Choosing plants to go into hanging baskets doesn't need to be hard work but there are some basic rules and ways of doing it that will enhance the look and give you the best effect. Always note the aspect of the position upon which the hanging basket will be situated as certain plants will be better suited to different areas such as south facing, shaded or if indoor how much natural light they will receive. Flowers should be matched wherever possible to existing surroundings and usually look better when placed in front of paler backdrops. However it is possible to create a striking visual effect with much darker backdrops if the flowers are chosen accordingly. The length of flowering of a plant is also something to take into account as you do not want your hanging basket to only look good for 3 months of the year. Mix foliage with seasonal flowers for the best displays. Hanging baskets are easily interchangeable and can consist of a variety of ever changing plants or simply one showy one. It is essential that the fixtures on your hanging basket are suitable to hold up a good weight as watering will obviously make your basket heavier and choosing the correct basket for the site you have chosen will also help you to achieve the look you desire. When deciding on the position of your basket take into account the watering involved, they require it quite frequently and if the basket is hung over an area such as carpet or electrics it will be necessary to buy a terracotta or pottery one that will keep the water in, some baskets also come with saucers.

A wide array of plants can be used in hanging baskets which is why they are perfect for everyone. From simple bedding plants that can be changed throughout the year to succulents and cacti that provide unusual and colourful displays. Trailing succulents are effective, mix these with other species to create a textured basket, but always check the conditions each of your succulents needs and position your basket correctly. There are many annuals that are also perfect for hanging baskets, many varieties trail and there are many colours to choose from. Orchids and fuchsias are also excellent plants to grow in hanging baskets as are some herbs and fruit such as strawberries and cherry tomatoes. Choose fragrant and great tasting varieties to hang by your back door so that they are close at hand. Parsley, coriander, creeping rosemary, chives, thyme and basil are all great to use but avoid invasive herbs such as mint.

Time Savers: Watering is made easier and less frequent using the water storing aqua lock hanging basket, this can be incorporated with the solar powered hanging basket rotator full full growth on all sides. If you spend any time away like holidays or business trips it may be worth investing in a auto watering kit.

Plants ideal for hanging baskets from Thompson & Morgan
Bacopa Mixed	Antirrhinum Oriental Delight	Basket Summer Mixed	Begonia Apricot Shades F1	Begonia Cascading Lipstick	Begonia Coconut Ice
Begonia Illumination Mixed	Begonia Inferno	Bidens Collection	Bidens Pirate's Treasure	Busy Lizzie Accent Mixed F1	Busy Lizzie Sunpatiens Volcano
Busy Lizzie Tutu F1	Callibrachoa (Mini Petunias)	Callibrachoa MiniFamous	Fuchsia Amethyst Beauty	Fuchsia Big Impact Collection - Pack A	Fuchsia Black Beauty
Fuchsia Blueberry Fizz	Fuchsia Cecile	Fuchsia Charlie Dimmock	Fuchsia El Camino	Fuchsia Eruption	Fuchsia Happy Wedding Day
Fuchsia Jean Taylor	Geranium Balcon Lilac	Geranium Balcon Mixed	Geranium Happy Face Mex	Geranium Rosebud - Sybil Blue	Geranium Rosebud - Sybil Pink
Laurentia Blue Stars	Lobelia Cascade Mixed	Mimulus Magic Rainbow	Osteospermum Falling Stars	Oxalis triangularis - Burgundy Shamrock	Pansy Cascading Balconita
Pansy Friolina Mixed	Petunia Easy Wave	Petunia Fanfare Yellow	Petunia Frills & Spills Mixed	Petunia SuperCal® Mixed	Viola Miracle Mixed

More hanging basket plants & seed suppliers: Blooming Direct - Crocus - Dobies - Gardening Direct - Gardening Express - Jersey Plants Direct - Suttons - Thompson & Morgan - Best 4 Plants - Eden Project Shop

Line a wire basket with a layer of moss or a hanging basket liner. Add a sheet of plastic such as a bin liner and trim around it. Then put a layer of compost mixed with slow release fertiliser and water retaining granules, hanging baskets are prone to losing water so it is important to try and keep as much in as possible. The compost should be put on top of the moss so that it slopes into the middle of the basket, this will stop any water from going over the sides when you water. Place your plant or plants in the centre and tease out the roots. Trailing plants can be pushed through the sides in a cascading effect. After each plant add more compost to get rid of any air around the roots. Water well and hang. If planting succulents do not put in the sheet of plastic as these plants require drainage and this will restrict it, instead use gravel. Top dress with grit or gravel as required and wait a few days before watering.

When placing hanging baskets indoors ensure they receive natural sunlight and heat as opposed to being over radiators as this will damage them. Too much sunlight and draught through windows will also cause damage so planning the correct spot is vital to maintaining your plants. They are easily maintained with routine care that differs depending on your plants. If using blooms ensure they do not dry out. In the summer they will need watering twice daily, if the plants show signs of drying out then soak the entire basket in a basin of water. Regularly feed with liquid feed and maintain pest control. Dead head and remove dead plants and tidy up any untidy growth. When using succulents in baskets water them when the plants are actively growing. This period of growth differs from plant to plant, mostly though in summertime. Water with warm water until the compost is moist, and allow to almost dry before watering again. Water at the beginning or end of the day to avoid burning them when the sun hits them. In their dormant periods only water sufficiently so they do not dry out. Add specific feed to aid growth but ensure they are not dormant as it may harm them. Spray with water to clean them up and to get rid of dust.