Top 10 winter hanging basket tips

Add a splash of colour to doorways or fences this winter with hardy violas
Image: Viola (Ice Babies) 'Teardrops' Pre-Planted Hanging Basket from Thompson & Morgan

If your garden looks a little dull through the colder months, a few bright hanging baskets will quickly bring it back to life with a bang. We asked Michael Perry for his expert advice on creating vibrant, long-lasting winter hanging basket displays. Read his top ten tips and watch his quick video demonstration below...

In the meantime, choose hanging baskets and accessories from our excellent online range.

1. Choose the right hanging basket plants for winter baskets; not all plants are suitable. Read the product information carefully and make sure that you select hardy varieties, or those designed to bloom over the colder months. To make the choice even easier, Thompson & Morgan sell winter garden ready pre-planted baskets and pots which are designed to be hung for an immediate display.
2. Don't cut corners with compost; always buy the best quality that you can afford.
3. Mix in Incredibloom® when planting, so your plants have all the 'vitamins' they need from the word go.
4. You can put your basket straight outside too; no need to give your plants any under glass protection.
5. Use our Easy Fill hanging basket to get a head start on your trailing growth; this amazing basket even allows you to plant around the sides.
6. Don't add water retaining gel to winter baskets - they could make things too soggy during winter rain and snow thaw.
7. Have some horticultural fleece to hand, ready to drape around your basket displays if we do get a prolonged cold snap.
8. Offer a top up feed as growth takes off in spring to ensure the longest life from your seasonal basket plants.
9. Add one or two evergreen winter-flowering fruiting shrubs to your baskets for extra interest and height.
10. Check for watering needs regularly - cold winter winds can be as drying as hot summer sun!

How to plant an easy fill hanging basket for winter - video tutorial

Watch our quick video tutorial to see just how easy it is to plant up an Easy Fill hanging basket with winter flowering blooms.

If you’re looking for advice on how to plant your baskets up for summer colour, read our helpful top 10 summer hanging baskets tips article. And find more hanging basket planting inspiration and how-to guides at our dedicated hub page.