Hanging baskets scream buy me and are very popular. Their care at home depends on three factors — location, water and fertilizer.
Choose containers with plants that match your sun exposure, windy spots will need extra care.
Containers can dry out very quickly due to the close space for the roots, plus the soil is very light and well-draining.
Check the moisture level every day with your finger or water meter. If the container feels light, it is dry. Water until water drains from the bottom of the container, this ensures that the entire root system receives moisture. A dry plant will wilt and is difficult to rehydrate. If this happens place the container (if not too large) in a tub of tepid water for an hour.
Hanging baskets may need twice daily watering on hot days.
Fertilize weekly with a well-balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Liquid fertilizers are easier to use but dry fertilizers work too, just be sure to water with or right after fertilizing. Fertilizers with added iron can stain decks and concrete so use care and catch excess water in a tray or move the baskets and water on a lawn until finished dripping. Follow all fertilizer package recommendations for application rates.
Keep the flowers deadheaded (removed) after they fade and dry, this helps keep them blooming.
If a plant dies, replace it with another plant or add more potting soil so the rest of the plants fill in the space.
Move hanging baskets to a garage or shed when nighttime temperatures fall below 50 degrees.
