Hanging Baskets for Shade
Begonia-Nonstop
Begonia-Dragon Wing
Boston Fern
Fuchsia
Impatiens
Lobelia
Hanging Baskets for the Sun
Bacopa
Black-eyed Susan
Geranium
Lantana
Million Bells
Portulaca
Scaevola
Strawflower
Verbena
Water before wilting
Because they’re exposed to more wind and warmer temperatures, hanging baskets dry out faster than garden bed plants. Check soil daily, using a moisture meter if necessary. Water deeply when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Tip: Adding a moisture retaining product, such as “Soil Moist Spikes” or “Soil Moist Beads” will help to maintain your plant’s water needs.
Fertilizing
If you notice yellowing leaves or poor flowering, the plant is sending a message that it needs more light or some fertilizing. Use a water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength every time you water, or when you first get your hanging basket, sprinkle over the soil one or two tablespoons of slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote. This amount will keep the plant well fed all season.
Tip: A little fertilizer is good, too much is deadly. Don't overfeed your plants. Excessive fertilizer will burn roots. Follow directions on the label.
Vacation care
When you leave for vacation, take hanging baskets down and put them on the ground in a shady, protected spot. Water thoroughly before you leave. Trimming your plants back slightly will help reduce the water needs. Better still, ask a friend or neighbor to water while you’re away.
Grooming
For good appearance and to encourage vigorous flowering, remove spent blossoms and seedpods. If plants become overgrown and scraggly, trim them back.
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