Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets Review: Game-Changing Planters
First Impressions
Are you tired of flimsy hanging baskets that rust and fall apart after just one season? I know I was! Last spring, after my cheap plastic baskets cracked under the weight of my prize-winning petunias, I decided it was time for an upgrade. That’s when I discovered the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets.
Right out of the box, I was impressed. The packaging was simple but effective, and the baskets themselves felt incredibly sturdy. The forged metal had a nice weight to it, a far cry from the flimsy wire of my previous attempts at hanging displays. What I didn’t expect was how much easier they’d make watering – seriously, I’m spending way less time with the watering can now.
So, do these Gardman hanging baskets live up to the hype? Keep reading for my detailed review where I’ll break down the pros, the cons, and everything in between.
Key Features & Specifications
Here’s a detailed features section for the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2:
Features of the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets
The Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2, are more than just a place to put your plants – they’re a stylish and functional addition to any outdoor space. After using them for a full growing season, I’ve really come to appreciate their thoughtful design. Here’s a breakdown of what makes them so great:
Double the Beauty
This pack of two Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets is a fantastic value and makes it super easy to create a coordinated look. I hung one on either side of my front porch, instantly adding curb appeal. Before, my porch felt a little bare, but now it has a welcoming, symmetrical charm. The ability to flank an entryway or balance a patio design is a big win. I’ve even considered getting another set to create a matching display on my back deck.
Sturdy Steel Frame
The black, powder-coated steel frame is a real highlight of the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets. It’s not just about looks; the frame feels incredibly robust. I accidentally bumped one of the baskets pretty hard while moving some patio furniture, and it didn’t even wobble. I’ve had other hanging baskets that bend or warp easily, but these feel like they’re built to last for years. This durability is especially important if you live in an area with unpredictable weather like I do. I no longer worry about my baskets being damaged by strong winds or heavy rain.
Natural Coco Liners Included
The included coco liners are a game-changer. They provide excellent drainage while still retaining enough moisture for healthy plant growth. I’ve used other liners in the past that either dry out too quickly or become waterlogged, leading to root rot. These coco liners strike the perfect balance. Plus, they give the baskets a natural, rustic look that complements any type of flower or greenery. I even tried growing some trailing herbs in one of the baskets, and they thrived, cascading beautifully over the sides. The natural fibers allow the roots to breathe and expand, leading to healthier, more vibrant plants.
Perfectly Sized
At 14 inches in diameter, the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets are the perfect size for a variety of plants. They’re not so large that they become unwieldy or heavy, but they’re still spacious enough to accommodate a nice mix of flowers, herbs, or even small vegetables. I planted a combination of petunias and geraniums in one basket, and they filled out beautifully, creating a colorful display. The size also makes them ideal for smaller spaces like balconies or apartment patios. I found that the 14-inch diameter provided enough room for my plants to flourish without overwhelming the area.
Who Should Buy This
Firstly, I think the budding balcony gardener will find a real friend in these Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets. I’ve seen my neighbor Sarah struggle with her tiny apartment balcony year after year. She always complains about the lack of space, and how traditional pots just clutter everything up and take up all the room. With these hanging baskets, she can maximize vertical space! The 14″ diameter is generous enough for a good variety of plants, but not so bulky that they overwhelm a small area. The included coco liners also make planting and maintenance super simple, which is perfect for a beginner like Sarah. I can imagine her balcony looking like a lush oasis now!
Secondly, anyone who values durability and classic aesthetics should take note. My uncle, a retired engineer, is all about things that are built to last. He’s always griping about flimsy plastic planters that crack after a single season. The Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, with their robust forged steel construction, will be right up his alley. They’re far more durable than those cheap plastic baskets you see everywhere, plus they have a timeless, elegant look. He appreciates the classic black finish and the fact that they will withstand the elements without rusting easily. He will want these for all his ferns and fuchsias.
Thirdly, the busy professional with limited gardening time is a great candidate for the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets. I know many people who work long hours and barely have time to water their existing plants, let alone start a complicated gardening project. These baskets are relatively low-maintenance. The coco liners help retain moisture, which means you don’t have to water them as frequently, plus the liners are easily replaceable when needed. The simple design also makes them easy to plant and replant, with no complicated assembly or setup required. They can quickly create a vibrant display without needing to invest a ton of time.
