Water, slow-release fertilization, and deadheading. Hanging baskets living in sunny locations can dry out very quickly, so one day of missed watering could be disastrous for your plants.

The best way to check if your baskets are dry is by lifting them up from the bottom of the container.

If they are extremely lightweight, water them at once. Another way to determine dryness is by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels dry one inch below the soil surface, then the plants are very thirsty.

Remember to water long enough so that water runs out the drainage holes. !

Another way to keep your hanging baskets in tip-top shape is by adding a top dressing of slow-release fertilizer. We recommend organic fertilizers, such as worm castings or compost. You may also use a liquid fertilizer, such as a Miracle-Gro.

Keep in mind that frequent watering flushes nutrients from the soil rather quickly and fertilizing will help replenish that which is lost.

It is important to deadhead all the old faded flowers after they have bloomed.

Most hanging baskets are comprised of annuals that are grown to be constantly dazzling bloomers, but they need a little help from you to keep up the show all summer long.

Removing these old blooms will promote additional flowers to form while improving the overall appearance of the basket.

Some plants benefit from being cut back in mid summer. Don’t be afraid to trim back your Verbena and Petunia; when you do it helps to promote further branching and flower formation.

Remember also that a hanging basket full of plants and wet soil is extremely heavy, so always use a strong and secure bracket to hang your basket.