There’s nothing quite like a hanging basket overflowing with colorful flowers to brighten up a porch or patio. Learning how to make your own hanging basket is a simple, rewarding project that adds instant charm to your home. It lets you choose your favorite plants and create a custom look for a fraction of the cost of a store-bought one. This guide will walk you through every step, from picking the right container to keeping your blooms thriving all season long.
You don’t need to be an expert gardener to succeed. With a few materials and some simple care tips, you can create a stunning floral display.
How to Make Your Own Hanging Basket
The secret to a great hanging basket is planning. Before you buy a single plant, you need to consider a few key things. This prep work makes the actual planting process smooth and fun.
First, think about location. Is the spot in full sun, partial shade, or full shade? This is the most important factor in choosing plants that will thrive, not just survive. Next, consider the style you want. Do you prefer a mixed basket with several plant types, or a simple, dramatic look with just one or two varieties?
Finally, gather your supplies. You’ll need:
* A hanging basket with attached chains or a separate hanger.
* A high-quality potting mix, preferably one with moisture-retaining crystals or slow-release fertilizer already mixed in.
* Your chosen plants.
* A trowel or your hands.
* Scissors or pruners.
* A watering can with a long spout.
* A water-soluble fertilizer for later feedings.
Choosing the Perfect Container and Liner
Hanging baskets come in various materials, each with pros and cons. Plastic baskets are lightweight, retain moisture well, and are inexpensive. Wire baskets (often made of iron) are very sturdy and allow for planting on the sides, creating a “ball” of flowers. However, they need a liner. Coir (coconut fiber) liners are natural and look great, but they can dry out quickly. Moss liners are also attractive and hold moisture better.
For beginners, a plastic basket with built-in reservoirs is a fantastic choice. It reduces watering frequency and is easier to manage. If you love the wire look, use a plastic insert inside the coir liner to help hold water. Always ensure the hanging chains or hooks are strong enough to support the weight of a fully watered basket, which can get surprisingly heavy.
Selecting Plants for a Stunning Display
This is the most enjoyable part. For a traditional, overflowing look, combine three types of plants: thrillers, fillers, and spillers. The thriller is the focal point—a tall or striking plant in the center. A filler are the mid-sized plants that buk up the basket and add color. Spillers are trailing plants that cascade over the edge.
For Sunny Locations (6+ hours of sun):
* Thrillers: Geraniums, dwarf dahlias, or salvia.
* Fillers: Petunias, million bells (Calibrachoa), or marigolds.
* Spillers: Sweet potato vine, trailing verbena, or bacopa.
For Shady Locations (less than 4 hours of direct sun):
* Thrillers: Fuchsia, begonias (tuberous or fibrous), or coleus.
* Fillers: Impatiens, polka-dot plant (Hypoestes), or lobelia.
* Spillers: Ivy, trailing begonia, or creeping Jenny.
Don’t be afraid to mix in herbs like oregano or thyme (for sun) or edible flowers like nasturtiums. They add texture and interest.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Now, let’s get your hands dirty. Follow these steps for a healthy, well-planted basket.
1. Prepare the Liner and Add Soil. If using a wire basket with a coir liner, place a plastic bag or special insert in the bottom to prevent soil from washing out. Fill the bottom third of your basket with potting mix. Do not use garden soil, as it’s too heavy and may contain weeds or disease.
2. Plant the Sides (Optional for Wire Baskets). For a full, rounded effect, you can plant through the sides of a wire liner. Make small holes in the liner with scissors. Gently push the root ball of a spillers plant through the hole from the inside, so the foliage is on the outside. Carefully pull the leaves through and cover the roots inside with more soil.
3. Add Your Central Plants. Create a hole in the center of the soil for your main “thriller” plant. Gently loosen the roots of the plant, place it in the hole, and firm the soil around it. The top of the plant’s root ball should be just slightly below the rim of the basket.
4. Plant Your Fillers and Spillers. Arrange your filler plants around the central thriller. Then, place your spillers near the edge so they can trail down. Loosen roots, plant them, and firm the soil. Leave about an inch of space between the soil surface and the basket rim for watering.
5. Water Thoroughly. After planting, give your basket a deep, gentle watering until water runs freely out the drainage holes. This settles the soil around the roots. You may need to add a bit more soil after this first watering if it settles to much.
The Key to Success: Watering and Feeding
Hanging baskets dry out fast, especially in sunny or windy spots. Consistent watering is non-negotiable. In hot summer weather, you may need to water every day. A good test is to lift the basket from the bottom; if it feels light, it needs water. Always water until it runs out the bottom—this encourages deep root growth.
Feeding is equally crucial because frequent watering washes nutrients away. Two weeks after planting, begin a weekly feeding schedule with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20). Follow the label directions. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer granuals mixed into the soil at planting time, which feeds plants for several months.
Maintenance for Long-Lasting Blooms
A little upkeep keeps your basket looking its best from spring until fall. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is essential. It stops the plant from putting energy into making seeds and encourages it to produce more blooms instead. Simply pinch or snip off the old flower heads just below the bloom.
Every few weeks, give your basket a trim. If any plants get leggy or overgrown, cut them back by a third to promote bushier growth. Also, rotate your basket a quarter turn each week if possible. This ensures all sides get even sunlight and prevents the basket from growing lopsided.
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids. A strong spray of water from the hose is often enough to dislodge them. For diseases like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage when you water.
FAQ: Your Hanging Basket Questions Answered
Q: How many plants should I put in a 12-inch basket?
A: For a full look, use 5-7 plants. A common formula is 1 thriller, 3 fillers, and 2-3 spillers. It might seem crowded at first, but plants grow quickly to fill the space.
Q: Can I make a hanging basket for indoors?
A: Absolutely! Choose houseplants that suit your light conditions. Great trailing plants for indoors include pothos, philodendron, spider plants, and some ferns. Ensure the basket has a drip tray to protect your floors.
Q: What is the best soil mix for DIY hanging baskets?
A. Use a premium, lightweight potting mix. Avoid topsoil or garden soil. Look for mixes labeled for containers, as they drain well but retain moisture. You can add extra perlite for drainage or water-retaining granules to reduce watering frequency.
Q: Why are the leaves on my hanging basket turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can have a few causes. Overwatering is common, but underwatering can also cause it. Other causes include a lack of fertilizer (hunger) or poor drainage. Check the soil moisture and your feeding schedule first.
Q: How do I overwinter my hanging basket plants?
A: Some tender perennials can be saved. Before frost, you can take cuttings from plants like geraniums or fuchsia to root indoors. Alternatively, you can bring the entire basket inside to a bright, cool spot if it’s not to heavy, but this is often less succesful due to pests. It’s usually easiest to compost annual baskets and start fresh in spring.
Creating your own hanging basket is a wonderful way to express your creativity and enjoy vibrant blooms right outside your door. With the right preparation, plant choices, and consistent care, you’ll have a beautiful, living decoration that lasts for months. The satisfaction of seeing those first trails of growth and bursts of color is well worth the little bit of effort it takes to get started.