Flower baskets and planters always look incredible in the greenhouse but how do you keep them looking that way all summer long? While they live here at Anything Grows, these plants have ideal conditions – loads of light and someone dedicated to the task of watering them the second they need it. Not to mention they’ve been planted in fresh, rich potting medium just moments before they arrived here.
So, many gardeners wonder… what’s the secret to keeping them looking amazing and fresh all summer? Here are our top 5 care tips so you can enjoy flourishing hangers until fall.
Hands down, this is the number one reason that hanging baskets start to look “tired” by late July (not getting any fertilizer). We buy annual flowers for one thing – blooms. It takes a lot of energy to produce and sustain bloom after bloom, month after month. Potted plants can’t get fresh nutrients unless we provide them so be sure to pick up a water soluble or slow release fertilizer suited to flowering plants. Without enough nutrients, plants won’t bother spending their energy blooming. Refer to the fertilizer package for info on frequency of application. We really like Garden Pro Hanging Basket Fertilizer.
Water is also key! In windy and hot weather these baskets and planters dry out fast. Plants can’t take up nutrients unless there is enough water, so fertilizer and water go hand in hand. Water yours every day if they feel light when you pick them up. Soak them until they’re heavy again. Baskets in shady locations may need a little less water than those in hot sun.
As far as light goes – it depends on what type of plants are in your arrangements. Most planters and baskets are created for sunny spaces as blooming plants typically like a lot of light. Begonias and fuchsias however might prefer a bit of shade from the afternoon heat. By ensuring your baskets are set up in an area where they get the appropriate light, you’re sure to enjoy more beautiful blossoms.
If you have baskets hanging on hooks, consider placing them on the ground prior to storms so they can soak up some rainwater but avoid swinging around in the wind. Baskets can get quickly tattered in the wind, and have been damaged and even cracked open from falling off hooks in storms. Placing them on the ground prior to storms will prevent damage as well as lost blooms.
Another hot tip – the flowers in your hanging baskets and planters will bloom far more readily if you’re removing old blooms as they finish. This process encourages the plant to put out new growth! To successfully prune your basket, use scissors or pruners and snip the old bloom stem where it connects to the next “branch” or stem. Pulling the dried petals off isn’t sufficient enough to get the plant to re-bloom.
Keeping your baskets looking great is not too difficult – they mostly just want a little grooming and a nice meal! Keep them safe from extreme weather events and prune back old blooms to promote new growth. That’s about it! Enjoy your flowers everyone!
We are Cochrane & West Calgary’s largest Garden Center, owned-and-operated by plant-loving locals. We’re glad you’re here. You can visit us 7 days a week in store, or online. Get Directions
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