Hanging Baskets Can Thrive All Season with a Little Care

As gardens come alive with color this spring, Down to Earth Living in Pomona, NY is sharing expert advice and inspiration for creating vibrant, thriving outdoor spaces. Hanging flower baskets, in particular, can add charm and beauty to porches, patios, and gardens, but they require regular care to stay healthy and full throughout the season. Here are some tips for keeping them as healthy as possible.

Choosing Baskets and Plants:

• Opt for sturdy baskets with good drainage.
• Select plants suited to the location’s light and temperature, such as petunias, fuchsias, geraniums, lobella, flowering vinca, and trailing vines like ivy or bacopa.

Watering:

• Check soil moisture by inserting a pencil or straw; water if dry about an inch down.
• Avoid overwatering—ensure thorough watering with complete drainage.
• Consider self-watering systems or water-retaining additives for consistent moisture.

Fertilizing:

• Use a slow-release fertilizer every four to six weeks or a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
• Follow dosage instructions carefully to prevent over-fertilization.

Pruning and Deadheading:

• Trim leggy stems to promote fuller growth.
• Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears for precise cuts.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Inspect plants regularly for pests or disease.
• Remove affected parts immediately and use organic insecticides if necessary.
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overcrowding.

Dealing with Leggy Growth:

• Prune elongated stems to promote bushier growth.
• Pinch stem tips and deadhead regularly.
• Fertilize every two to three weeks and ensure proper sunlight.
• If legginess persists, consider transplanting into fresh, nutrient-rich soil.

“With proper watering, feeding, and a little attention, hanging baskets can stay full and vibrant for months,” said Stuart Leventhal of Down to Earth Living. “They’re a simple way to create impact in any outdoor space, and they make especially meaningful gifts for Mother’s Day.”

Down to Earth Living encourages customers to bring inspiration, such as online images or magazine clippings, along with photos of their space for personalized guidance. The team helps select the right plants, shrubs, containers, statuary, and more to achieve the desired look. The expanded indoor plant showroom is now open for the spring season, and free repotting is available with the purchase of a plant or pot, making the shopping experience both easy and enjoyable.

Down to Earth Living, now in its 56th year, is a Garden Center serving Rockland, Bergen and Orange counties and the Hudson Valley, offering 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new plants arriving weekly. The 10,000-square-foot showroom features a selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum, and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture. Located at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, N.Y., For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit www.dteliving.com.