Summer Baskets

BASKET CHOICE AND LINING

If you are using a standard wire basket, you can use, coir, felt or sphagnum moss, but some of the baskets we stock come with a liner. We stock a large and varied selection of baskets.

COMPOST

As most baskets only last for a season a good multi purpose compost is fine, I prefer Jacks Magic or J Arthur Bowers MP. An addition of a small handful of slow release fertiliser, I use Gardman Miracle Gro all purpose, is a good idea. Also consider using water-retaining granules to help reduce the watering.

PLANT ARRANGEMENT

When you begin to arrange the plants in the basket, it is usually easiest to start with one, central plant. Around this, position some trailing plants to cover the sides of the basket, especially if it is made from wire. Colour choice is a personal preference but choose plants that flower reliably. You can choose to be symmetrical with your planting or opt for a more haphazard arrangement.

PLANT CHOICE

This list is by no means exhaustive:

Geraniums

Lobelia

Petunia

Begonia

Bacopa

Surfinia

Calibrachoa, Million Bells

Diascia

Trailing Verbena

Ivy

All available to purchase here at the centre. Once all the plants are in, fill around the rootballs carefully with more compost, firming gently.

AFTERCARE

Check baskets every day in summer, water always unless already wet . Deadhead regularly, this promotes more flower growth .After about a month start feeding with a liquid feed, Miracle Gro or Baby Bio for instance.

Enjoy,

The Basketman