How to Create Your Own Hanging Baskets: Tips

There’s nothing quite like a blooming hanging basket to bring instant charm and colour to your garden, balcony, or front door. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, creating your own hanging baskets is an easy and rewarding way to personalise your outdoor space — and we’re here to help you do it with success!

At Flowerland, we grow a beautiful selection of nursery-raised plants, lovingly nurtured right here on-site — perfect for filling your baskets with vibrant, healthy blooms that last.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

A hanging basket (wire, rattan, or plastic)

Liner (coconut fibre, moss, or pre-formed liners)

Multi-purpose compost (with added water-retaining gel is a plus!)

Slow-release fertiliser

Selection of plants (we’ve listed our favourites below!)

Watering can or hose with gentle spray

 Choosing the Right Plants

We recommend choosing a mix of thrillers, fillers, and trailers for a full, balanced basket:

 Thrillers (centrepieces):

Upright geraniums

Cosmos

Mini dahlias

 Fillers (mid-height plants for bulk):

Petunias (including our striking black petunias!)

Verbena

Busy Lizzies

 Trailers (plants that spill over the sides):

Lobelia

Bacopa

Trailing fuchsias

Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

Top tip: Stop by our garden centres in Bourne End and Iver to browse our full range of nursery-raised bedding plants — grown with care and perfect for basket planting!

Planting Your Basket

1. Line your basket – Add your liner and a small plate or saucer at the bottom for extra water retention.

2. Add compost – Fill halfway, mix in slow-release fertiliser.

3. Add side plants – If your liner allows, cut small holes and slot trailing plants in.

4. Build from the centre – Add thrillers in the middle, fillers around, and trailers at the edge.

5. Top up with compost – Firm everything in gently.

6. Water well – Give your basket a good soak, and hang it in a sunny to part-shaded spot.

Aftercare Tips

• Water daily during warm spells — baskets dry out quickly.

• Feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser to keep blooms going strong.

• Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering.

• Rotate baskets every now and then for even growth and light exposure.

Visit us at Flowerland Iver or Bourne End to shop our full range of baskets, compost, and our homegrown plant selection. Our friendly team is always happy to help you plan the perfect basket for your space!