How to Grow in Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets add beauty to an outdoor space.

Hanging baskets are striking, functional components to any outdoor space. In addition, hanging baskets provide several advantages over flowers and plants that are grown in the ground. One of the biggest advantages is that hanging baskets are easy to move indoors during cold nighttime temperatures; therefor, the growing season for most plants can be extended using a hanging basket. There are several special considerations to caring for flowers in hanging baskets, such as providing sufficient water and fertilizer.

Things You'll Need

• Coconut mat
• Potting soil
• Garden spade
• Threaded metal hooks
• Pitcher
• 20-10-20 liquid-based fertilizer

Instructions

1. Insert a coconut mat into the bottom of the hanging basket if it is made of wire to prevent the soil from running out when the plant is watered. Fill the basket with an all-purpose potting soil until it reaches approximately 1 inch from the top of the basket. Insert three to four small plants per basket by digging 2-to-3 inch holes in the soil using a garden spade. Insert one plant per hole and fill in the remainder of the hole with potting soil. Consider planting multiple plant varieties in each pot for a more interesting display.

2. Screw a metal hook with a threaded end into the eave of your home, or a trellis, just as you would a screw. Keep in mind that the weight of the pot will double or triple after it is saturate with water, and select a location that will support this weight.

3. Water the hanging basket until water runs out of the bottom of the pot at the initial planting. Afterwards, water the plant once per day or every other day, depending on the temperatures and humidity levels in your area. Keep in mind that hanging pots lose moisture more rapidly than plants in the ground. If the top layer of soil feels dry, the plant needs water.

4. Fertilize hanging plants once per week using an all-purpose 20-10-20, liquid-based fertilizer. Pour the fertilizer into a pitcher and add the amount of water specified on the product packaging to dilute the fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the amounts recommended by the packaging. In general, apply approximately 1 cup of fertilizer liquid per hanging basket.

5. Move the basket indoors during freezing temperatures towards the end of the growing season. Hang the baskets outdoors during the day when temperatures rise.

Tips & Warnings

• Select the appropriate sized hanging basket for the plant. If planting small seedlings, use a basket large enough to accommodate a fully grown plant. Typically, a 10-inch diameter pot is sufficient for most adult plants and flowers.

References

• Texas A&M: Growing Hanging Baskets
• Hanging Baskets: Number of Plugs/10-inch Basket
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Hanging Baskets