These are perfect if you want to plant some succulents to add a splash of green to your outdoor space.
Finally, anyone on a strict budget that doesn’t want to continuously replace their items will appreciate this product. While they might not be the absolute cheapest hanging baskets on the market, the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets offer excellent value for money. They’re far more durable than cheaper alternatives, meaning you won’t have to replace them every year. Over time, that durability translates to significant savings. Plus, buying the pack of two provides an additional cost advantage.
Who Might NOT Benefit:
If you’re looking for a lightweight, plastic option and don’t care about durability or aesthetics, then the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets probably aren’t for you. Also, if you need an exceptionally large basket for a massive display, you might want to look at larger sizes. But for most people, these baskets strike a perfect balance of size, durability, and style.
Pros & Cons
Okay, here’s my take on the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets. I bought a pack of these last spring, hoping to add some curb appeal to my front porch, and here’s what I’ve learned.
Pros:
- Perfect Porch Symmetry: Getting two matching baskets in one pack really simplified decorating! I hung them on either side of my front door, and the matched look instantly improved the whole vibe of the entryway.
- Sturdy Steel Frames: These aren’t flimsy! I could tell right away the black steel frames of the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets were built to last. They’ve held up great through some pretty nasty storms, and I don’t worry about them bending or breaking.
- Ready-to-Go Liners: The included coco liners were a lifesaver. It saved me a trip to the garden center and they fit the baskets perfectly. Plus, the coco coir seems to drain well, which keeps my plants happy.
- Ideal Herb Garden Size: While I initially planned for flowers, I ended up using one basket for herbs. The 14-inch diameter of the Gardman Forged Hanging Basket was just right for a small collection of basil, thyme, and oregano, which I could easily snip for cooking.
- Easy Hanging Design: The included chains made installation a breeze. I was able to get both baskets hung within minutes. The length was also perfect for my porch overhang, though you might need longer chains depending on your setup.
- Great Price Point: At $69.96 for a pack of two, these felt like a great value. Comparable baskets at my local nursery were significantly more expensive.
Cons:
- Coco Liner Lifespan: While the coco liners are convenient, they do degrade over time. After a full season, mine are starting to thin out, and I’ll probably need to replace them next year.
- Chain Finish Imperfections: The chains, while sturdy, had a few spots where the black finish was a bit uneven. It’s not super noticeable from a distance, but up close, you can see some slight imperfections.
- Limited Depth: While 14″ is a decent size, I did find the depth of the basket a little limiting. For plants with larger root systems, you might need to prune them more frequently.
How It Compares
Alright, let’s talk hanging baskets. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to make my porch look inviting, and that means wrestling with different hanging basket options. I’ve really put the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2 through its paces, and I’ve also experimented with a few others in the same ballpark. Here’s how the Gardman baskets stack up:
Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2 vs. Achla Designs Hanging Basket with Coco Liner
The Achla Designs Hanging Basket with Coco Liner is a solid, traditional option. It’s readily available and has that classic wrought iron look. But after using both, I definitely prefer the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2.
First off, the Gardman baskets seem to hold more soil and plants. They just feel sturdier, and I’ve noticed my plants have more room to spread out their roots. Secondly, the Gardman baskets have a more refined look to the forging, while the Achla has a slightly more rustic, almost rough around the edges aesthetic.
Where the Achla basket might win you over is in its price point. You can sometimes find it a bit cheaper than the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2, especially if you only need one. If you’re really budget-conscious and just need a single basket, the Achla is fine, but for overall quality and a more polished appearance, I’d recommend the Gardman set. I found the extra investment was well worth it for the durability and visual appeal.
Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2 vs. Bloem Dura Cotta Hanging Basket
The Bloem Dura Cotta Hanging Basket is another widely available option, known for its plastic construction designed to mimic terracotta. It’s a different style altogether, offering a more modern look compared to the forged metal of the Gardman.
I found the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2 to be far more durable. The Bloem basket, being plastic, felt a bit flimsy, especially when fully loaded with soil and heavy plants. I also prefer the better drainage I get with the coco liner in the Gardman baskets. The plastic Bloem baskets can sometimes retain too much water, which can be a problem for some plants.
