)
• Multi-purpose compost or potting mix
• Vermiculite (medium) or Water-retaining crystals (optional but helpful)
• Fertilizer (optional)
• Plants (a mix of trailing, upright, and filler plants)
• Watering can
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Basket
• If your basket doesn’t already have a liner, place a coco liner or moss inside.
• Make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom if it’s a solid container.
Step 2: Add Water Retention & Fertilizer
• Mix a little Vermiculite, water-retaining crystals and slow-release fertilizer into your potting mix (follow package instructions).
• This helps your plants stay fed and hydrated longer.
Step 3: Fill the Basket
• Fill the basket with compost and leave about inch space from the top.
• Gently firm it down with your hands.
Step 4: Add the Center Plant
• Push you fist into the centre of the basket to create a well.
• Place a taller or upright plant (like geranium, fuchsia, or upright begonia) in the middle of the well.
Step 5: Fill in Around the Centre, Depending on size, hanging baskets only need a centre plant and 4 additional plants to create a symmetry pattern and allows space for the plants to grow.
• Try to balance colours and shapes for a pleasing look.
Step 6: Top Up and Firm the Soil
• Add more compost to fill any gaps and gently press it down.
• Leave a bit of space at the top so watering is easier.
Step 7: Water Thoroughly
• Give the basket a good soak so the soil settles and the plants get a good start.
• Do this with gently with a watering can, Using a hose pipe could flood the roots and
disturb your planting placement.
Step 8: Hang Your Basket
• Choose a sturdy hook or bracket in a place with the right amount of sunlight for your plants.
• Ensure it’s secure and at a safe height for watering and maintenance.
Step 9: Care & Maintenance
• Water daily in hot weather—baskets dry out fast!
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
• Feed every 1–2 weeks with liquid plant food (unless using slow-release fertilizer).
