By |Categories: Jesson Garden Centre Blog|Last Updated: June 26, 2025|

Hanging Baskets – tips to keep them healthy and blooming

Taking care of hanging baskets requires a bit of extra attention because they dry out more quickly and have less soil than ground-planted containers. Here are some essential tips to keep them healthy and blooming:

Watering
Frequency: Water daily in summer (even twice on hot days). In cooler months, reduce frequency.
Check Moisture: Stick your finger an inch into the soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Method: Water slowly until it runs out the bottom to ensure deep hydration.

Light
Choose the Right Plants: Make sure the plants match the light exposure—sun-loving for bright spots (like petunias, geraniums), shade-loving for sheltered areas (like fuchsias, impatiens).
Rotate the Basket: Turn it occasionally so all sides receive light and grow evenly.

Feeding
Liquid Feed: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or tomato feed) every 1–2 weeks.

Slow-Release Fertilizer: Mix into soil at planting for consistent nutrition.

Deadheading & Pruning
Deadhead Often: Remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
Trim Leggy Growth: Cut back long, straggly stems to keep a tidy shape and promote bushiness.

Soil & Drainage
Use Good Compost: Use high-quality, peat-free compost with added moisture-retaining crystals if possible.
Ensure Drainage: Always have drainage holes and never let baskets sit in water.

Weather Protection

Wind: Secure baskets in windy areas and consider taking them down during storms.
Heat: On very hot days, provide some shade during peak sun hours if plants show signs of stress.
Cold: Bring tender plants inside or protect them from frost in colder seasons.

General Maintenance
Check for Pests: Look under leaves and treat issues early.

Replant Annually: Refresh with new compost and plants every year, especially if they’ve become root-bound or depleted. Drop in to Jesson Garden Centre and let us make up your basket with fresh vibrant flowers.