Can You Plant Directly in a Basket? Here's What You Need to Know
I've been asked so many times, "Can you actually plant directly in a basket?" And my answer is NO.
When you get planter baskets, like the beautiful and handwoven African ones I sell, it's tempting to think you can just dump some soil and a plant right in. Big mistake!
While woven baskets make for stunning decorative planters, you shouldn’t plant directly into them—at least not without a little preparation.
Here's what will happen: the soil will leak out onto your floor/porch, and the bottom of the basket will be very dirty. And the first time you water your plant, that gorgeous basket is going to get soaked through.
Plus, you might end up with stains or a musty smell around your home. Ugh, you don’t want that!
So what's the solution? Use a plant dish or liner!
So what's the solution? Use a PLANT DISH OR LINER (As Seen in My Video!)
Always use a liner or plant dish. And I mean always. This is non-negotiable if you want to preserve the integrity of your basket. I personally use a simple plastic nursery pot that fits inside the basket.
Check my video above to see how it's done.
It's super easy - you just drop the pot with your plant into the basket, and voila! You get the beautiful aesthetic of the basket without any stain or damage.
You can bring it out if you need to clean, water, or inspect your plant. Then you’re done, put it back. Also, you don’t want to water your handmade and woven planter basket so it doesn’t rot or worse, see its beautiful color bleed out.
If you don't have a plastic pot, no worries. You can use a plastic bag, a shopping bag, or even a proper pot liner. Just cut it to size and fit it into the bottom of the basket. The liner will be out of sight, so all you’ll see is your gorgeous plant and the stunning African basket.
See your basket like a beautiful dress. You wouldn't want to wear it while gardening, right? Same principle. Protect it, keep it dry, and it'll stay stunning for years to come.
How I use woven baskets for my greens
Use a plastic pot . I always use a plastic nursery pot that fits snugly inside the basket. You don’t need to get fancy—just a simple, affordable pot that’s the right size.
Insert the pot into the basket . Place the plastic pot inside the woven basket. This will act as the base for your plant. If you don’t have a nursery pot, you can also use a simple plastic saucer or piece of plastic at the bottom of the basket.
Fill with soil and plant : Now, just fill the plastic pot with soil and plant your greenery as you normally would.
Remove the inner pot for watering . Let the pot drain completely before returning it to the basket, if you need to water your plant, avoiding any risk of soaking the basket.
Place the pot back in the basket . Once your plant is settled in the plastic pot, simply place the entire thing inside the woven basket. Your plant is now in a secure, and the basket remains intact and safe from moisture.
FAQs
Can I use any type of basket as a planter?
Yes, but you’ll need to protect it with a liner or use a nursery pot to prevent water and soil damage.
How do I clean a basket that has gotten wet?
Dry it out completely and gently clean it with a soft cloth. Avoid soaking it, as this can cause further damage.
Can I use handmade baskets outdoors for plants?
Yes, but make sure they’re protected from rain and direct sunlight, which can fade the colors and weaken the fibers.
Where can I find high-quality woven baskets?
Check out my website, Rufina Designs! I offer a range of handcrafted African baskets perfect for plants and home decor.
So, can you plant directly in a basket?
Well, you could, but it’s not worth the risk of ruining your beautiful basket—or your plant. Instead, use a liner, a nursery pot, or a combination of both to keep things clean and stylish. Your basket will be clean, and your plants will thrive this way.
Do you have any tips or tricks for using baskets as planters?
I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment or reach out to me on my website. And if you’re looking for a unique basket to showcase your plants, check out my collection at Rufina Designs. I have gorgeous planters from Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, and more.