Do you ever drive by a house and admire their perfect hanging baskets? It seems as though some folks are just natural at it, creating hanging flower baskets that are like works of art. If you want to try your hand at hanging flower baskets this year and want them to look the very best, take a look below at some helpful hints. You will find 7 Tips for Creating Perfect Hanging Baskets, so you too can be a home that others drive by and admire. Here is what you need to know to get started!
7 Tips for Creating Perfect Hanging Baskets
1. Break out the diapers.
Place an opened diaper so the inside is facing upwards inside the basket. You want to do this prior to adding your soil and plants. Many times, hanging baskets die because they aren't kept wet enough. This will help absorb water and keep the roots moist. Just add the diaper, add the soil, and add your plants.
2. You can also line the basket with a plastic shopping bag.
This does the same thing as a diaper without adding too much weight. Lining the basket with a plastic bag can help keep moisture in instead of letting it all run out. While drainage is still important, you can poke a few holes in the bag so water can still get through without all seeping out. Opt for a plastic bag liner if you are worried about the weight about the hanging basket.
3. Choose appropriate plants.
Remember that when you are planting in baskets, you are running on limited space. You can't plant items that need to be buried at a specific depth and width from each other. Be sure you read planting directions for any plants you wish to add to your baskets. Impatiens, begonias, and petunias are ideal for baskets as they fill out nicely and don't need a ton of space.
4. Use a slow release fertilizer.
You want to make sure your plants are properly fed, and slow release fertilizer is the perfect way to give them what they need. Using a slow release fertilizer also prevents you from having to take your baskets down and shuffle them around more than need be.
5. Sunshine is everything.
Be sure you are hanging your baskets where they will get at least 6 hours of sunlight. If you don't have a space in your yard that gets this sort of light, then make sure you move the basket around so that it can get ample amounts. Move the basket every few days so it can get as much sun as possible.
6. Deadhead your plants often.
Nothing kills a plant faster than leaving dead blooms and leaves on it. It is important to pick away these items as soon as you see them so your hanging baskets can look their best and be as healthy as possible. You also want to peak around the inside of the pot and remove any dead foliage that might be looming.
7. Don't overcrowd your plants.
You might want your baskets to look nice and full, but know that this takes time and shouldn't be rushed by crowding plants. Instead, give them space to bloom and fill out. You won't get immediate results, but you lessen the chance of baskets dying from overcrowding. Space your plants and let them fill out at their own pace.
Want a few more ways to make your hanging baskets look their best? Mix plants so you get 2-4 colors in your scheme. You also want to choose plants of varying textures and heights. This helps add variety and interest to the basket. Consider adding trailing plants such as vinca vine or ivy so it will trail down from the basket and create interest.
Are you ready for the most gorgeous hanging baskets on the block? Give these 7 tips for creating perfect hanging baskets a try and you are sure to have amazing results.
Leslie says
May 1, 2016 at 5:22 pmI’ve been wanting to do my own hanging baskets instead of buying the pre-made ones. Thanks for the tips..I can’t wait to put them to use!
Julie says
May 4, 2016 at 9:52 amI have hanging hooks either side of our front door but last year as we had just moved in I never got to getting baskets for them. This year I am planning something pretty so your hints have come in just right, thanks.
Jamie says
May 5, 2016 at 9:15 amThose turned out great!! So fun to decorate the yard with them! I made some from a kitchen item! 🙂 http://www.tigerstrypes.com/colander-planter/
Jeanne Grunert says
May 6, 2016 at 1:54 pmThanks for sharing your tips. I’m sure many people will benefit from them. #HomeMattersParty
Dee says
May 6, 2016 at 9:03 pmI love hanging baskets, so I need to try these tips. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Mother of 3 says
May 11, 2016 at 5:13 amGreat tips! I tend to forget to water frequently enough in the hot summer sun so I’ll definitely be trying the diaper trick this year.