Can You Plant In a Wicker Basket?

Wicker baskets are incredibly versatile, they can be used as decoration, storage, gift baskets, picnic hampers, laundry baskets… The list is almost endless. A wicker basket is guaranteed to add the perfect rustic touch to your home, but can wicker baskets be used as planters? 

The good news is that wicker baskets can absolutely be used as planters, both indoors and outdoors. However, if you’ve not purchased a wicker planter designed specifically for outdoor use, there are a few things you’ll need to do first, including lining it, waterproofing it and adding some drainage holes. 

Read on for a more detailed explanation of how to prepare your wicker basket for planting. 

Can I Use a Wicker Basket as a Planter?

Wicker baskets are a popular choice for decorating homes, but can they be used as planters? Yes absolutely they can - wicker baskets can make gorgeous planters that are both practical and elegant. 

However, unless you’ve purchased a weather-resistant outdoor planter, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to protect your wicker basket from water damage, mould and rot. This includes adding a liner and drilling drainage holes (you’ll also need to waterproof it if you want to use it outside). We’ll cover what you need to do in more detail later on in this blog.

Can You Use Wicker Baskets as Outdoor Planters?

Wicker baskets aren’t just great options for indoor planters, they can also be used outdoors. That being said, you’ll need to waterproof your planter if you want to use it outside all year round.  Wicker is a natural woven material and it can easily be damaged by moisture if it’s not properly treated - which isn’t ideal for Britain’s rainy weather!

If you plan on using your wicker planter outside, opting for an outdoor wicker planter that’s already been waterproofed (like the ones at Northern Willow) is the simplest option. Alternatively, you’ll need to waterproof your wicker basket yourself. We’ve got everything you need to know below. 

How Do You Prepare a Wicker Basket for Planting?

If you’ve got an existing wicker basket that you think would look stunning with some plants in it, here’s what you need to do. 

1. Check that your chosen wicker basket is sturdy enough and has no holes or gaps. Make sure it’s big enough for all your selected plants and deep enough for their roots. 
2. Waterproof your wicker basket. If you want to use your wicker planter outdoors, all year round you’ll need to waterproof it. Apply two layers of waterproofing varnish or sealant to protect it from harmful water damage. Check out our blog, ‘Can You Waterproof a Wicker Basket?’, for more information.
3. Add a waterproof liner. If your basket hasn’t got an existing liner, you’ll need to add one. Liners prevent soil spillage and help your potted plants retain moisture.  
4. Drill holes in the bottom of the basket. Adding some holes will help ensure proper drainage if you want to plant directly into the basket. If the basket will be used indoors, you can use a plant pot with drainage holes inside of the basket instead of drilling them in your basket. 

Of course, if you’ve purchased one of our outdoor wicker planters, it’ll already come lined and waterproofed, so you can skip ahead to adding your chosen plants… 

How to Plant in a Wicker Basket?

Once you’ve finished preparing your wicker basket, it’s time for the fun part - the planting! Here are some steps you’ll need to follow for a gorgeous display of plants. 

1. Add your potting mix. Choose an appropriate potting mix for the chosen plants. You can purchase a general-purpose or specialist potting mix from a garden centre or create your own from coconut coir, perlite, vermiculite and organic matter. 
2. Choose your plants for the basket. Make sure to leave enough space for growth and air circulation. For a more practical basket, add plants with similar water and light requirements or choose a range of heights and colours for a dazzling display. 
3. Add your selected plants. Use taller plants towards the back of the basket. Add shorter, bushier plants that will spill over the edge of the planter at the front. This is the best way to create a well-balanced planter that’s guaranteed to look stunning. 
4. Water your newly potted plants. Give your plants a healthy drink of water and some fertiliser to get them situated in their new home.
5. Place the basket in a strategic position. Whether your new wicker basket planter is going inside or outside, choose a place with enough light for your chosen plants. 

Wicker Planters by Northern Willow

If you’re looking for a stunning basket planter, look no further than Northern Willow. Our handcrafted wicker planters are completely weather-resistant, so you can use them indoors or outdoors whatever the weather! There’s no need to worry about adding a liner either, as our wicker planters, such as this Round Rattan Planter, come ready-lined. 

If you have any questions about our handmade wicker planters, feel free to get in touch with us today. We’ll be happy to answer any queries you may have. 

Planting in Wicker Baskets FAQs

Can You Plant Directly Into a Wicker Basket?

Yes, you can plant directly into a wicker basket. However, because wicker baskets aren’t as waterproof as plant pots, you’ll need to add a waterproof liner to the inside of the basket. This will prevent soil from leaking out, help your plants retain moisture and avoid damaging the base of your wicker basket. You’ll also need to add drainage holes to the bottom of it. 

Alternatively, if you’ll be using the wicker basket inside you can place a plastic nursery pot with drainage to the basket, to provide your plants with drainage without drilling any holes. 

How to Line a Wicker Basket for Planting?

To prevent your wicker basket from getting damaged by soil and moisture, you’ll need to add a plastic liner before you can begin planting. Some wicker baskets or planters (like these ones at Northern Willow) already come lined, so you don’t have to worry about adding a liner yourself. 

Here’s how to line a wicker basket for planting:

• Choose a thick plastic liner to prevent soil from leaking out of the basket (and onto your floor if you’re using it inside). You can use a few layers of plastic bin bags or a weed barrier membrane from a garden centre. Make sure to leave an overhang.
• Drill drainage holes. Drill a few holes at the bottom of the wicker basket. Make sure you drill through the plastic lining as well. This will give your plants better drainage helping to avoid the risk of root rot. 
• After you’ve added your potting mix and selection of plants, you can roll up the overhanging plastic and tuck it in. If you don’t want it to show, you can use pins to hold it in place. As your plants grow, they’ll cover the plastic lining so you won’t be able to see it all!

How Do You Put Flowers in a Wicker Basket?

It’s not just plants which make a beautiful addition to a wicker basket, flowers do as well. Follow these top tips for displaying flowers in a wicker basket:

• Set a bowl in the bottom of the basket. This prevents your wicker basket from getting moisture damage. If you’re using fake flowers, you can use a block of floral foam instead. Just make sure to soak it in water before adding your flowers. 
• Use the criss-cross tape method to display your flowers. Create a grid pattern over the bowl with clear or scotch tape to stop your flowers from falling over and help them look visually balanced. This method also ensures that water is distributed evenly to each stem, helping keep the flowers fresh for longer. 
• Fill the bowl with water and then add your flowers one by one. Make sure you cut off a few inches of your flower stems at a 45-degree angle. This will allow them to soak up more water and ensure the flowers are at different heights.