How to Plant Up Hanging Baskets and Pots Using Multi-purpose Compost in May

How to Use Multi-Purpose Compost in Your Hanging Baskets and Plant Pots

May is the ideal time to plant up hanging baskets and pots in your garden. With the last frost typically behind us across much of the UK, it’s a safe time to begin filling containers with summer bedding plants. This guide will help you create eye-catching displays using peat-free multi-purpose compost – an environmentally responsible and effective growing medium.

Choosing the Right Compost

Peat-free multi-purpose compost is the best option for container gardening. It supports sustainable horticultural practices and helps protect peat bogs, which are vital for biodiversity and carbon storage. Logs Direct stock high-quality peat-free blends, which are excellent for both hanging baskets and pots.

To improve drainage and water retention, mix in around 20% perlite. You can also add slow-release fertiliser granules and water-retaining crystals to provide long-lasting nutrition and moisture support throughout the season.

Planting Hanging Baskets:

Select Your Basket

Hanging baskets come in a range of sizes and styles. Wire baskets are popular and often used with a liner made from coir, moss, or recycled materials. You can also line the basket with a piece of polythene (punched with a few holes) to help retain moisture while allowing for drainage.

Prepare the Compost

Mix your peat-free compost with perlite, fertiliser granules, and water-retaining crystals. This will ensure your plants get off to the best possible start and remain healthy throughout the season.

Planting Technique

1. Lower Layer: Fill your basket about halfway with the compost mix.
2. Side Planting (optional): If you want a fuller display, plant small trailing plants through the sides of the basket. Carefully poke holes in the liner and insert the root balls, wrapped in damp newspaper to prevent damage.
3. Top Layer: Add more compost to fill the basket. Then, plant a focal plant in the centre (such as a fuchsia or upright geranium), and surround it with trailing plants like petunias or lobelia.
4. Water Well: After planting, water the basket thoroughly. Ensure that the water drains freely – baskets should never be left to sit in water.

Planting Garden Pots

Choose the Right Container

Select a pot with proper drainage holes. Avoid pots that are too large for the root ball of your chosen plants, as this can lead to waterlogging. Clay, terracotta, and glazed ceramic pots all work well, and many plastic options now offer attractive and lightweight alternatives.

Compost Preparation

Use the same peat-free mix with added perlite, fertiliser, and water-retaining crystals. This will give plants a balanced environment to root and grow.

Planting Steps

1. Fill: Add compost to the container, leaving around 5cm (2 inches) from the rim to allow for watering.
2. Arrange: Position your plants while still in their pots to decide on a layout. Place the tallest plant in the middle or towards the back if placing against a wall.
3. Planting: Remove each plant from its nursery pot, gently tease out any compacted roots, and place it in the container.
4. Top Up: Fill in around the plants with compost, firming gently with your fingers to remove air pockets.
5. Water: Water thoroughly once planting is complete.

What to Plant in May

May is perfect for summer bedding plants, which thrive in warmer weather and bring vibrant colour to containers. Popular choices include:

• Upright plants: Geraniums, fuchsias, salvias, and begonias
• Trailing plants: Petunias, lobelia, bacopa, trailing verbena
• Foliage interest: Helichrysum, trailing ivy, coleus
• Mix colours, heights, and textures to create a balanced and attractive display.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

To keep your pots and baskets looking their best all summer long, follow these care tips:

1. Sunlight: Most summer bedding plants prefer full sun. Position your baskets and containers where they’ll receive at least six hours of light daily.
2. Watering: Check daily during warm weather. Containers can dry out quickly, so it’s best to water early in the morning or in the evening.
3. Feeding: If you didn’t use a slow-release fertiliser at planting time, apply a liquid feed every week from June onwards.
4. Deadheading: Remove faded blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering.
5. Pest Monitoring: Keep an eye out for slugs, aphids, and vine weevils. Use barrier methods or approved treatments as necessary.

Final Thoughts

Planting up hanging baskets and garden pots in May is one of the most satisfying jobs for UK gardeners. With the right compost, a well-thought-out plant selection, and a few simple techniques, you can enjoy months of colour and interest from your displays. Whether you're brightening a patio, framing a doorway, or adding height to a border, well-planted containers are an easy way to enhance any garden space.

Happy gardening!