Find your favorites in your Independent Premium section, my profile
From milk cartons to cans of baked beans, strainers and old sweaters, Garden Organic’s green-fingered growers inspire gardeners to get artistic with their hanging baskets to help the planet and its bags.
As more and more of us grow the pandemic, the horticultural charity expects a sharp increase in the popularity of baskets suspended before summer. But if you don’t already have a regular basket to reuse, before moving to the garden center, check out what you can have at home that can become a durable container.
Chris Collins, a former Gardener at Blue Peter and director of horticulture at Garden Organic, says: “I live in a component with a balcony, so pot growing and hanging baskets are a component of my biological agricultural life.
“You don’t want to spend a lot of money; you can create your own “very original” basket that can be a delight all year round. Many can get hold of your family’s trash, much more wonderful for the environment and a wonderful talking point while we spend time back with friends and the circle of relatives outside. “
1. Passland
An old strainer, with its ready-to-use drain holes, is ideal. “Just be sure to cover it with a layer of sand or carpet (such as recycled jute, sisal, or coconut fiber), foam, or even an old wool sweater. – It will have to be 100 percent wool because man-made fibers can break down in the soil – to prevent compost from blocking holes or falling out, “warns Collins. ” They will have a tendency to dry out faster than other baskets, but are best for plants that don’t care about dry conditions, like succulents or thyme. “
2. Old rubber boots
Old rubber boots are original additions to the yard and if you don’t have much room on the floor, you can simply hang them on a pole or wall and then fill them with compost and pretty crawling plants.
3. Cans
These can be painted in bright colors or in sophisticated tones, depending on the desired effect, with holes at the base for drainage and on the sides so you can hang them with a rope to the poles. Some other people make walls and poles of other colored boxes, cascading. with bright flowers.
Read our policy
Read our policy
“The ambitious new baskets can be filled with repeated florists like pelargoniums, petunia and begonia that will continue to bloom during the summer,” Collins says.
4. Single-use plastics
“Hanging baskets are not just for decoration. They’re also the best at developing herbs and vegetables,” Collins says. “My strawberries worked well last year on their milk bottle tour and I also have tomatoes that are developed in DIY containers.
“The leaves of coriander, basil and parsley will be delicious additions to your dinner. Hives and thyme will produce delicious flowers that pollinators will love as much as you do.
“Tomatoes and hot peppers that scratch bloom and grow as long as they are in a protected and sunny position. By developing yours in this way, you decrease your miles of food and single-use plastic containers. “
Get the right soil combination: “All plants that grow in boxes need a lot of nutrients, especially those that bloom. Get your right soil combination through a peat-free floor or making your own,” Collins says.
“A mixture of soil with homemade compost and gravel for intelligent drainage will be an ideal growing mixture. Complement with liquid nutrition every two weeks. Make yours with water-soaked nettle or consuelda leaves or buy qualified biological fertilizer. “
Deadhead often: “Keep doing deadheads regularly. This prevents the plant from generating seeds and encourages new flowers. “
Place your basket wisely: “Choose your suspension position wisely. He wants a lot of protection from the sun and the wind. “
Further recommendations on organic agriculture can be found in gardenbiological. org. uk.
Want to upload your favorite articles and stories to your favorites for later reading?Start your standalone Premium subscription today.