Caring For Hanging Baskets
To the Consumer, hanging baskets sometimes appear to be irrestible. The problems arise when the constomer takes the plant home. Many people purchase baskets but do not know how to care for them. As a result, the flower display deteriorates.
The problems with hanging baskets are usually related to the failure to recognize what the plant needs to grow. In general, these problems can be grouped into one of four categories:
1. Failure to match the species with the envirinment;
2. Improper watering;
3. Improper fertilization; and
4. Abandonment
Match the Species with the Environment
annuals in baskets, as in th egarden, do best under specific environmental conditions. That is, some species prefer sun, some thrive in shade, and ohers do well in either sun or partial shade.If the home gardener wants a hanging basket for a particular location, e.g. for sunny locations chouse geranium, latana, nasturtium, or dusty miller; for shady locations choose impatiens, fuchsia, or coleus (see table).
Watering
Most people do not water frequently enough. Baskets contain big plants with small root volumes. Large plants in sunny or wind-exposed locations may need water one or more times a day. The smaller the basket volume, the more difficult watering can become. Ten-inch hanging baskets are easier to manage outdoors.
Fertilization
Because of the limited root volume and large plant size, baskets run out of fertilizer fast. when the fertilizer is depleated, plants stop growing and flowering slows or stops. Hanging baskets must be fed on a regular basis, every fourteen days with liquid food. Alternatively, a slow-release formulation may be used. Controlled-release formulations (CRF) may be best for home gardeners. Two to three CRF tablets per 10" basket will supply all the nutrient required for the season.
Abandonment
When you are on vacation, your well-cared-for basket can go downhill or die in a short time. Maybe a neighbor will water the basket while you are away. If this is not possible, place the basket in a protected location - in the house, on the north side of the house, or under the heavy shade of a tree. Baskets should always be watered thoroughly before leaving.
| Annual bedding plant species and preferred light conditions | ||
| Full Sun | Sun to Partial Shade | Shade |
| Brachycome | Abutilon | Coleus |
| Carnation | Alyssum | Double Impatiens |
| Gerainiums | Chenille Plant | Fuchsia |
| Lantana | Fiberous Begonias | Impatiens |
| Nasturtium | Ivy Geraniums | Tuberous Begonias |
| Petunias | Lobelia | |
| Portulaca | New Guinea Impatiens | |
| Verbena(vining) | Pansy | |
| Vinca | Thunbergia | |