SUMMER COLLECTION - BASKETS

When you want to fill your baskets, promise plants will give you the choice you need. Do you want matching pairs or ones that compliment each other. For the central plant do you want a tall feature with a mix of trailing plants to flow over the edges of the basket, giving a waterfall of colour, or just a mix of trailers cascading out of the basket. Fuchsias or trailing petunias are an example of a basket with one type of plant that will give you a fantastic display.

With promise plants, your basket will be planted with a larger product, meaning you have instant impact if that is what you are looking for. With a wide range of colours, leaf shapes and textures, filling your basket will be an enjoyable experience.

We have created two examples of planting out a hanging basket or container that is sure to impress. We have detailed below step by step instructions on how to prepare and plant your hanging basket. To view the full range of plants available for baskets - simply click here

Step 1: You will need

This is dependent on your basket size. A 12" basket will require: 1 to 3 taller plants for the centrepiece, 3 to 5 medium semi-trailing or trainling plants and finally 5 to 7 smaller trailing plants for the outside or edges. You will also need a basket - normally 12 inch, however for extra grandeur, use a 16 inch basket. You will also require a slow release compost or standard compost with a slow, granular release fertilizer and finally some water crystals - to retain the water. You may also need some moss if your basket is open sided.

Step 2: Prepare the compost and moss

Mix the compost with both the slow release fertilizer and water crystals and soak the moss for about an hour before lining your basket.

Step 3: Line the basket

Place the hanging basket on a pot to keep it steady and line the bottom with a layer of moss. Make sure this is at least a few centimetres thick, and wring out any excess water before. Place your outside plants onto the moss, protruding from the sides of the basket. If you have a solid sided basket, fill the basket half way and lay out the plants into the desired alternating pattern (as advised in the diagram). Make sure that the plants are well bedded into the compost, but do not press the compost down. Place the compost to the base of the plant, do not overfill the basket with your mixture as water crystals tend to blow up - making the soil overflow.

Step 5: Planting

Once you are happy with your arrangement, water the basket with an entire watering can.

Step 6: Upkeep

Hang your basket where it will get plenty of sun, but with periods of shade in case the weather turns particularly hot. During summer months, water your basket every day in the early morning or evening, when evaporation is less. Remember to add a liquid fertilizer to the water once a week. This is an important step, as it has the potential to double the bloomage come summer.

Following these steps will ensure a stunning basket for your home.