Hanging basket ideas

[Winged one]

I have a large basket (18") and I grew 3 tumbling tom plants in that last year. Got a great crop too (didn't get much of it myself though, as the toddler wanted "up" every night to demolish a load with her tea!! Better than looking for chocolate I guess..).

Definitely use the water retaining granules, and leave a bit of a "lip" at the top to allow water to soak in when watering. I tried an empty pop bottle last summer, but that wasn't really much help. In previous years, I just used the granules and nightly watering and everything was grand.

[shaza114]

hanging baskets

I grew oak leaf and mixed salad leaves in a basket last year - avoided the slugs and as it was by the back door quick to pick in the morning for lunch box!

[jeannine]

Harrod Horticultural do a brilliant organic water retaining gel (I think it might be made from seaweed) - I used it last year and it's great and completely safe to use with food crops. You can get a big bag for about £12 which would do all your hanging baskets.

Also, Thompson & Morgan had some dwarf French beans in a hanging basket at their trial ground last year - which I thought was a lovely idea - yellow or purple podded ones would look great!

[Epsom Gardener]

Homebase has water saving crystals (don't think they're organic) for £4.95 for a small plastic bag. In another aisle, I found same sized bags for £0.99p! Bargain - and they weren't on special