There's no better way to spruce up your deck and barbecue areas this summer than by engaging in a little garden DIY - creating vibrant hanging baskets.
Don't limit your hanging baskets to just growing flowers, you can also plant herbs, vegetables and fruits too!
Choosing your basket and liner
There's a wide range of baskets to choose from including, wood, wire and woven, but you need to pick the appropriate type for the plants you will use.
If you opt for a wire basket then you will have to choose a liner for your plants. Moss looks natural and offers the best drainage, plastic retains water well but doesn't look as aesthetically pleasing, coconut fibre can last for seasons but it is hard to cut holes for side planting with felt another liner option that shares this difficulty.
What to plant?
Flowers that can bring some lively colour to your deck and garden include pansies, marigolds, petunias, fuchsias, ivy, phlox and ice plants.
You can also choose to plant any herbs of your choice, it would add a nice touch to have a little hanging herb garden!
Strawberries and tomatoes are just some fruits and vegetables that are great for hanging baskets, as they just look fantastic.
Helpful hints
Make sure to water your hanging baskets daily so they don't dry out, remembering to water them morning and night on very hot days if they sit on an exposed wall.
Ensure to also use good quality potting mix and hang the basket in a sheltered position, at head level.