Hanging Baskets are an ideal way of decorating a wall, or post, adding color and interest. They are also a good way to increase growing space. Ornamentals, herbs, and even tomatoes can all be successfully grown in baskets.

When choosing a basket pick the largest basket you can manage, buy a hanger strong enough to handle its weight and attach it securely. The basket should be at least 14in(40-cm), anything smaller really will not work well. An open wire framework will provide a larger planting area, which ultimately is more attractive. A basket needs to be lined, however and will dry out more quickly.

Liners and Growing Media- Avoid sphagnum moss, the traditional line, as its harvesting can cause environmental damage. Mock moss made from wood or coir and often dyed green is the closest alternative to real moss. It is available loose or in performed sheets. Winter baskets can be lined with conifer cuttings 6-8in(15-20cm) long, along with a little yarn inside to fill the gaps.

A soilless medium is best because it is lighter. Improve water retention by adding an organic moisture retainer based on coarse seaweed meal. Use worm compost in the mix(up to 25% volume) to increase the level of fertility and improve the water holding capacity of the medium.

Basket Plants- Baskets look there best with a combination of upright and trailing plants, as well as plants with a long flowering season. Chose a selection of plants that suit the location and season of the hanging basket. Half hardy plants, both foliage and flowering are generally used in summer baskets.

Trailing plants should be planted around the rim and through the mesh of the wire baskets. If you really what a ‘knock out’ display'; do not skimp on the number of plants. With ornamental hanging basket displays aim for a plant every 2-4inc(5-10cm) in all directions

Caring for Baskets- Water baskets daily, even in wet weather. Twice a day may be necessary in hot or dry, windy weather. Once a basket has dried out it is very difficult to rewet.  When watering be sure to look for pests and diseases, and snip off any infested foilage. If a whole plant is unhealty remove it and replace it with another plant.

Baskets with flowers or tomatoes should be feed weekly with a high potash organic liquid fertilizer. Herb baskets should be fed with an organic all purpose fertilizer every two weeks. Seaweed extract added to the feed can be beneficial to hanging basket plants.