How to create a summer hanging basket

You Will Need

• Ipomoea 'Sweet Caroline' (1)
• Calibrachoa 'Million Bells Cherry' (3)
• Osteospermum 'Tresco Purple' (1)
• Diascia 'Red Ace' (6)
• 36cm metalware basket, grass clippings
• Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
• Slow-release fertiliser

Step 1

Prop the basket on a bucket and line it with moist grass clippings. Alternatively you can buy a pre-moulded coir basket. To help retain moisture add a layer of plastic inside this.

Step 2

Snip a few drainage holes into the plastic, then fill the basket two-thirds full with compost (mixed with water-retaining gel). Plant the tallest plants off centre.

Step 3

Plant the trailing plants around the edge, where their flowers will quickly grow over the sides.

Step 4

It's important to keep plants well fed, so give them a boost of liquid plant food, such as tomato fertiliser, at this stage.

Step 5

Give your plants a good water, and allow to drain before hanging the basket in its final position.

Remember to water your baskets at least once a day, or more frequently, when it's hot and dry or windy.