Hanging Basket Maintenance
Keeping Your Hanging Baskets Blooming All Season
Flowering hanging baskets can stay colorful and healthy for months with just a little care. Follow these simple tips to keep them looking their best.
Give Them the Right Light
Most hanging baskets grow well in a variety of light conditions, but matching plants to their ideal location helps them thrive. Ivy and geraniums handle bright sun and occasional drying out. Petunias also love sunny spots, while impatiens and begonias prefer shade. Fuchsia grows best with some protection from strong midday sun.
Water Consistently
Don’t wait for plants to wilt before watering. Hanging baskets dry out faster than garden beds, so check them often. Most 10-inch baskets need watering every 2–4 days, depending on weather. Water thoroughly until the basket feels heavy and soil is fully soaked. If the soil becomes too dry, you may need to water twice or soak the basket in water for several minutes to rehydrate it.
Feed for Strong Growth
If leaves turn yellow or flowering slows, your plants may need fertilizer. A water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two weeks, while slow-release fertilizer beads can be added at the start of summer to feed plants all season.
Garden Elements Bud & Bloom Water Soluble Plant Food, 1.5Lb.
Shop now!
You can also use plastic-coated slow-release fertilizer beads. Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food is a great option for this type of fertilizer. Apply one to two tablespoons to the soil surface at the start of the summer to last all season long.
Osmocote Smart-Release Flower & Vegetable Plant Food, 2lb.
Shop now!
Keep in mind that if a little fertilizer is good, a lot is NOT better. Too much fertilizer can burn roots and damage plants. Always be sure to use a fertilize as directed in the label.
Remove Spent Flowers
Regularly removing dead flowers and seed pods encourages new blooms and keeps baskets looking neat. It’s also a relaxing way to spend time in the garden.
Prepare for Vacations
If you’ll be away, take baskets down and place them in a shady spot on the ground after watering thoroughly. Most plants can last about a week this way. You can also trim back overgrown plants before leaving to help them stay healthy.
With regular watering, feeding and light maintenance, your hanging baskets will stay full and beautiful all season long.