Although hanging baskets and window boxes are by no means an essential part of gardening, like all life’s frivolities, they’re guaranteed to lift the heart and bring a smile to your face.
Growing success
They are, admittedly, time-consuming to look after-they need watering, feeding, and deadheading, but try to spare the time for just one or two. They’ll keep you cheerful for months on end.
Hanging baskets
Hanging baskets are available in a range of shapes and sizes, but the round wire basket is still the traditional favorite. These can be planted around the sides as well as the top, so that you can cram in a mass of plants for a really bold, lush display.
They need to be lined, of course, to retain the soil mix, and fresh green sphagnum moss blends in best with the plants, though there’s also a synthetic moss substitute that looks almost like the real thing. Wool, fiber, and rigid liners are also available, but they’re very unattractive – planting is easier, but you’ll probably regret buying them.
Plastic baskets are undoubtedly easier to plant, because they don’t need lining. Easier to care for too, since they don’t dry out as quickly and some versions even have built-in self-watering devices. But somehow, even when in full flower, they never look quite as charming as the wire baskets.
Window boxes
Garden centers sell a wide range of window boxes in clay, wood, or plastic. Larger, deeper boxes hold more soil and need less frequent watering. However, a large box placed in front of a small window can block lots of daylight, so you’ll probably have to compromise. One of the best solutions is to position and support the box just below the window ledge, allowing plenty of room for plant growth, especially if you have casement windows.
Planting a window box
Planting a window box is just like planting any other container. It’s essential to have drainage holes in the bottom, so make some if necessary. Add 2 in/5cm of drainage material, such as broken clay pots or foam packing “peanuts”, then fill with potting soil. Plant taller-growing varieties at the back, then smaller and trailing plants at the front and sides.
Firm the soil, adding more if needed, water well, and make sure the box is secure – you don’t want it falling off in a gust of wind. To prolong the life of a wooden window box, insert a plastic liner. Aftercare is the same as for hanging baskets, though it’s unlikely you’ll have to water every day. Just check regularly in hot, dry weather.
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