Care for Hanging Baskets
Here are some tips and tricks to keeping your hanging baskets looking fantastic all season long!
Colorful hanging baskets are a staple for gracing our porches and patios during the summer months. Here are some tips to help you maintain their beauty.
Water
Proper watering is probably the most important factor in hanging basket care.
-
Make sure your basket has drain holes and they are not clogged.
-
Water thoroughly when the top surface feels dry and/or the weight of the basket feels light compared to just after watering.
-
Water until the excess starts coming out of the drain holes.
-
During cool moist conditions baskets may only need watering 1-2 times per week.
-
During hot/windy conditions it is not unusual for baskets to need water twice per day.
-
If your basket is hung under eaves or a covered porch, don’t forget to check it even on rainy days.
Fertilizer
Just as all those plants in a small soil volume compete for water, they also compete for nutrients, so properly fertilizing baskets is crucial for success.
-
Usually by mid-summer baskets have used up most of the slow release fertilizer and the plant volume has increased too. At this point they will benefit from a water soluble fertilizer once per week.
Cleaning / Haircuts
Petunias and verbena in particular need to have their spent blooms removed to stay looking their best. Often by mid-summer baskets can start to have a leggy open appearance. By giving them a good haircut (remove 1-2 inches all over), the baskets will be invigorated with more branching and flowers long term. You may lose a few blooms at first, but will reap the rewards a couple weeks later when your baskets once again look full and beautiful!
Pro Tip
To keep your baskets looking the best in the neighborhood, you can fertilize them with a liquid fertilizer weekly to keep the blooms constant and beautiful.
