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Begonias for hanging baskets

It is now almost September 2019 in East Cheshire. I am a retired 84-year-old ex mariner who is also a complete novice to gardening but I was very impressed with the colourful display I obtained from Begonia plugs that I put in two hanging baskets last May. It has inspired me to create more begonia baskets for 2020 and I would appreciate any advice from the experts. Is it better to concentrate on one type or to mix other plants etc? Is there an optimum compost? Is it easy to grow from tubers or buy plugs? Thank you.

Posts

  • Hello, macweb27. It's never too late to learn, and enjoy  a spot of gardening.
    Begonias can be mixed with other tender hanging basket plants for Summer, but, personally, I think they are far more attractive when the they fill a basket on their own,
    Also much easier to care for, as quite often a mixed basket tends to need more dead-heading, and some plants don't last a full season before they die off.
    As for compost, use a good multii-purpose (preferably peat-free) , add some water-retaining gel to help conserve moisture.
    Begonias are quite easy to grow from tubers, but the plugs are quick and simple to handle. Personal choice really.

    A gardener's work is never at an end  - (John Evelyn 1620-1706)
  • Many thanks for your helpful advice. I have now ordered the water-retaining gel and peat-free compost.
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