How to Make a Stunning Summer Hanging Basket

There’s nothing quite like a blooming hanging basket to bring instant cheer to your porch, patio, or balcony during the summer. Overflowing with colour, texture, and lush greenery, these little garden gems are easier to put together than you might think. Here’s a simple guide to help you create your own gorgeous summer hanging basket.

What You’ll Need

Before you dive in, gather your supplies:

Hanging basket (wire or moss-lined)

Liner (coconut coir or moss for wire baskets)

Potting soil (light, well-draining, and moisture-retentive)

Slow-release fertiliser (optional, but helpful)

Plants (see suggestions below)

Watering can or hose with a gentle spray

Step-by-Step Hanging Basket Design with Amber

Follow along with Amber from our Plant Team as she shows you exactly how to craft your own stunning summer hanging basket

Choose the Right Basket

Pick a basket that suits the look you want and has good drainage. Wire baskets with a coir liner are classic and breathable, while plastic ones retain moisture better if you’re in a hot, dry climate.

Add a Liner

If using a wire basket, line it with coconut coir or moss to hold the soil in, you can cut small slits in the liner to make drainage holes if it doesn’t already have them.

Fill with Potting Soil

Use high-quality potting soil mixed with a slow-release fertiliser. Leave about an inch of space at the top to make watering easier.

Pick Your Plants

When designing a stunning hanging basket, a balanced combination of thrillers, fillers, and spillers creates a dynamic and visually appealing arrangement.

Thrillers are the bold, eye-catching elements that add height and drama, typically placed in the centre or back of the basket. Choose plants like geraniums, upright fuchsia, or salvia.

Fillers provide lush volume, filling in gaps with texture and colour to create a sense of fullness and cohesion. You might want to go for petunias, impatiens (busy lizzies), or alyssum.

Spillers trail gracefully over the edges, softening the container’s lines and adding a cascading effect that draws the eye downward. Some options could be lobelia, ivy, helichrysum or trifolium.

Together, these three components work harmoniously to craft a layered, vibrant display from every angle.

Mix colours, textures, and leaf shapes for visual interest ‘stick to a colour palette if you want a more polished loo, like all pastels, bold, or classic red, white, and blue.

Planting Time

Start with your centre (or back, if the basket will be against a wall) and work outward. Gently remove plants from their pots, loosen the roots, and nestle them into the soil. Press down lightly and water thoroughly once you’re done.

Water & Care

Water daily in hot weather (sometimes twice a day if it’s really sizzling!). To maintain a vibrant and continuously blooming hanging basket you could use a specialised feed like Liquid Tub and Hanging Basket Feed to promote brighter, fuller flowers, add the feed every week or two for the best results.

Extra Tips

Rotate your basket occasionally so all sides get sun (unless it’s hanging against a wall).

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new ones!

Consider using a water-retaining gel or soil additive if you’re in a very dry area or are forgetful with watering such as the Miracle Gro Moisture Control.

Creating a summer hanging basket is one of the quickest ways to bring a splash of life and color to your outdoor space. Get your hands dirty, let your creativity run wild, and have fun with it!