window box and hanging basket...help???

angelcakes_smw

Hello, we moved into our house just as winter was hitting so I didnt really give much thought to the window box and the hanging basket that were already here as they were empty (no flowers anyway) and I've not had either of these things before, but now that the weather is getting nicer and I've actually been able to go into the garden I've started to notice them more and would really like them to look pretty...only thing is I have no idea where to start! The window box has a few shoots sprouting but they dont seem to be in any organised manner and the hanging basket has something with kind of diamond shaped leaves in it but the leaves look dead. Should I just start afresh with new soil etc or wait and see what grows with these? Also, what plants are best for window boxes and hanging baskets and where is the best value for buying things for them? I want them to look really lovely but I also need the plants to be easy to care for as I am a complete novice when it comes to gardening! Any help would be greatly appreciated

loulou41

http://www.vanmeuwen.com/?er=google;term=van+meuwen&gclid=CMCiw9KarqACFYoU4wodXCwTqw

I have bought the above for my baskets and containers. I love fuchsias. I have used begonias in the past and found them very easy to grow and they flower for a long time.

loulou41

I forgot to say, I think you should start fresh. Petunias, lobelias and pansy will all look nice in a window box. I am going to plant trailing sweet peas in mine & giant fuchsias in the hanging basket.

Mortal

Can I just mention that as you're a newbie, please PLEASE don't buy any summer bedding until mid-late May depending where you live.
Many newbies fall into the trap of believing that if the shops sell them, then it's safe to plant them.
This is the shop's way of making more money, as they will undoubtly fail in late frosts, and you'll have to buy more.
(unless you have adequate protection)

This time of year, I would suggest you plant them up with winter bedding. Viola's, Pansies etc.

When the time comes to plantup for your summer displays, make sure the plants you buy are hardened off properly.
If you buy them from a supermarket, or a DIY store, more often than not, they will have been grown in greenhouses/polytunnels, and even if they spend the daytime outside, they probably come back inside when the store closes.

loulou41

I am using pansies, violas and primroses for my spring & window basket. The giant fuchsias and sweet peas are for my summer baskets and box containers and will be planted when the danger of frost has passed.

angelcakes_smw

what about just planting bulbs and seeds in them and waiting for them to grow? is this a bad idea? if not, what kind of things should I plant?

loulou41

No, it is not a bad idea if you are patient and do not mind waiting for them to grow. You will have to start your seeds in a greenhouse or a windowsill for summer planting. JParker was doing 200 bulbs for £1 + postage. I have ordered some and they will deliver at the end of April for planting. If you plant bulbs read the instruction it will tell you when to plant outdoor. I have started my begonias tubers indoor to be planted in May. If you have a LIDL, ALDI or pound shop near you, you can buy bulbs for £1. I have found begonias planted in the summer give a lovely display well into November. I usually buy the from B&Q when they have offer. ALDI is selling pansies/violas for £2.49 for 20 boxes. It is such a hassle to grow your own, and at that price it is cheap if you want an instant display. Hope this helps.

peachespeaches

You might find nasturtiums easy to grow from seed and suitable for hanging baskets. They are easy to grow and hardy. Also easy to grow and hardy, but more for window boxes would be pot marigolds.

I personally have lobelia, fuchsias and pelargoniums (geraniums) in my baskets and boxes but I dont do anything yet. I used to grow them from scratch but now tend to buy them from Morrisons!

What you have to be aware of is that some plants are HARDY, some HALF HARDY and some TENDER. This refers to the temperatures they need to grow in. Many plants that would be perennials in warmer countries just die off in the winter because its too cold, so people treat them like annuals and buy some more every summer eg Geraniums or fuchsias. Sorry if you already knew this, but its not always obvious. Go into Wilkinsons and read the backs of a few seed packets. They usually tell you when and how to plant.

Its a good idea to start with fresh compost too, the old compost will be depleted of nutrients.

If it all sounds like too much of a faff, just go to B&Q or Morrisons and buy some hanging baskets ready done!