What can i plant in a winter basket

When to plant a winter hanging basket

Winter hanging baskets should be planted in September or October so that they can get established ready for the winter months.

Which means choosing winter pansies, primroses, cyclamen and polyanthus for a great autumn display. But don’t stop there. Think spring and between them tuck in plenty of dwarf bulbs, along with heathers, ivy and the odd dwarf conifer or two.

Plant spacing

A general rule of thumb when planting a hanging basket is to use one plant per inch of basket diameter – so 12 plants per 30cm (12″) hanging basket. The only exception to this is when you use strong-growing plants such as Fuchsias and Geraniums (Pelargoniums).

When to plant a hanging basket

Plant summer hanging baskets from April onwards, but they will need protection from frost until the middle or end of May. If you do not have a greenhouse, it is usually easier to plant in situ once the frosts have passed.

You may know these by the more common name of geranium, but pelargoniums are annuals, while true geraniums are hardy perennials. The bold texture, bright colors, and trailing habit of pelargoniums make them ideal for hanging baskets. Deadheading is necessary to keep the plants blooming until frost.

Petunias are perfect for locations exposed to full sunlight. Look for cascading petunias, which include any variety that produces flowers on long, flowing stems. Planting petunias in hanging baskets is a cinch, as long as you use a sturdy container with at least one drainage hole.

Most varieties of begonias grow great in sun or shade, making them a great choice for a hanging basket. Begonias are great for providing a full, drooping effect to your hanging basket.

Try planting three 5/6cm tubers into an average hanging basket, in moist compost for a display that will cascade beautifully over the edges. Begonias are great lovers of moisture and during dry weather they should be watered in the early morning or the evening.

Verbena is perfect for providing loads of overflowing color for containers, window boxes and hanging baskets. The long trailing clusters of flowers add big interest as they spill down and over the side. The blooms are extremely bright, and actually are a great way to attract more hummingbirds to your landscape.

If you are considering hanging baskets, it’s important that you properly space your plants so that they have enough room to grow. If you use too many plants they can compete against east other and not do as well or look as full as if you had used fewer plants.

Geraniums are known to repel earworms, cabbageworms, and Japanese beetles. Because of this, the best companion plants for geraniums are those that are prone to suffering from them, like corn, roses, grapes, and cabbage.

Which Vegetables Can You Grow in a Hanging Basket? Eggplants, strawberries, small peppers, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce are all good candidates. Chives, mustard greens, cabbage, and many herbs are naturals for hanging baskets, as are the always popular strawberry plants.