Guide on Hanging Basket Planting to Elevate Any Garden with Vibrant Summer Flowers
Summer is the perfect time to add a splash of colour to your garden, and a hanging basket is an excellent way to achieve this, especially in small spaces. Here's a guide to help you create a summer hanging basket with optimal colour and drainage.
**Choosing the Best Plants for a Summer Hanging Basket**
The success of your summer hanging basket depends largely on the selection of plants. For full sun (at least 6 hours daily), consider plants like moss rose, sunpatiens, and wave petunias. In shadier conditions, begonias, Boston ferns, and English ivy are suitable options. Trailing or cascading plants, such as moss rose, wave petunias, Boston ferns, or English ivy, are ideal for a dramatic effect on hanging baskets.
When selecting plants, also consider their growth habits and climate compatibility. For instance, moss rose thrives in USDA hardiness zones 2-11, sunpatiens in 10-11, and wave petunias in 9-11.
**Preparing Your Summer Hanging Basket**
A hanging basket with adequate drainage holes is essential to prevent waterlogging. Add a layer of lightweight gravel or broken pottery at the bottom before filling with soil to enhance drainage. Use high-quality potting mix formulated for containers, which balances moisture retention and drainage.
When planting, arrange taller or upright plants in the center or back of the basket and trailing plants around the edges to maximise the cascading effect. Plant firmly but gently to avoid damaging roots, and water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
**Maintenance for Optimal Colour**
Regular watering, especially for sun-loving plants, is crucial. However, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilise with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
**Enhancing Your Summer Hanging Basket**
For a fuller-looking summer hanging basket, planting holes in the sides of the basket at varying heights can help. Some flowers in the basket will need to be deadheaded properly to fully thrive, so keep an eye on these.
Hanging baskets are a great way to add more colourful plants to a garden, and with the right preparation and maintenance, you can enjoy a richly coloured hanging basket all summer long.
[1] Thompson & Morgan, 2021. [www.thompson-morgan.com](http://www.thompson-morgan.com) [2] Royal Horticultural Society, 2021. [www.rhs.org.uk](http://www.rhs.org.uk) [3] Gardeners' World, 2021. [www.bbc.co.uk/gardening](http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening) [4] Hopes Grove Nurseries, 2021. [www.hopesgrove.co.uk](http://www.hopesgrove.co.uk)
- Nurturing both beauty and wellness at home, incorporating a vibrant hanging basket into your lifestyle can be an excellent addition to your home-and-garden.
- To ensure optimal health for the plants, choose sun-loving varieties like moss rose, sunpatiens, and wave petunias for full sun locations, while begonias, Boston ferns, and English ivy flourish in shadier areas.
- Gardening enthusiasts who prioritize home wellness can create delightful harmony by combining a hanging basket's colorful display with the revitalizing essence of plants like English ivy, known for its air-purifying qualities.
- By following a proper maintenance schedule for your hanging basket, featuring regular watering, deadheading, and fertilizing, you can enjoy a splash of summer vibrancy and wellness in your home surroundings all season long.
