Setting Up A Nice Color Bowl or Hanging Basket

There are so many pre sprouted flowers and plants available right now that it is the perfect time for setting up all kinds of containers to beautify our living areas.

I love the color bowls on display in the Lawn and Garden shops but they are so overpriced. I decided to make a few color bowls of my own and for less than $20 (and less than the cost of 1 premade color bowl) I was able to make two of my own in about 10 minutes. If you already have empty pots, extra potting soil, etc. around the garage from previous plantings you can save even more.

Step 1: Materials

You can make both a Terra Cotta Bowl and hanging basket using these items:

I large round bowl - $7
1 Coconut Hanging Basket - $5
3 Pre sprouted Six Packs - $2 each
1 small Bag Potting Soil (already had)
Some Drainage Material (already had)
Total cost $18

When selecting plants for your color bowls you want to choose ones that all have similar growing needs with varying colors, shapes, height and directions.

I chose Celosa (the red pointed flower that grows tall and upright), Vincia (white rounded petals that grow medium height and spread outwards) and Petunias (purple and white horn shaped flowers that will grow over the edge and dangle a bit)

All three flowers are annuals, require a basic potting soil (not top soil), require daily watering, good drainage and can use the same plant food and fertilizer.

Coconut bowls are excellent for hanging planters because they are a natural fiber and while they drain well they also retain just enough water in the soil for happy healthy plants.

Terra Cotta Bowls are also excellent as the pot will also drain well and absorbs excess water into its shell.

Comments

[DaveLH]

I'm a weekend gardner and would like to thank you, I get a lot of great ideas from you.

[Donaldhrtc]

You do nice work, I really like this one DebH.

[HeidiR]

You go girl

[Deewheat]

Nice job!

[hsmomof2]

I like the color combination of flowers you chose for you hanging basket.

[DebH57]

Thanks Hsmom

[im4tooele]

That's neat, Debra.

[DebH57]

Thanks Im4

[chauntee2]

I love pretty hanging baskets;)

[DebH57]

Thanks Chauntee

[JohnMac]

You have done an excelent job with this Deb, how many different plants can I use per planter?

[DebH57]

It all depends on the size JohnMac you want a nice full planter but you don't want to overcrowd

[aunty]

Very lovely sweetheart

[DebH57]

Thanks Aunty!

[NuclearWinter]

Good job DebH, nice pictures clear directions

[DebH57]

Thnak you and thank you for your comment.

[Bratillia]

Very nice, I just did one of these it was so easy!

[DebH57]

Glad you gave it a shot Bratillia, thanks for commenting.

[bethmez]

very nice - I try to do this myself - had about five this year.

[DebH57]

I really enjoyed doing these Beth. Thanks for commenting.

[treesneedtobehugged]

good instructable deb also instead of the regular potting mix that uses peat moss which is a non renewable resource mix compost with leaf mold has a great moisture holding capacity also its organic :)

[DebH57]

So true Trees, thanks for your input!