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Hanging Baskets

Planting Up

Step 2: Insert trailing plants

Stand the basket on a large plant pot for easy access and fill to about 1/3 with compost.
Make holes 50mm (2in) apart at this level and pass the roots of trailing plants through so they lie on top of the compost with the plants hanging outwards.
Add more compost and trailers, staggered between those below until you are a few inches from the top.
Cascading plants can be added around the top, every 50mm - 75mm (2in - 3in). Gently flatten and spread the rootball so more plants can be added. Firm compost around the plants.

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Step 3: Plant the top

Add upright plants, placing carefully in the gaps in the centre and add a few climbers to grow up the chains.
Leave a gap at the top for watering, or push a plastic funnel in the centre to use as a watering point. This will soon be covered by plant growth.

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Step 4: Hanging the basket

Water thoroughly, using a fine rose so as not to disturb the compost. Baskets dry out very quickly so water at least daily.
If the plants have not been previously hardened off, gradually acclimatize to outside conditions.
Fit the chain in place and suspend the basket on the supporting bracket. Take time to rotate the basket so that its best side faces out.
Six weeks after planting start a weekly liquid feed.
Remove dead flowers regularly to prolong flowering.