How to keep hanging baskets ‘blossoming for months’ in the summer with three ‘simple’ jobs
Hanging baskets are one of the easiest ways to spruce up a front or back garden, but many people struggle to keep them thriving throughout the summer. To help, plant experts have shared "simple" tips and tricks to keep them "blossoming for months".
Gardening: Suttons shows how to plant a hanging basket
1. Position carefully
One of the most “overlooked” elements of hanging baskets is the location of the basket itself, according to the gardening experts at Phostrogen®.
They said: “Just as you would with any other flowers in your beds and borders, it is important to consider the type of plant and its requirements.
“A basket full of shade-dwelling fuchsias or begonias placed in direct sunlight will quickly wilt, and equally, placing sun-loving plants like petunias in the shade will mean they soon fade, too.
“The elements also play a significant factor in the success of your hanging baskets, so ensure you choose an area that is sheltered from the wind.
“Not only will protecting flowers from strong gusts reduce the risk of the basket falling and protect delicate blooms from being blown away, but it will also reduce the amount of watering required.
“Of course, ensure the hanging basket is securely fixed to the wall, fence or hook – baskets can become heavy after a good watering, so it’s important it is safely attached.”
Britons should also remember to rotate the basket every so often to avoid uneven growth as well as remember to deadhead to encourage repeat blooms.
2. Water deeply
Plants in pots, containers and baskets dry out much quicker than plants in beds and borders, so it is important to keep hanging baskets watered throughout the summer.
A hanging basket will need to be watered when the soil is looking dry and is much lighter than usual. Britons shouldn’t forget that smaller baskets will dry out much quicker than larger baskets.
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The experts explained: “During hot spells, water your hanging baskets more regularly than you would normally - once a day is usually advisable, but if it is particularly hot or windy you may need to water them twice a day. It is best to water early in the morning and late in the evening to prevent water evaporating throughout the warm days.
“Never water your plants during full sun or in the middle of the day, as strong direct sunlight can burn them. Water hanging baskets generously until it streams through the drainage holes of the container.
“If you don’t water your hanging baskets enough, the plants won’t develop a strong root system which happens when they go in search for water at a deeper level, and instead becomes dependent on the surface water provided.
“Water hanging baskets generously until it streams through the drainage holes of the container.
“If you don’t water your hanging baskets enough, the plants won’t develop a strong root system which happens when they go in search of water at a deeper level, and instead become dependent on the surface water provided.”
3. Feed regularly
As well as watering, plants require nutrients to be able to thrive during the summer months, so make sure to invest in a good fertiliser.
According to the pros, potting soil contains the nutrients to help plants grow, but these soon run out as the plant absorbs them, meaning they need to be replaced.
There are a variety of fertilisers to choose from but the experts recommended a water-soluble one or a slow-release granular fertiliser.
