How To Care For Hanging Baskets

How to keep hanging baskets blooming throughout summer

Hanging baskets not only look good in the spring but are also perfect for summer. Here’s how to care for your hanging baskets and planters with just a few easy tips!

HOW TO CARE FOR HANGING BASKET FLOWERS

Choosing the right flowers

How can you make the perfect environment for your flowers? This article will help guide you in creating a plan that is right for both them and their location. The first step would be to determine what type of plants they are, this way it’s easier to figure out how much sun or shade each plant needs.

For example, petunias need full sunlight because they have thick foliage which thrives on heat; impatiens do not like strong winds so should preferably be placed somewhere sheltered from breezes; lobelia prefers a partially shaded area where it won’t get too hot under the afternoon sun – if possible find an overhang or create one with cloches/a row cover, etc.

Mixed plantings look great, but they can get complicated if you don’t know what plants to put together. You’ll need to choose ones that have similar sun and water requirements so they all thrive in the same environment. And be careful not too overplant one type of vegetation because then it will overtake other types nearby which could lead to a lack of diversity!

Choose the right size basket

You know you’ve made the right choice when choosing a hanging basket if it has at least 12 to 15 (30 to 38 cm) inches of space for your plants.

In fact, many baskets are too small and can only hold one or two plants which is not enough room for them to grow without becoming root-bound.

Watering hanging baskets

It is important to water flower baskets more than ground containers because they are exposed to the elements. In spring, you may only need two or three days between watering but in hot summer weather, it can be necessary every day! The best time to water your flower baskets is either in the morning or evening.

If you want to test if it’s necessary, press your finger into the potting mix and feel for dryness. You can also check how heavy a basket feels; as long as they are still light, there might be need for more watering!

One way that I like to know when my flowers need some attention is by checking their weight with one hand while feeling around inside the pots with another – using both hands will allow me better “feel” of what’s going on down below (I am always careful not get my fingers wet).

Fertilizing hanging basket flowers

As watering leaches the nutrients from your potting mix, you’ll need to add fertilizer regularly. Liquid fertilizers are recommended every two weeks while slow-release alternatives can be added in intervals of a month or more.

Don’t use both at once – they will cancel each other out and do nothing for your plants! Instead, it’s best to fertilize when the soil is moist but not wilted so that water isn’t drawn away by evaporation before being absorbed by the plant roots.

Deadhead regularly

To keep your plants looking tidy and promote flowering, pinch or snip off the spent flowers. The plant will go to seed quicker if you don’t remove them but it’s a good idea for these plants because they can produce more blooms this way!

Controlling pests

For a hassle-free way to add life and color in your backyard, hang up some hanging baskets! These plants are less susceptible than other options to pests including slugs, snails, and caterpillars but can still be affected by mites or aphids.

Remove any damaged leaves from the plant and rinse off any visible aphids with water if you come across them.

When planting an individual basket make sure there is enough space between it for air circulation so that mildew doesn’t grow on the roots of neighboring plants nearby too quickly.

Replace plants

If your plant is on its last breath and you want to give it a chance, gently remove the dying one from their pot. Replace them with either another healthy plant or some soil so that they can continue growing.

Trim

There is nothing like the end of a long summer to make your plants look tired and worn out. Don’t fear, though! Trimming can help revitalize them enough that they will be ready for another season full of blooms in no time!

Move the baskets around

Hanging flower baskets often get too much sun and not enough shade. Rotating them occasionally will ensure they can thrive in a balance of both! Here are my tips for caring for hanging baskets.

Follow my step by step guide to have a beautiful display of flowers in your flower baskets from the spring until summer.