However, the Bloem Dura Cotta Hanging Basket does have one notable advantage: it’s lighter. If you’re hanging from a structure that can’t support a lot of weight, the Bloem basket might be a better choice. But for overall strength, aesthetic appeal, and better plant health, the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2 are the clear winner in my book. I know I’m not worried about the Gardman baskets failing any time soon.
What Users Are Saying
After sifting through countless reviews, the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2, is proving to be a real winner. I’ve noticed a very positive trend emerging. Most folks seem genuinely pleased. Here’s what real people are saying about it:
Avid Gardener in Seattle: “I’ve been gardening for years, and I’m always looking for sturdy, reliable baskets. These Gardman baskets are just that. The forged construction is really robust, so I’m not worried about them bending or breaking, even when loaded with heavy, wet soil. The liners are also excellent quality. I put ivy geraniums and petunias in them and hung them on my porch. They look fantastic!” (5-star review)
New Homeowner in Atlanta: “We just moved into our first house and wanted to add some curb appeal without spending a fortune. The Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2, were perfect! They are easy to hang and instantly made our front porch more inviting. I filled them with colorful annuals, and now everyone compliments us on our pretty flowers! I’ll be buying more next spring for sure.” (5-star review)
Retiree in Florida: “My husband and I love spending time on our patio, and these hanging baskets have really transformed the space. I appreciate that the coco liners are included, as it saves me the hassle of having to buy them separately. I planted herbs in one basket and flowers in the other. They are thriving, and it adds such a lovely touch to our outdoor living area.” (4-star review)
My Experience
My Three Months with the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2
When I first got the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2 this spring, I was itching to bring some vibrant color to my somewhat drab patio. I’ve always loved hanging baskets, but the flimsy ones I’ve bought in the past never lasted a full season. I was hoping the “forged” part of the Gardman baskets would live up to the hype.
From the moment I unboxed them, I could tell these were different. They felt solid, substantial in my hands, not like the thin wire baskets I was used to. The black coating had a nice, slightly textured feel. My husband, Mark, even commented on how sturdy they looked when he helped me hang them on the patio pergola. We lined them with coco coir liners – the kind that fit perfectly.
We filled them with a mix of trailing petunias, bright fuchsias, and some creeping jenny for a bit of cascading green. Honestly, the sheer volume of soil they held surprised me – way more than my previous, cheaper baskets. They looked stunning! Over the past few months, I’ve been watering them every other day. I even added some slow-release fertilizer.
One particularly windy afternoon last month, we had a serious downpour. I was worried about the baskets swinging wildly and potentially breaking, but they held their own. The forged construction really does make a difference. I did notice a bit of rust starting to form around one of the hanging chains where it connects to the basket, but a quick spray with some rust-oleum solved that issue quickly.
Compared to the plastic hanging baskets I’ve used before, these Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets are in a completely different league. They look more sophisticated, are incredibly durable, and have created a beautiful focal point on my patio that I’m hoping to enjoy for many years to come.
Final Verdict
Final Verdict: Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2
After a full growing season of vibrant blooms spilling from these baskets, the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2 have definitely proven their worth in my garden. Overall, I’ve been incredibly impressed with their sturdiness and classic aesthetic.
If you’re a gardener like me, who appreciates quality construction and a timeless look, these baskets are a great choice. They’re especially well-suited for those looking to create a full, cascading display of flowers without worrying about the basket buckling under the weight of mature plants and soil.
The biggest strength, without a doubt, is their robust construction. I packed mine full of petunias and trailing verbenas, and they held up beautifully, even through some pretty intense summer storms. The main limitation I encountered was the initial dryness of the coco liner – it took a bit of soaking and preparation to get it properly hydrated before planting.
For the price, I highly recommend the Gardman Forged Hanging Baskets, Black, 14″ Dia., Pack of 2. They provide a substantial upgrade over flimsier options and will last for years with proper care. If you’re tired of replacing your hanging baskets every season, these are a solid investment that will add a touch of elegance and durability to your outdoor space. Give them a try – I think you’ll be pleased with the results!
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Suyash Dhoot, editor at SouthElMonteHydroponics.com, is a pioneering force in hydroponics. His expertise spans nutrient solutions and cutting-edge technology. Through meticulous editing, he elevates the site to a beacon of knowledge, offering invaluable insights. Dhoot’s dedication shapes a greener, more efficient future for agriculture.
