hanging baskets

[SparkyTris]

Im making some small hanging baskets out of trawlnet buoys for xmas presents. They will hold about 1.5 to 2 litres.

What would be good ideas for planting in them? I'd like to include some seeds with them, perhaps herbs or flowers?

I have a few rather smaller buoys too that might make attractive ultra-miniature hanging baskets. I guess they would hold about half a litre. Is this totally impractical for growing anything in?

Thanks in advance for help.

 

[Mursal]

I know you probably want to hand-make the baskets, but we recently spotted these and they are the cats pajamas.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-14-Pla...ants_Pots_Window_Boxes_CV&hash=item2ec3cc59c7

Not sure of safe planting, other members will know more.

 

[highlandlass]

I have used these but did not like them. The rain & watering caused the compost to disappear from holes!

 

[Deleted2797112]

Hanging baskets dry out quickly, small hanging baskets even more so. But with regular watering, there's no reason why they shouldn't be successful. If you're not planting them up yourself, it would be a good idea to include a sachet of water-retaining gel with each basket. Places like Wilko's sell a box pretty cheaply and you only need a small amount for each basket.

For planting - small varieties like viola, pansy, lobelia. Tough herbs - thyme does well in hanging baskets and smells nice. Chamomile too. Tumbling cherry tomato. Alpine or everbearer strawberries. Small-leaf varieties of ivy. Small trailing succulents are drought tolerant.