Caring for Those Hanging Baskets

Many Moms received hanging baskets for Mother's Day and now it is time to keep them looking beautiful for the rest of the summer. After these beauties are taken home it isn't long when the beauty isn't looking so beautiful if they aren't given some basic care. It really isn't that difficult to keep those planters and baskets looking good for the summer. Here is what you need to do.

Watering is a key issue. The first thing to do is to water the plants properly. If you still happen to have a couple of the recent issues of this newspaper with the gardening column you will find a review about proper watering. We will not go into all those details here but just mention the critical points that need to be followed to keep your basket or container garden looking good. Keep the soil moist, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is good as long as the soil does not get so dry that it shrinks away from the walls of the container. A slight wilt is fine for the root system as long as it is not too severe. Keep in mind that rain water for watering your containers and baskets is preferred to well water in the Miami Valley as we have very hard water that is unfavorable to many plants. One of the solutions to the watering issue is to use the "Weekender" hanging basket that only needs to be watered once every 3 or 4 days with summer temperatures. There is a built in water reservoir in these baskets.



Feeding the plants is next in line. Some garden centers will add a Slow Release fertilizer like Osmocote at check out to feed your plant for several weeks. If you purchase plants where this service is not offered then you will have to apply Osmocote or some similar fertilizer or feed the plants with a water soluble fertilizer like Jack's twice a week.

Grooming your container or hanging basket is very important. Please do not confuse this with "dead-heading". Think of it as something you do regularly, like giving your hair the 'do'. Some plants don't require as much attention as others so just watch their development and if your baskets or planters seem to be getting a little straggly then it is time to give them a little pruning. This will keep your plants nice and full and your plants will have many more flowers and an attractive shape. Grooming is cutting the stems of some plants like petunias, lantana, and million bells, back 2 - 4". If you do this regularly when the plants need it, using a random pattern, you will not notice the "tipping" of the stems and your plants will continue to bloom profusely with a nice compact shape.

Remember, plants are living things and we all need a little attention from time to time, now don't we?

Send your gardening questions to info@meadowview.com and we will get back to you post haste.

Your gardening team,
Meadow View Growers
Growing for over 33 years

www.meadowview.com.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Landscaping/Gardening Information:

Related Articles

How To Find Cheap Flower Delivery In Your Area
As humans, we are always on the lookout for a deal. Deals on flower delivery are no exception.
Easy Pond and Water Garden Construction
Today's successful water garden usually is designed as an ecosystem that uses a balance between fish, plants and bacteria keeping the water clear. The type of pond I'm talking about is self-contained (not fed by a spring or stream) and between 100-900 sq ft; a backyard water garden that is easy to maintain and adds value to your lifestyle and property.
Escape to Sunny Mexico - at Home!
Can't get away for a southern vacation this year? Don't despair -- plan a sunny Mexican style refresher for your patio décor and enjoy the festive atmosphere of a hacienda at home this summer.As with every other decorating style, Mexican décor has its own basic elements.
Come With Me To The Casbah!
A ripe persimmon is a thing of beauty - sweet, succulent and an amazing shade of orange-red. Orange and red continue to be popular colors in decorating this year but 2004's shades are softer and more vibrant, like ripe persimmons and pomegranates.
Low Maintenance Teak Furniture
In all likelihood you have heard of teak furniture and have wanted to know why it's such a big deal. This article contains some simple info regarding the building material that seems a little mysterious, even has a weird sound to it, but dominates the market of outdoor furniture.
Set Out a Feast for Your Feathered Friends
February is "Feed the Birds" month in much of North America. And what great timing! If you're going through a cold winter, you can help the wintering birds that are going through it with you.
Planting Bare Root Roses
Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions will help insure that your roses grow into healthy bushes, trees, etc.
International Flower Delivery
As our global community continues to expand we often find ourselves with friends and families who live in countries outside of the U.S.
22 Fun Things To Do With Your Dozen Rose Gift
Your dozen rose gift doesn't only have to decorate your favorite room. Roses are about romance and enjoying the moment they are given and received.
Composting the Easy Way
Having an ample supply of good rich compost is the gardeners dream. It has many uses, and all of those uses will result in nicer plants.
Patio Accessories - Complete The Great Outdoors
Patio accessories can range from small to large and of all types of materials and styles depending on your garden décor. Outdoor entertaining on the patio or backyard has skyrocketed in the last few years as people are treating their patios as outdoor rooms.
The Perfect Accent -- Miniature Roses
Indoors or out, you'll find miniature roses very easy to grow. These little guys sometimes get overlooked because they give off little fragrance, yet they can be the perfect visual accent to any home or garden.
How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond
Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will add a new dimension to your pool.When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must first consider the design and make a plan.
Creativity with Ponds
Here's where your creative instincts kick in. This is where you make your pond your own.
The Amazing Hummingbird
Without a doubt, hummingbirds are beautiful and interesting creatures.Those living in the wild usually have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
Protecting your Garden Pond from Pesky Predators
Notice any fish disappearing lately? While herons are presentyear-round, water gardeners notice the challenges they bring tothe pond in spring and early summer when herons feed their young.An adult heron needs about 13 ounces of food daily, which isequivalent to three 6" koi.
Riding Lawn Mowers
Most riding lawn mowers are machines fun ride and extremely cool to look at. However, they are just a dream for many gardeners who can not afford one of these powerful gardening equipment.
Cozy Nooks: Creating a Secret Outdoor Place
Everyone seems to love a secret -- and when the secret is a nook in your outdoor space, all the better. A nook is defined as a private or secluded quiet inner place.
Fertilizing Your Water Lilies...
Unfortunately, sunlight is not enough.Your water lilies will grow, thrive, and bloom much better if youget in the habit of fertilizing them regularly.
How To Mow A Lawn
Although push lawn mowers are wonderful machines that do a great job in keeping the lawn looking lush and well groomed, sometimes you need something with a bit more power to get the job done.Ride on mowers can turn an all day chore into an enjoyable job that lasts only a few hours.