How to Make a Hanging Plant Basket

by Vernichel // created by v.

4 Materials

$12

30 Minutes

Easy

Gardening, landscaping and houseplants {oh my!} are all I can think about come spring. My green-thumb dabblings began with pre-arranged containers that instantly added interest, color and life to our outdoor space.

I'm no master gardener, but I don't mind getting my hands dirty with my own curated collection of plants and flowers. Please allow me to share how to make a lovely hanging plant basket in four easy steps.

STEP 1: CHOOSE A CONTAINER.

You can buy them, make them or repurpose them; the options for planters are plentiful. Find one with good drainage, adequate space to house your arrangement and best suits your style.

I reused a hay rack basket from last summer. With a new coconut coir liner, it's ready for another season!

Here's a tip: Place a clean disposable diaper in the bottom for extra water retention. Before placing the disposable diaper, carefully cut 3-4 slits to allow for air circulation and drainage and avoid root rot.

STEP 2: FILL WITH QUALITY POTTING MIX.

Give your plants the best chance to thrive by using a quality potting mix -- not garden soil. Fill the container about 2/3 full, insert your plant arrangement and fill the gaps with more potting mix.

I used a blend of potting mix and peat moss and leveled the basket about an inch from the rim.

STEP 3: INSERT PLANTS.

Start with a focal plant in the center of the basket. Plants like celosia, or salvia are great choices because they add color or texture and won't get lost as the arrangement matures.

In this basket, I used a spike dracaena as the primary plant.

Next, surround the primary plant with vigorously flowering ones. Calibrachoa, petunias or verbena will provide steady color throughout the season.

Quite honestly, you can fill the entire basket with one of these flowers in a lovely mosaic of colors. Apply the tip below to achieve a striking ball of blooms. When choosing a flower, consider one that doesn't require deadheading so you won't need to bring the basket down for maintenance.

As for my basket, a blend of pink impatiens serve as a pretty pop of color.

Last, but certainly not least, add spilling plants to the edges of the basket. Trailing flowers and plants such as sweet potato vine and creeping jenny (below) add pizzazz while softening the overall look.

Here's a tip: To achieve the blooming ball effect, plant a few of the trailing flowers and plants into the sides of the basket. Just carefully cut a slit with a utility knife through the liner and insert the root ball.

STEP 4: WATER AND ENJOY!

Like my impatiens pictured above, your plants may look quite droopy until they adjust to their new home. Water them daily, and soon you'll be rewarded with a dazzling display that you created with your own two hands!

For more inspiration on container gardening and fresh floral arrangements, please visit the blog and subscribe to receive updates. Happy Gardening! -- v.

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3 of 5 comments

Lucy Delgado on Feb 22, 2018

Thanks for sharing the idea. I love it:)

1 Reply
- Vernichel // created by v. on Feb 23, 2018
  You're welcome, Lucy! Please give it a try! :)
  
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Kay Wakefield Tracy on Apr 27, 2019

I am going to do this for sure..I love my flowers and hanging plants just add so much to my outside gardening..I, usually hang several on my Shepherds Hook..love these ideas..

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