Keep Your Planters & Hanging Baskets Looking Good

Keeping those beautiful hanging baskets looking good doesn't take a lot of time and it isn't necessary to work on them often. All it takes is a little pruning from time to time to keep them blooming and full. For all of you that purchased hanging baskets back in April and earlier this month it's about time to get those scissors out and do a little clipping to keep your plants looking nice and full and with lots of flowers. In fact, when you do this periodic pruning you will have many more flowers than if you don't do this maintenance. Randomly cut back the longer stems from 2 - 4".

Most gardeners are afraid to trim their plants because they are not sure how to do it or where to begin. It is really not that critical where the pruning cuts are made but it is a good idea to make the cuts close to a node (where a leaf or bud can be seen along the stem of the plant). It is very difficult to cause serious damage to your "annual" plants when you trim them. And, if by chance you do make an error, it isn't the end of the world, remember the plants are growing and will soon cover the pruning you are doing in a short time. After some experience you will truly enjoy the results.

The two key factors in keeping your planters and hanging baskets looking good in addition to the trimming is watering and feeding.
• Watering- When it comes to watering it is necessary to let the container soil dry down some to allow the proper level of oxygen in the root zone. Remember, roots can drown (rot) if they are kept too wet for too long of a period. On the other hand they should not be allowed to completely dry out. A little "wilt" between waterings is ok but not a too severe.
• Feeding- The best way to keep your hanging basket thriving is to provide a constant source of nutrients. This can be done by feeding your hanging baskets or container gardens a couple of times a week with a water soluble fertilizer like Jack's or Miracle Gro. However, the easiest way to provide a steady diet for these plants is by using a controlled release fertilizer like Osmocote. One application will last the entire summer. In addition, a supplement of a Jack's type of fertilizer once a month is a good practice.

Here's to one of the best growing seasons you have ever experienced. Send your gardening questions to: info@meadowview.com and we'll do our best to assist you.

Meadow View Growers

34 years of growing for you

www.meadowview.com.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Landscaping/Gardening Information:

Related Articles

Plan for Winter Plantings
Part four in a seriesIt's hard to think about winter when our gardens are in full bloom and the vegetables are ripening on the vine! But we must keep winter in mind when we are planning our landscape. Afterall, we have to look at our landscape all year long, including winter.
Buying Teak Wood Furniture Responsibly
Teak has many qualities that make the indoor and outdoor furniture made out of this a coveted high value asset. They last for generations.
An Outdoor Swing is A Great Way to Relax
There is simply no better vantage point from which to view the beauty of nature, the occasional passerby and the antics of wildlife than an outdoor swing. Outdoor swings do more than provide a beautiful addition to your outdoor décor; they provide a relaxation spot, gathering place and a comfortable outdoor perch that will be greatly appreciated by everyone in the family.
A Bit About Bare Root Roses...
Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you walk by..
Composting Makes "Cents"
Because most of us that enjoy gardening like to see our plants thriving with as little effort as possible, one way we can have this happen is by providing the best soil conditions for our plants.
Butterfly House in the Flower Garden
Whenever you decide to look for a butterfly house for your flower garden, you first have to determine what it is you actually want. A search for butterfly houses will yield two different types.
Winter Pruning Tips - Shade Trees
Now that winter is here there is a limited amount of outdoor work we can do so we'll spend a little time talking about dormant season pruning.
External vs. Submersible Pumps. Which One Should You Use?
For many people, it's never been a question of whether to use asubmersible pump vs. an external pump because most people havesmaller ponds and are used to just using a submersible pump.
The Colder Weather is Here! The colder weather is finally here. November temperatures have been above normal but now it appears we are back to our normal temperatures for this time of the year.
Metal Garden Furniture
Since Victorian times metal garden furniture has become a popular way to decorate gardens. In fact, since this furniture can easily last for many years with the proper maintenance, some people are still using pieces in their gardens that were made in the Victorian era.
Gardeners Gift Ideas
Plant lovers and backyard enthusiasts are special people who will love your thoughtfulness when you chose a garden gift for them. If someone you know spends more than ninety percent of their day pruning and pairing, selecting garden gifts for their next birthday or anniversary might be the perfect token of your appreciation.
Is Your Landscape Ready for Winter?
The warmer than average temperatures this fall may create some problems for our landscape plants. Cool temperatures along with shorter days cause our plants to "harden off" and prepare for winter.
Composting the Easy Way
Having an ample supply of good rich compost is the gardeners dream. It has many uses, and all of those uses will result in nicer plants.
Fertilizing Your Water Lilies...
Unfortunately, sunlight is not enough.Your water lilies will grow, thrive, and bloom much better if youget in the habit of fertilizing them regularly.
Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained
Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the light, fly-away aluminium loungers of your youth or that half-ton cast iron table and chair set on your neighbour's lawn.But metal outdoor furniture has come a long way.
The Swallowtail -- A Beautiful Butterfly
Swallowtail butterflies are some of the most beautiful butterflies found anywhere. The North American species are large, brightly colored butterflies with tailed, rear wings.
Choosing the Right Roses for Your Garden
The selection of roses you can grow in your home garden is enormous. With so many to choose from, finding just the right ones may seem more like work than play.
Secrets of Growing Killer Tomatoes
Tomatoes have always been my favorite garden vegetable to grow and to eat. I have had success with the other standard garden vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, cauliflower etc.
Why Patio Benches are a Great Place to Relax and Enjoy
Having an outdoor patio offers the opportunity and place to sit outdoors where you can relax alone on a lazy Saturday morning or enjoy a barbecue with family and friends. To enhance a patio while providing additional seating, more and more people are turning to patio benches.
Garden for Birds #3
Well, another week is passing us by.I want to thank everyone who writes me back.