1. I prefer a strong basket made of green plastic-coated wire and about 30 cm in diameter. There are several types of liner but if you use these fibre liners, you will need to cut holes for your plants.

2. Good liners made from wool fibre are also available. I am less enthusiastic about the rigid types which I find harder to fit neatly.

3. Best of all is natural Sphagnum moss – but you must buy moss that has not been taken from a protected site. You should never collect your own Sphagnum from the wild.

4. Ideally, you should use a specially formulated hanging basket compost.

5. If you do use normal soil-less compost, add a slow-release fertiliser…

6. …and water-retaining granules to cut down on the frequency of watering needed.

7. Use strong young plants preferably already with plenty of flowers.

8. The correct way to remove the plants from a polystyrene tray is by pushing from underneath.

9. Gently push the plants through from the inside of the basket.

10. Add a layer of compost and then another layer of plants.

11. Don't forget to include a few evergreens like this trailing ivy.

12. Finally fill the basket with compost and add your top layer of plants – then water thoroughly.