Planting your hanging basket

1 Choose a large hanging basket, at least 35cm in diameter, and without planting holes in the side. Pierce the bottom of the plastic liner several times to ensure good drainage, then half-fill with peat-free multi-purpose or container and basket compost.

2 Add controlled-release fertiliser, as the nutrients in the compost will quickly be used up or washed out. Also add water-retaining granules, which swell up to provide an emergency supply of moisture. Apply both at the rates stated on the packets and mix in thoroughly.

3 Plant the fuchsias (or other trailers) around the edge and the clematis in the centre to scramble up the chains and through the fuchsias. If necessary, carefully tease soil away from the clematis roots to help it fit in the basket. Done carefully, this will cause no harm.

4 Fill in around the plants with more compost and firm in gently. To aid watering, make the compost surface slightly lower towards the centre to form a shallow dip. Water thoroughly to settle the plants and compost in, then continue watering regularly thereafter.