Hanging Baskets – Small Spaces, Big Impact!

If you’ve ever received a plastic hanging basket as a gift or picked one up on a whim, you know how convenient they are. But let’s face it: the plain plastic basket it comes in might not always match your decor or give your plant the attention it deserves. It’s time to take that basic basket and turn it into something special.

Here’s a quick and easy way to help you give your hanging basket the makeover it deserves.

You’ll need:

• Coir-lined hanging basket
• Large plastic pot
• Black plastic bin bag
• Garden Master Premium Potting Soil
• Starke Ayres Palm Peat
• Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Ocean
• Starke Ayres Hydrocache
• Liquid plant food

Step 1:

Start with a coir-lined basket. This natural material isn’t just great for looks, it’s eco-friendly and promotes healthy root growth. To keep the coir-lined basket stable while planting, place it on top of a plastic pot.

Step 2:

Line the coir-lined basket with a black plastic bin bag to help retain moisture, keeping your plants hydrated and happy. Poke a few drainage holes in the plastic bag to prevent waterlogging, but leave the excess plastic hanging over the edges of the basket for now.

Step 3:

Mix up a perfect potting mix by combining:

• Two parts Garden Master premium potting soil
• One part Starke Ayres palm peat
• Two handfuls of Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Ocean
• 30 grams of Starke Ayres Hydrocache

 
Mix thoroughly and add the potting mix to your coir-lined basket.

Step 4:

Remove the hangers from the plastic hanging basket, turn it upside down and gently tap the sides to loosen the plant. Gently remove the plant and place it in the center of the coir-lined basket. Fill the rest of the newly planted-up basket with potting mix, gently pressing down with the back of a trowel. Hold the plant in place as you firm the soil to ensure it is secure.

Step 5:

Once the plant is in place, trim off any excess black plastic that is hanging over the edges of the coir-lined basket.  Give your newly planted basket a good watering and feed every 10 days with liquid plant food.

Now that your hanging basket makeover is complete, it’s time to get creative with where you hang it. The right location is key, so consider the light needs of your plants, whether it’s full sun, partial shade or full shade.

For extra flair, hang your baskets from a tree branch for a natural touch or from a pergola to create an overhead display. Use chains or rope with a carabiner clip to easily adjust the height or swap baskets in and out.

Stagger baskets at different heights to create depth and dimension, and keep baskets at eye level for the best view of the plants and not the basket.

If you want to add some personality to your walls, try using decorative scroll hooks. These hooks create space between the plant and the wall, allowing for better airflow and easier watering.

Ensure that you use sturdy hooks, chains, and ropes that can hold the weight of your basket especially since watering your plants will increase the weight.

Whether you’re sprucing up your balcony, porch or indoors, a creative hanging basket can bring a fresh touch to any area.

Everything used in this hanging basket makeover, including plants, is available at Builders either in-store or online builders.co.za.