Planting a wicker basket: step-by-step guide

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A wicker basket adds natural warmth to the balcony, terrace and front door. With proper lining, drainage and suitable plants you’ll achieve a long-lasting, low-maintenance display. Many Eliassen baskets already come lined with foil, which makes preparation easier. Find suitable models here: Rattan planting baskets (overview).

Step by step: how to plant a wicker basket

You will need:

  • Wicker basket in the right size
  • Liner or sturdy pond liner, optional plant insert
  • Drainage material such as expanded clay or gravel
  • Quality potting soil suited to your plant selection
  • Garden fleece or a few holes in the liner for water drainage
  • Moss, bark or decor to cover the surface
  • Watering can and hand pruners

Tip: You’ll often find the right wicker basket at Eliassen for less than local suppliers in Germany – browse the range.

  1. Prepare the lining: Line the inside tightly with liner. Leave the edge 2 to 3 cm overhanging so no water wicks into the weave. If a liner is already in place, skip this step.
  2. Ensure water drainage: Pierce 3 to 5 small holes in the bottom of the liner or lay a piece of garden fleece over it. This allows excess water to drain without washing out soil.
  3. Add drainage: Cover the base with 3 to 5 cm of expanded clay or coarse gravel. This layer prevents waterlogging and protects the wicker. For an especially stable base, for example the Round rattan basket 65 cm with wooden bottom is suitable.
  4. Add soil: Fill the basket to about two-thirds with good potting soil. For herbs, use a free-draining, leaner mix; for flowering plants, a nutrient-rich balcony mix.
  5. Arrange plants: Place taller or structural plants in the center or at the back, trailing plants at the front and along the edges. Check the root balls, tease them gently and set them level with the soil surface. For taller plants or a central accent, a deep basket like the Wicker basket XXL 60 cm is ideal.
  6. Top up and firm: Fill voids with soil and press lightly. Leave a 1 to 2 cm watering lip so nothing overflows when watering.
  7. Cover and water in: Hide any visible liner edges with moss, bark or decor. Water thoroughly until it drains below. Place the basket in its final position.

Planting ideas by season

Spring

For fresh color, primroses, violas, daisies (Bellis) and grape hyacinths are ideal. Combine 1 to 2 height-givers with several edge fillers. A little moss covers the soil and holds moisture. An oval shape draws the eye to the rim — for example with the Wicker basket oval 58 cm (XL).

Summer

For sunny spots, petunias, geraniums, verbena and calibrachoa are ideal. In partial shade, fuchsias, begonias and lobelias thrive. Mix trailing and ground-cover plants for a lush spillover. For abundant, mixed plantings, a large basket like the Round wicker basket 80 cm (XXL) works well.

Autumn and winter

Heather (Erica), skimmia, heuchera and ivy provide structure and color. Choose frost-hardy varieties and protect the basket on very cold days with fleece. Decorations such as cones or pumpkins add seasonal accents. If, instead of a basket, you prefer a weatherproof yet light container, lightweight outdoor planters are a robust alternative.

For even more design ideas and practical tips, we recommend our magazine with inspiration & practice.

Care and placement tips

Water according to the weather, often daily in summer. Do the finger test: if the top layer feels dry, it’s time to water. Feed flowering plants lightly with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks; herbs less often. Choose a sheltered spot and match the plants’ light needs. Rotate the basket occasionally so all sides grow evenly. For heavy, planted baskets, a tall rattan basket with wheels (70 cm) makes moving and overwintering easier. To raise the basket slightly and improve drainage, plant tables and pedestals are useful.

FAQ: planting a wicker basket

Can I put plants directly into the cachepot?

Only with drainage and a way for water to escape. Without holes or fleece, water builds up, roots rot and the wicker suffers. Better to use an insert, fleece or small drainage holes.

How do I plant a hanging basket as a beginner?

Proceed as with a wicker basket, but use light, free-draining soil and several trailing plants around the edges. Water well after planting and check moisture daily.

Further ideas

Prefer a cleaner, more modern look? Then take a look at modern pots & vases.