D.I.Y: Plant up with this blooming hanging basket

Get creative and plant up a winter hanging basket to lift your spirits when temperatures dip.

Hanging baskets add vertical interest and height to a patio, and are perfect for showcasing the season’s spectrum of bright colours and beautiful blooms.

HOW TO:

Step 1:

Select a hanging basket that is the appropriate size for the number of plants you want to grow. It should have drainage holes and a sturdy hook or chain for hanging.

Step 2:

Choose winter annuals that that have similar light and water requirements to plant in the same container. Good options for winter hanging baskets include pansies, violas, and primroses.

Step 3:

Fill the basket with a good-quality potting soil, leaving enough space at the top for the plants. Press down gently to remove any air pockets.

Step 4:

Decide on a planting arrangement before you start planting. Proper preparation will ensure each plant has enough space to fill out over time. Start with the largest or tallest plants in the centre and work your way outwards. This is your chance to get creative and come up with unique design and placement.

Step 5:

Make holes in the soil carefully plant, gently teasing the roots. Plant at the same depth as the plants were in their original containers.

Step 6:

Water the basket thoroughly and add a slow-release fertilizer according to package instructions. Continue to water and fertilize as needed throughout the winter.

Step 7:

Once the basket is planted, hang it in a suitable location that receives the appropriate amount of light for the plants you have chosen.

ALSO SEE: HOW TO MAKE A D.I.Y SUITCASE PLANTER