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Making the most of what space you have

It's the time of year to start thinking about putting out your hanging baskets, those compact injections of colour, which bedeck your shed or gazebo. A well thought out and maintained hanging planter is the perfect way to show off any flower to its best.

So it's time to dig in the back of the shed and pull out your planters, check them for damage, clean them and ensure the brackets on which they will hang are still secure. Are you ready for that uplifting moment where you step outside your door and are greeted with scent and colour? It's almost like getting flower deliveries every day!

If your window or balcony is a fair way up please do ensure that you are safe when you install them. Get a friend to hold your ladder, don't stretch and use strong fixings. Give some thought to how you will reach your planters to water them too it really will make your life much easier later down the line.

If you are trying something new this year there are many kinds available now including a variety of baskets, planters and pots some even self watering if you find it difficult to get to them.

Remember to choose compost and the means of retaining water carefully. Common liners include wool waste, coconut fibre and moss, which are all good for keeping the compost mix within and retaining/absorbing water. You may also like to consider adding some water retaining granules.

Next, give some thought to the kinds of flower, fruit or veg varieties you would like to plant. The most common fruit to be found in a hanging basket are strawberries, but passion fruit can also be successful.

If you are feeling adventurous try strawberries, tomatoes or peppers. flower varieties you might like to plant include: Viola, Campanula and Ivy-leafed Geraniums, try and include a good mix of plants and it can be a good idea to include some which stand upright like Pansy, Impatiens or Begonia. If you are buying plants remember to plan fruit, veg or flower deliveries in time so you can plant up to make the most of growing seasons.

Another consideration is that your basket will not hold a lot of compost and so will dry out quickly, therefore it will need to be watered at least once daily. Try not to put your basket anywhere that will make it awkward to water. It is still advisable to choose plants that will grow well when water is in short supply. Good choices are Felicia, Busy Lizzies and Verbena. Some herbs also do well.

Article Source: GardenGap.com

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Looking to find more information about creating a wonderful hanging garden and getting your flowers delivered by Interflora.