By Ritah Mukasa
Have you considered setting up a hanging garden? I mean, growing plants in hanging baskets and pots.
It’s easy and it works in both big and small spaces. Besides, a hanging garden will transform your outdoors into a perfect relaxation spot; one that your family will enjoy for many years.
Remember, such a garden keeps adding colour and interest to your farm. You can grow vegetables, and spices like mints and ornamental plants for sale.
However, before anything, you have to know the right baskets to use and how to pick them. This is very important. It doesn’t matter where you are going to hang them; whether on the balcony, gazebo or along the verandahs.
To Brendah Ndyanabo, a gardener and landscaper, a beautiful display begins with choosing the right hanging baskets and accessories but this doesn’t come easy because baskets come in different shapes, sizes and materials. Therefore, knowing the ones that will work for you is crucial.
How to choose the right baskets
First things first; when you go out to buy hanging baskets, pay attention to the material. It determines durability.
The market has many types; plastic, fiberglass, metallic with coconut fiber, clay and ceramic. But also, you will find concrete ones more so, with the roadside vendors.
These baskets also come in different colours and designs. But before you get swayed by the aesthetics; look at the material. Ndyanabo finds plastic ones more durable and easy to clean.
The metallic ones with coconut fibre are also a popular choice. They look natural, unique and have good drainage but with time, the metal will need a coat of paint.
They also work well for plants that prefer slightly acidic soil, like strawberries or begonias.
Away from that, Charles Lukooya warns that clay and concrete tend to absorb heat which affects the plants, especially on hot days.
Therefore, if you choose those materials, ensure to hang the baskets in a shade.
Lukooya is a gardening trainer with CIDI School of Gardening and Landscaping in Nakawuka, Wakiso district.
Still, on clay and concrete, these materials are heavy compared to plastic. So, if you add soil and regular watering, chances are they might give way with time. For this, it’s important to always check the hanging mechanism. Some pieces come with chains or ropes. Plastic ones have plastic hangers but you have to check them as well.
All to say; a good hanging basket shouldn’t be heavier than a small brick.
It’s also advisable to put a light soil mixture in the baskets to reduce weight. In fact, use more compost than soil and ensure your baskets drain well.
What plants to hang where?
Some plants do not do well in a hanging garden according to Lukooya.
He says, choosing the right plants for your baskets should depend on the direction of the sun, water needs and growth habits. Some plants grow well in both full sun and partial shade, tolerating both direct and indirect sunlight.
