Over the past month, The Great Big Greenhouse and Meadows Farms Nursery have sold thousands of hanging baskets.\u00a0 Blooming hanging baskets are a staple for adding color to decks, patios, porches, and balconies.\u00a0 Although they are an instant way to add color to our outdoor space, they do require a bit of care to stay looking good all season long.\u00a0 Keep in mind about \u201cright hanging basket \/ right location.\u00a0 There are many types of hanging baskets and some require full sun and others may require partial shade. Here are some key care tips to keep these baskets performing up to your expectations.
\n<\/u><\/p>\nWATERING<\/h3>\n
Proper watering is probably the most important factor in hanging basket care.\u00a0 There are a lot of plants and roots contained within a relatively small soil volume which means baskets can dry out very quickly on hot summer days.\u00a0 You want to water thoroughly when the top surface feels dry and\/or the weight of the basket feels light.\u00a0 You want to water slowly until the excess water starts coming out of the drain holes.\u00a0 When this happens you know that you have totally saturated the soil.\u00a0 For hanging baskets in full sun, they may require being watered every other day.\u00a0 Just use your finger to touch the top of the soil.
\n<\/u><\/p>\nFERTILIZING<\/h3>\n
With any plants planted in some form of container, the volume of soil is limited by the size of the container \u2013 in this case, a hanging basket.\u00a0 These plants compete for nutrients, so properly fertilizing baskets is crucial for success.\u00a0 Many hanging baskets already have the time release Osmocote fertilizer sprinkled on top of the soil. \u00a0There are many high-quality fertilizers that are ideal to use in hanging baskets.\u00a0 Ideally, use a fertilizer that has a higher middle number.\u00a0 The middle number represents phosphate.\u00a0 Phosphate is needed for root structure and blossom setting.\u00a0 I would recommend fertilizing hanging baskets once every couple to three weeks.\u00a0 The fertilizer that we use to care for our hanging baskets on the selling floor is\u00a0Jack\u2019s 20-20-20<\/strong>. The third component of a beautiful, healthy hanging basket has to do with maintenance.\u00a0 I am referring to the term \u201cdead-heading\u201d.\u00a0 Petunias and verbena are two plants that particularly need to have their spent blooms removed to stay looking their best.\u00a0 After a couple of months, most hanging baskets can benefit by having a haircut.\u00a0 With a haircut, the baskets will be invigorated with more branching and flowers and will give you a full, fresh look.<\/p>\n Now, many people go on vacation in the summer.\u00a0 Hanging baskets cannot be neglected for a very long time and expect to survive.\u00a0 Some people will have someone take care of their plants while away.\u00a0 One possible trick is to take down the hanging baskets and put on the ground.\u00a0 You could even bury the pot into some mulch in order to shade and protect the soil and roots from drying out so fast.\u00a0 Be sure to thoroughly water the hanging basket(s) the morning before leaving.<\/p>\n Follow these 3 simple steps and you will have beautiful hanging baskets all summer long.<\/p>\n
\n<\/u><\/p>\nPRUNING<\/h3>\n