Choosing the Right Coir Liner for Your Hanging Basket

by Ryan Stiff

A good coir liner is the unsung hero of a beautiful hanging basket. Get it right and your plants will thrive all summer; get it wrong and you'll be fighting poor drainage, drying compost, and a basket that looks tired by July. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect coir liner for your baskets, troughs, and wall planters.

What Is a Coir Liner?

Coir is the natural fibre extracted from coconut husks — a byproduct of the coconut industry that would otherwise go to waste. Pressed into shape, it makes an ideal liner for hanging baskets and wall planters. It's breathable (which roots love), retains just enough moisture without waterlogging, and looks naturally attractive. It's also fully biodegradable at the end of the season.

Compared to plastic or foam liners, coir allows air to reach the roots from all sides, which encourages healthier, more vigorous growth. It also allows you to plant through the sides of a basket for that classic, fully-planted globe effect.

Choosing the Right Size

The most important thing is getting the right fit. A liner that's too small will leave gaps; too large and it won't sit neatly. Here's a quick size guide for our most popular liners:

  • 12" (30cm): Ideal for small hanging baskets on a porch or balcony. Our 12" coir basket liner is a great starting point for compact displays.
  • 14" (35cm): A versatile mid-size. The 14" coco basket liner suits most standard wire baskets.
  • 16" (40cm): Popular for wall baskets. See our 16" wall basket liner for a neat fit in wall-mounted planters.
  • 18" (45cm): The most popular size for traditional round hanging baskets. Our 18" coir basket liner gives you plenty of planting depth and room for side planting.
  • 24" (60cm) cradle: For large statement baskets. The 24" cradle coir liner is perfect for extra-large displays.

Not sure of your basket size? Measure the internal diameter across the top of the basket — that's the size liner you need.

Round Baskets vs. Wall Troughs vs. Cradle Planters

Coir liners aren't one-size-fits-all in shape, either. Make sure you match the liner shape to your planter:

  • Round hanging baskets: Use a standard dome-shaped coir liner. These are designed to sit inside a wire frame and can be planted through the sides.
  • Wall troughs and Forge planters: These need a flat-backed or trough-shaped liner. Our 30" Forge deep wall trough liner and 24" Forge trough liner are shaped specifically for wall-mounted planters.
  • Cradle planters: These sit in a cradle frame rather than hanging. The 24" cradle liner is shaped to fit snugly without bunching.
  • Custom or unusual shapes: Our coir liner by the metre lets you cut to any size or shape — ideal for bespoke troughs, raised bed liners, or large planters.

How to Line a Hanging Basket Step by Step

  1. Place the liner in the basket: Press the coir liner firmly into the wire frame, moulding it to the shape. It should sit snugly with no large gaps at the base.
  2. Add a water reservoir (optional but recommended): Cut a small circle of plastic from an old compost bag and place it in the base of the liner. This slows drainage at the bottom and reduces how often you need to water.
  3. Add compost: Fill to about one-third with a good quality multipurpose or hanging basket compost. Mix in slow-release fertiliser granules at this stage.
  4. Plant through the sides: Use a pencil or dibber to make holes through the coir at the sides. Push trailing plants (lobelia, bacopa, ivy) through from the outside, roots inward. This creates the full, lush look.
  5. Add top plants: Fill with more compost and plant your upright and trailing varieties in the top. Firm in gently and water thoroughly.
  6. Hang and water daily: Coir dries out faster than plastic liners, especially in warm weather. Check daily and water until it runs freely from the base.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Coir Liner

  • Add water-retaining gel crystals to your compost to reduce watering frequency — especially useful for baskets in sunny, exposed spots.
  • Feed weekly with a liquid tomato fertiliser once plants are established. Coir itself contains no nutrients.
  • At the end of the season, the spent coir liner can go straight on the compost heap.
  • If your liner dries out completely and becomes rigid, soak it in a bucket of water before replanting.

Ready-Made Baskets with Coir Liners

If you'd rather skip the assembly, we also stock complete hanging baskets with coir liners already fitted — including the popular Forge, Saxon, and Classic ranges. These come ready to plant and are a great time-saver.

Shop All Coir Liners

Browse our full range of coir and jute basket liners to find the right fit for your baskets and planters. If you're not sure which size or shape to go for, drop us a message — we're always happy to help.

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