Gardening Tips with J. Parker's

Transform any garden with the beauty of hanging baskets. Incredibly versatile and easy to maintain, hanging baskets add long-lasting colour, height and interest to patios, doorways and balconies; the perfect accessory in the summer garden!

To add a pop of colour to your garden with the help of a beautiful basket, here are our 5 easy steps to planting up hanging baskets.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A lined hanging basket (the bigger the better)
• Multipurpose compost
• A selection of plants
• A wall bracket
• Scissors

Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand the hanging basket on a wide, heavy pot to keep it stable. If the basket isn’t already lined, use moss or a proprietary liner.

2. Cut some holes in the basket liner about 5cm (2 inch) above the base for trailing plants. Fill the basket to that level with multipurpose compost.

3. Place the largest plants in the centre of the basket to create structure and impact. Place three or four trailing plants (such as Ivy) around the sides.

4. Add extra compost and firm it around the plants.

5. Fix the wall bracket according to instructions and position your basket in a sunny spot sheltered from wind and water well. Feed and water regularly.

Top tips to remember:

• Go big! Bigger baskets allow for greater water retention and will allow the plants to really bloom. A smaller one will mean more work on your behalf, as it needs more regular pruning and watering. 
• For the ultimate basket compost – Look for a good brand of peat-free compost and mix it with slow release fertiliser granules and a water retaining gel. 
• Plant picking – Choose colours that go well together and that reliably flower, such as Pansies, Petunias and Geraniums.