Line and Fill Basket Frames

Begin with two metal basket frames that have a coir liner. Remove the chains from the baskets and place a liner into each basket. Fill the liners to the brim with a potting mix designed for container use. If your potting mix doesn't already contain them, add moisture-retentive crystals and slow-release fertilizer pellets according to their package directions.

Related: Why You Should Fertilize Your Plants

Assemble Sphere

Place a flat piece of thick cardboard over the soil in the basket that will form the top half of the sphere. Holding the cardboard in place with your fingers, invert the basket, and rest it on top of the base basket. Carefully slide out the piece of cardboard from between the baskets, then secure the baskets together using zip ties to hold them firmly in place. Trim the extra lengths of the ties.

Related: How to Make a Perfect Hanging Basket

Plant Flowers

Use a marker to make a dot or X on the liners where you'll add plants. Space planting holes evenly, about 3 inches apart. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut planting holes in the liners where you made marks.

Meanwhile, soak the root ball of each plant in water. Squeeze the soil gently to release excess water. Tuck each root ball into a planting hole so that each plant's stem is at the same depth is was before in its pot. If necessary, use a spoon to dig out a little space to fit all the roots into your sphere planter. Use your fingers to firm the soil around each plant to hold it in place.

Editor's Tip: Look for plant plugs or cell packs of flowering annuals, which have small root balls. They're easiest to tuck into small spaces and will quickly grow into full-size plants.

Hang and Water Your Sphere Hanging Basket

Reattach one of the chains that came with the hanging baskets to the top of the sphere. Hang the chain from a sturdy support, then water the whole thing thoroughly to help the new plants settle in and stay hydrated.