| Hanging Baskets |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-413 |
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Q: What are some good plant species for hanging baskets? A: Hanging baskets are a great way to bring some additional color to your home, garden, patio or balcony. Following are some flowering plants that are particularly well suited to hanging baskets, as well as some suggestions with regard to container plantings.
- Scaveola has attractive blooms that form in clusters (figure A). Scaveola will form vines and cascade down the sides of a hanging basket.
- If you're looking for something that grows in a more upright fashion, consider lantana (figure B), which has colorful and fragrant blossoms. Lantana grows quickly and can withstand fairly dry conditions.
- Petunias and ornamental sweet-potato vines (figure C) are other good choices. As long as you're choosing hardy species that survive well in your climate and grow well in containers, just follow your preference in terms of foliage, style of growth and colors.
- The baskets themselves come in a variety of styles. Plastic containers are inexpensive, and most are designed with a self-watering feature -- holding water in a reservoir at the bottom of the container (figure D). The reservoir has channels and holes that help the soil in the container stay moist for a longer period of time.
- An open plastic style (figure E) can be lined with sheet moss that will hold the soil in the center of the container. Water simply drains through the moss. If you're using this style of basket, make certain that you use a sufficient amount of the sheet moss to hold the weight of the soil and plants. Because the water drains more easily from this style of planter, you'll need to water more frequently.
- A coconut liner can be inserted in a wire frame (figure F) for an attractive and natural look. The fiber liner holds moisture well, so watering won't need to be quite so frequent.
- To create a basket planting, begin by scooping some potting soil into the bottom of the container, leaving room for root growth. Remove new plants from their pots, and place the whole plant and root ball into the container (figure G).
- Add more plants as desired, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may choose to combine two or more species -- such as mixing flowering plants with cascading vines (figure H). Arrange and orient the plants with the knowledge that the hanging arrangement will probably be viewed from all angles.
- Scoop in additional potting soil as needed (figure I), packing the soil loosely.
- Once the planting is to your liking, hang the basket (figure J) in a location where it will get the appropriate amount of sun for the species you've selected.
- Make certain that the hook you'll be using is strong enough to support the full weight of the basket when the planting has been watered, as well as when it's dry.
RESOURCES :
A Gardener's Guide to Planters, Containers and Raised Beds
Model: 0806942436
Author: Chuck and Barbara Crandall
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
For Your Garden: Hanging Baskets and Planters
Model: 1567999557
Author: Teri Dunn
Michael Friedman / Fairfax Publishing, 2000
Colorful Container Gardens: Vibrant Schemes for Pots and Planters
Model: 1842153862
Author: Stephanie Donaldson
(May, 2001)
Southwater Publishing (The Manning Partnership Ltd.-- Imprint of Anness Pub)
Phone: 0-1225-852727
Fax: 0-1225-85282
Pots and Planters in a Weekend (In a Weekend Series)
Model: 1582900280
Author: Julie London
(April, 2000)
Tuttle Publishing
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-951-4080
Fax: 617-951-4045
Website: www.tuttlepublishing.com
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