Large ferns or flowering plants. Spiky cacti or medicinal herbs.
Plants can give a makeover to one’s balcony. And hanging flower baskets can be one of the best ways to tide over space constraints, but doing so in an aesthetic way.
A variety of hanging flower baskets are available in the market. Ranging from terracotta pots to plastic baskets, they come in different shapes and sizes. Hanging flowering plants especially in the porch is not only inviting but also alluring.
Installing a hanging basket is not a complicated task. But keep in mind the following before you plant your hanging garden.
Size matters
The size of the pot determines the size of the plant and vice versa. Bigger is usually better, as the pot will be able to hold more soil and in turn, the plant will grow more lush.
Hanging a big pot also attracts the much-needed attention. And if you have a large basket, the frequency of watering also comes down.
Recycling is good
Though there are a plenty of pots you can choose from the nursery, you can make your own pots. You can magically turn your junk into pretty little pots in which you can place the plants.
Deep fryer baskets, aluminium baking tins and old plastic boxes can be turned into flower baskets. All you need is a little bit of imagination.
You can paint on them to make it look fresh and appealing. For the chain used to hang the pot, you could use old bicycle chains, from broken swings and so on.
You can also hang them on curtain rods attached to the balcony ceiling. If you are buying a pot, go for containers that already have hangers attached to them.
Line them well
Lining the pot is vital to plant growth. It holds the soil together and also retains water. You could line the basket with moss. But make sure to drill some holes in the base of the lining so as to let the excess water drain out. Otherwise it could kill the plant.
Picking the plants
Plants that are lush and spill over look great in hanging baskets. There are plenty of ferns you can choose from.
If you want more colour in the balcony or porch, you could go for flowering plants. Orchids come in many kinds and they look good if they are in hanging baskets.
The aftermath
Once you are done planting the seeds or directly placing the plant in the soil, watering is very important.
Depending on the temperature of the place and the type of plant, chart out a watering schedule.
But make sure you have a can or watering container with a long nozzle. You could also use a hose for convenience.