How to plant a hanging basket

Have a go at creating your own hanging basket just in time for summer. It’s a simple and fuss-free gardening project that will instantly brighten up your outside space

Many perennials and bedding plants look amazing in a basket and instantly add vertical interest to a bare wall or fence. You don’t need to stick to flowers either - edible plants like herbs, tomatoes and strawberries can be grown in hanging baskets. Hang your basket at your front door for a stylish way to welcome visitors, or next to your patio and balcony for a cheery focal point when you’re chilling outdoors

 Find everything you need to plant your own gorgeous hanging basket in this handy how-to guide, from your shopping list, our top flower recommendations, and the essential steps to follow for success

Know Your Flowering Basket Plants

Trailing Geraniums

These popular and easy to grow basket plants are available in a wide range of gorgeous colours and will remind you of holidays in the Mediterranean

Trailing Petunias

Available in a huge range of varieties and scents, petunias are guaranteed to fill your basket with cascading colour

Trailing Verbena

With masses of delicate flowers that last for months, Verbena are invaluable for tying your basket display together

Step By Step Guide

Choose a hanging basket that fits your style - from traditional metal, to woven cone baskets, to eco-friendly self-watering plastics, there’s something for every garden
Pick your favourite mix of trailing and upright summer flowering basket plants 
Stand the basket on an empty flowerpot while you're planting to keep it steady. Half fill the basket with compost then add water retaining granules and slow-release fertiliser for strong growth
If you're planting a traditional basket with a liner, insert trailing plants through the sides, then cover the roots with a layer of compost and firm gently into place

Plant the top of the basket with upright plants in the centre and trailing ones around the sides. Plant in odd numbers, such as 7 or 9, to get a natural look
Tuck compost into any remaining gaps and water well to settle into place
Keep protected until all risk of frost is passed, then hang it outside wherever you’d like for colour all summer long