The Age Old Problem: Why Are My Hanging Baskets And Containers Dying?
1) Watering Frequency: How often are you watering your plants? Remember, plants are living beings that require regular care, just like children. You can't just buy them and leave them unattended, or else you'll end up with dead plants. Hanging baskets and containers need to be checked every day, especially during hot summer weather. Depending on the size of the containers, they may even require watering twice a day. To check the moisture level, stick your finger into the soil up to your knuckle. If the soil feels moist and sticks to your finger, you can wait to water. If it's dry and brushes off your finger, it's time to water.
2) Watering Time: Water your plants in the morning.
3) Watering Technique: Avoid watering the foliage as much as possible. Focus on the soil around the base of the plants.
4) Deep Watering: Water until water drains from the holes at the bottom of the pot.
5) Avoid Dry Soil: Do not let plants in containers or hanging baskets dry out completely. If they do, you'll struggle to bring them back to health for the rest of the summer.
6) Fertilizing: Fertilize regularly to promote healthy growth. When applying fertilizer, avoid getting it on the foliage. It's best to fertilize in the morning before temperatures rise, as some fertilizers can burn plants if overused. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. We recommend avoiding Miracle-Gro; instead, check out our favorite, Bud N Bloom, available at our store.
7) Deadheading: Some plants require regular deadheading to continue blooming throughout the summer. To deadhead, simply pinch off old, dead blooms—those that have lost their color and have shriveled up. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hanging baskets and containers thrive all summer long!