While you might opt for a subtle combination of flower and foliage colours, they will still work best packed to the brim to make a big, bold display.
The fact that baskets are temporary allows you to experiment with different colour schemes and themes from season to season and to suit your home. And being movable you can also grow plants just where you want them, using them to add focal points in the garden, to decorate outdoor living areas, and to add a personal touch at the entrance to your home.
Never use a basket less than 35 cm (14in) diameter – anything smaller simply dries out too quickly. True hanging baskets need a liner to hold the compost and are planted round the sides, base and top for an all-round massed effect.
There are several reasons for using coconut fibre liners including they can hold a great deal of water, releasing it slowly to allow plant roots to better take it up. These water saving coconut liners also provide good drainage. They’re porous too, allowing for good aeration. These liners are very absorbent, so if hanging baskets or planters should become too dry, they will quickly re-absorb water.
Ensure to hang your basket where it has the appropriate amount of sun or shade. Water every second day with a long-handled watering wand and drench the basket until it drips through. Make sure you soak the sides of the basket, too. If possible, hang basket from a turning hook then rotate every two weeks, so all sides get even exposure to light.
