Watering Your Hanging Basket
The amount and frequency of water for your baskets will vary as to climate and sun exposure in your particular site. The following guide is meant to help calibrate your particular schedule. Keep in mind it is hard to overwater, so it’s best to err on the side of too wet rather than too dry. Attention to the following recommendations, at the beginning of the season, will ensure a successful watering program. You can be successful with either hand watering or an automated irrigation system. The important thing to remember is the potting mix can hold a lot of water, but it cannot absorb its full capacity too rapidly. Always water slowly and thoroughly for best results.
Watering By Hand
A watering wand works great to deliver a large volume of water with a gentle spray. It is best to water the top of the basket with several passes, go on to water other baskets or pots, and then return to the baskets for a second watering about 5 minutes later.
Automatic Watering Systems
An automated “drip” watering system on a timer is preferred by many people. It is reliable, almost foolproof, and usually cheaper in the long run. “Drip” is a misnomer, as a spray head emitter is far superior. A dripper such as those used on shrubs or trees will not provide adequate water coverage to the entire basket. Even five drippers do not give adequate coverage. Use a 360 degree spray head or, in windy sites, a soaker ring made from 1/4″ weeping tubing.
Fertilization
Our baskets contain a time-release fertilizer when you receive them. This generally keeps the plants happy & healthy from May thru November. When picking up your 12″ & 16″ baskets at the nursery we will give you a packet of slow release fertilizer. We recommend applying a dose of slow release fertilizer around the 4th of July. Liquid feed can be added throughout the season as desired. Use 1/3 to 1/2 strength, over several watering sessions.
Hanging Basket Maintenance
The plants in your basket have been selected for superior performance over a long season. “Deadheading,” or removing spent blooms, can be done at your discretion. When trimming Petunias, remove the calyx (the little green cap) and the petals to prevent seed production. If something grows too tall, or sticks out on one side of the basket, the plants may be trimmed to keep the basket symmetrical. If a plant is not thriving, clip it out. Plenty of other plants will take its place. Sometimes plants die out early; usually because they are being buried by more vigorous neighbors. Clip the poor one out, it won’t be missed.
Let’s Design Your Hanging Basket Florals
Contact Country Garden Nursery today to place your order for custom hanging basket florals to adorn your home or business!