HANGING BASKETS DO REQUIRE A BIT MORE OF OUR ATTENTION
Over this past month, we have sold thousands of hanging baskets. Blooming hanging baskets are a staple for adding color to porches, decks, balconies, and patios. Although they are an instant way to add color to your outdoor space, they do require a bit more care to stay thriving and look good for the rest of the summer months.
Within the thousands of baskets that we sold, we probably had nearly a hundred different varieties, with some baskets having mixed flowers in the same basket. Some of these baskets require six to eight hours of good sunlight, while other varieties require some shade. For you to be happy with how your chosen basket is thriving, it comes down to the “right basket / right location.”
HERE ARE A FEW KEY TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND IN CARING FOR YOUR BLOOMING HANGING BASKET
WATERING
Proper and timely watering is probably the most crucial factor in hanging basket care. Baskets can dry out very quickly on hot summer days. Keep in mind that some plants need to dry out a little in between waterings such as with Begonias and Portulaca. When watering you want to water slowly and thoroughly when the top surface feels dry and/or the weight of the basket feels light. When watering, water until water comes out of the bottom of the hanging basket. This will ensure that the entire soil system is wet.
FERTILIZING
With any plants planted in some form of a container, the volume of soil is limited by the size of the container—in this case, a hanging basket. Over time the hanging basket becomes more roots than soil. The plants compete for nutrients, so properly fertilizing baskets is crucial for success. Use a fertilizer that has a higher middle number. This middle number represents phosphate. Phosphate is needed for root structure and blossom setting. I recommend fertilizing hanging baskets once every couple of weeks. The fertilizer that we use to care for our hanging baskets on the selling floor is JACK’S 20-20-20.
PRUNING
Timely pruning is very important to keeping your hanging basket beautiful and thriving. I am referring to dead-heading or trimming off the dead blossoms. With pruning, most flowering baskets will be invigorated with new growth and blossoms.
Summer is vacation time for many. Hanging baskets cannot be neglected for a very long time and expect to survive. Some people are fortunate to have family, friends, or neighbors take care of their plants while away. You could also take down the hanging baskets and put them on the ground, maybe in a little shade. You could even bury the pot itself into some mulch for insulation and protect the soil and roots from drying out so fast. Be sure to thoroughly water your baskets the morning before leaving.
HAPPY GARDENING!!!!!!