Hanging baskets can really punch up a porch or patio, and for folks with little or no space for down-in-the-dirt gardening, they're perfect. What's more, practically any plant will grow in a hanging basket, from colorful cascading flowers to mouth-watering vegetables. Most nurseries offer an assortment of ready-to-hang baskets, usually in plastic pots. They may include only one plant per basket, but in many cases, they include a mix of foliage and flowering plants. Prices vary depending on the size and type of basket used and the plants placed in them. There's nothing wrong with buying ready-made hanging baskets, but it's fun to create them yourself.
- The best baskets are those made of wire, and they're available in several different diameters.
- When creating a basket, line it with sphagnum peat moss. It's easier to work with when it's moist, so mist it well first or soak it in a bucket, then begin stuffing it into the basket so that it's about an inch thick and evenly distributed around the basket.
- Fill the basket with potting mix, making sure to leave at least an inch of space at the top.
- Now add some plants. Try not to crowd the plants, and stick with low-growing or vining specimens.
- The only real trick to keeping your basket of plants growing is to water routinely, as often as every day in some climates, especially if the basket is placed in full sun. When watering, drench the soil, then spray the outside of the basket to saturate the moss.
- Remember that baskets can get pretty heavy when full of dirt and water, so make sure they're hung securely.
