Containers alternative to large gardens > Hanging baskets easily adaptable

It’s not every gardener who can afford the time, space or financial requirements of a large garden. Most gardeners, however, have the resources to produce a small container garden, a few window boxes or a hanging basket. Container plantings are ideal for the weekend gardener and can change dramatically the appearance of a home, deck, patio or any small space in the landscape.

One of the beauties of the container garden is that we can manipulate the position of the containers — lowering or raising to a convenient height or place — so they may be viewed from areas inside and outside of the home. Another benefit of gardening in containers is that we can complete preparation and design in a relatively short time.

One of the most adaptable of all container plantings is the hanging basket. These may be elevated out of the way of foot traffic, children and pets. They can be functional, too, filling a space on a porch or deck where it would be difficult to situate a free-standing container.

Most hanging containers found at greenhouses, department stores and farm supply centers are designed with both the planter and the plants in mind. Most are durable plastic, lightweight and designed for good drainage. After selecting the appropriate-sized container, choose a potting medium that will suit the needs of your plants. A professional potting medium comprising peat and perlite is used by most commercial greenhouses. To suit both our pocketbooks and most plants, this mixture can be stretched with compost and garden soil. One part potting medium, one part compost and one-half part garden soil works well for plants that enjoy moist roots. For plants that prefer or tolerate droughty conditions, replace the garden soil portion with one whole part sand.

Fill the basket with the soil mixture, gently tamping it until the container is full to about 1 1/2 inches from the rim. This extra space will allow you to water the container without overflow. Be sure not to compact the soil too tightly. Packing it will reduce the pore space of the soil, inhibiting water penetration and adequate oxygen access to the roots.

Once filling the container is complete, it’s time to start the design. A trip through a local greenhouse or nursery will give an idea of the range of plants that can be used in hanging baskets. Traditional container plants such as petunias, geraniums and begonias provide a classic look, while plants such as lavatera, daisy, sage and nicotiana also create a beautiful display. Plants that need more space can be used individually in hanging baskets, while several different plants can be used together if they require only a small space.

When designing a hanging basket with more than one type of plant, consider the form of each before placing it in the basket. Plants can be grouped into three general categories: vining-trailing; sprawling; and upright-bushy. Vining or trailing plants such as ivy, “Imagination” verbena and lobelia should be placed on the outside of the container, while upright or bushy plants such as dusty miller, sage and ageratum should be placed in the center. Sprawling plants such as nasturtium and petunia generally do best if used individually in a hanging basket.

The growth habit of most plants can be manipulated to some extent through pinching. Pinching off the tip or growing point of plants removes the growth regulators that encourage further growth. Once this plant tissue is removed, the regulators that encourage the growth of side shoots kick in, resulting in a more full or compact appearance of the plant.

The same principles of designing a hanging basket can be used for designing other containerized plantings. Surrounding ourselves with these miniature gardens can serve as a satisfying substitute for the extensive gardens we might wish to have but are unable to attain.

Diana George Chapin is the NEWS garden columnist. Send horticulture questions to Gardening Questions, c/o Maine Weekend, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Selected questions will be answered in future columns. Include name, address and telephone number.