Hanging baskets have a happy-go-lucky look, but they are not so easygoing when it comes to maintenance. With all those plants sharing a single container, water and nutrients are at a premium. Here are a few tips to keep your baskets in top condition without wearing yourself out.
•
Use a high-quality potting soil. Economizing on this is not a good idea.
•
Add polymers, such as Soil Moist, to the soil to hold more water -- unless the soil already contains these (some potting soils come with the water-holding polymers already included).
•
Use time-release fertilizer; add it once and you're done. (This should last all season but if you think the baskets are slowing down in their blooming, you can add liquid fertilizer. Try applying an all-purpose formulation at one-third strength for several watering sessions.
•
Automate the watering: Set up a drip watering system on an automatic timer. Regular water is a must for hanging-basket plants.
•
If plants get leggy, don't be afraid to cut them back. In fact, they'll respond by putting out more growth.
WATERING
Don't let the basket dry out
between waterings.
If you don't use a drip irrigation system,
keep in mind that the potting mix can hold a lot of water but can't absorb its full capacity too rapidly. Always water slowly and thoroughly for best results.
Early morning is the best time
to water. On hot or windy days, a second watering may be needed. Check the bottom of the basket by midafternoon. It should be damp but not soggy.
HOW TO TELL IF A BASKET NEEDS WATER
Checking to assess water needs is easy enough: Just lift up on the bottom. If it's light, it needs water. If it's heavy and the bottom is moist, you're OK.
IF A BASKET DRIES OUT
Once a hanging basket gets stressed, it's hard to bring it back. If it does, however, try watering several times during an eight-hour period or taking the basket down and soaking it in a pail or pan of water until it's fully hydrated again.
OTHER MAINTENANCE
Remove spent blooms
at your discretion.
Clip out a plant
that turns brown or unsightly.
If something sticks out on one side,
trim as needed to keep things symmetrical.
When the season ends,
leave the baskets unwatered for about three days before taking them down. This will make them much lighter and easier to handle.
Tomorrow: Choosing plants for a hanging basket
-- Homes & Gardens staff
If you want to automatically receive a daily homes and gardens tip, sign up at OregonLive.com's newsletters subscription site.