How to Keep Hanging Baskets Looking Fresh All Summer

Hanging baskets are a delightful way to add color and life to your outdoor space. They offer an easy, versatile solution for brightening up patios, balconies, and gardens. However, keeping them looking vibrant throughout the summer requires some know-how. In this guide, we'll walk you through essential tips and techniques for maintaining lush, healthy hanging baskets all season long.

The Best Plants for Hanging Baskets

Some plants are better suited to hanging baskets than others. Consider the plants that thrive in your climate. Popular high-performance options include petunias (known for their colorful blooms and resilience), geraniums (offer a classic look with minimal maintenance) fuchsias (perfect for shady spots with their bright, exotic-looking flowers), and lobelia (provides a cascading effect with delicate, trailing stems).

Understanding Sun and Shade Requirements

Knowing the sun and shade requirements of your chosen plants is crucial. Some plants, like petunias, love full sun, while others, such as fuchsias, prefer partial shade. Make sure to place your basket in an area that meets the specific light needs of your plants.

Watering Your Hanging Baskets

Proper watering is perhaps the most important aspect of hanging basket care. Unlike garden plants, those in baskets are anchored in limited soil and can dry out more quickly. Here are some watering tips:

• Water your baskets daily during hot weather. During cooler months, you can reduce watering to every other day.
• Water in the morning or late afternoon (not midday) to prevent evaporation and allow plants to best absorb moisture.
• Water until you see it draining from the bottom of the basket.

Signs of Over-Watering and Under-Watering

Both over-watering and under-watering can harm your plants. Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Over-Watering: yellowing leaves and wilting despite wet soil
• Under-Watering: brown, crispy leaves and wilting with dry soil

Adjust your watering habits accordingly to maintain optimal moisture levels.

Fertilizing Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets require regular feeding to support their growth and flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble organic fertilizer every couple of weeks. This will replenish nutrients that are washed out with frequent watering.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular maintenance encourages new growth and prolongs blooming periods. To deadhead, remove spent flowers by pinching them off with your fingers or using scissors. This prevents plants from going to seed and encourages more blooms. To prune, trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to maintain a bushy, compact shape. This helps improve air circulation and light penetration within the basket.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Hanging baskets are just as susceptible to pests and diseases as ground plants. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble, such as discolored leaves or visible insects.

Common Pests

• Aphids: small, green insects that cluster on new growth → Remove them with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.

• Spider Mites: tiny pests that create fine webbing on leaves → Increase humidity around plants and use miticides if needed.

• Whiteflies: small, white insects that fly when disturbed → Use yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soap to control them.

Disease Prevention

Prevent diseases by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering, which can promote fungal infections. Instead, water plants at the soil line. Remove any diseased plant material promptly to prevent spread.

Hanging Basket Placement and Rotation

Proper placement and occasional rotation of your hanging baskets can prevent uneven growth and ensure all sides receive adequate light. Avoid areas with harsh winds or intense afternoon sun, which can stress plants. Turn baskets every few weeks to promote even growth and prevent plants from leaning toward the light source.

In the video below, Ellen, one of our houseplant experts, shows you how to keep your hanging baskets thriving. Watch as she takes you through the process of transferring plants from their nursery pots to specialized planters and putting them on a fertilization schedule. Enjoy!