How to Be Successful with Your Hanging Baskets

Ever wonder how greenhouses maintain those stunning, lush hanging baskets all summer long? Whether you want to buy a pre-made basket or create your own, achieving that professional look is all about choosing the right pot, the right plants, and following a consistent maintenance routine.

1. Choosing the Right Pot Size

The size of your pot significantly impacts how much work it will be to maintain. Here’s a breakdown of common sizes:

8-inch Baskets: These are affordable and great for gifts or a quick pop of color. However, because they have very little soil volume, they dry out quickly and may require watering multiple times a day in hot weather.

10-inch Baskets: A very popular and budget-friendly choice. While they offer more plant combinations than the 8-inch, they still dry out relatively fast.

12-inch Baskets: This is the industry standard and a bestseller. They are easier to maintain due to increased soil volume and can sometimes thrive on just one thorough watering a day.

14-inch (and larger) Baskets: These offer the most success for gardeners. The large soil volume allows for more combinations while requiring less frequent watering. Note that they are heavy and require a sturdy support.

2. Selecting Your Plants

For the best visual appeal, look for trailing plants that will spill beautifully over the sides of the pot.

Sun Options

Petunias: The most common choice, but check the tag for "trailing" habits.

Calibrachoa (Callies): Great for full sun.

Verbena and Scaevola: Both are heat-tolerant and add unique textures; Scaevola is known as the "fan flower".

Ivy Geraniums: These provide a nice trailing habit.

Shade/Part-Shade Options

Begonias: Look for trailing varieties like the Bossa Nova or Illumination series.

Fuchsia: A classic and popular choice for shade.

Lysimachia (Creeping Jenny): Provides a bright green, trailing "spiller" effect.

Bacopa: Best in morning sun (East side), as harsh afternoon sun can cause it to drop its blooms.

3. Essential Maintenance Tips

Hanging baskets can be high-maintenance because they are more exposed to the wind, causing them to dry out quickly.

Watering: Water at least once a day, and potentially twice a day during heatwaves.

Feeding: Use a slow-release fertilizer (like Osmocote) as a base, but supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer at least once a week. A good tip is "Fertilizer Friday"—pick one day a week to feed your plants.

The Mid-Summer Haircut: By mid-to-late July, many baskets (especially petunias) can start looking leggy. Don’t be afraid to give them a "haircut" by trimming them back. This reboots the plant and encourages fresh blooms that will last until the first frost.

I hope this helps with with your hanging basket selections this season! I'm wishing you nothing but succes.

Take care,

Ricki