By Bodie Pennisi
University of Georgia
In the old days, hanging baskets contained only one type of
plant. But in recent years, mixed baskets have become popular.
This “instant garden” look appeals to beginning gardeners and
longtime hobbyists alike.
Some examples of trailing plants that are beautiful in hanging
baskets are petunias, million bells, geraniums, Bacopa, torenias,
verbenas, portulacas, helichrysums, English ivy, German ivy,
potato vines, scaevolas, Bidens, angel wing begonias and Vinca
vines.
Best baskets
Plastic hanging baskets are inexpensive. But you may want to use
moss and coco fiber to get that “organic” look. Plants in moss
and coco baskets can dry out fast, though. You may need to water
often, especially if the plants are large and in a drafty place.
If you’re making your own moss or coco basket, insert a piece of
plastic with holes in it for drainage. This will allow water to
stay longer in the container.
To retain a natural effect while helping hold moisture, you can
put black plastic liner inside the moss liner and poke holes in
it.
Best ‘soil’
Often called “potting soil,” the best potting mix doesn’t contain
any soil. Regular topsoil doesn’t have the qualities necessary to
support good plant growth in containers, and it may contain
diseases and weed seeds.
A good potting or soilless mix is well-drained and aerated and
holds moisture and nutrients well. Such mixes may contain peat,
bark, perlite and vermiculite in various proportions.
The pH of the mix — how acidic or alkaline it is — directly
affects plants’ ability to take up nutrients. Make sure you
choose a mix in the 5.5 to 6.5 pH range.
Best sites
Windy sites aren’t good for hanging baskets. The wind causes them
to dry out fast and need frequent watering. This can stress your
plants and cause them to perform poorly.
For places that get 4 to 12 hours of sun per day, select plants
for full sun to partial shade. For those that get 2 to 4 hours of
early or late sun per day, select plants for partial to full
shade.
A rule
All plants combined in one basket must have similar water,
light and nutrition requirements.
When you plant a hanging basket, fill the basket with potting mix
to within a few inches of the rim. If your mix doesn’t contain
nutrients, mix in some slow-release fertilizer. Follow label
rates for the size container you’re using.
If you’re mixing in a water-retaining agent, mix it with the
media before you plant.
Best plants
Select healthy, high-quality plants. Inspect the foliage and
flowers for any signs of pests or diseases. Take the plant from
the pot and examine the root system, which should be white and
well-developed. Avoid root-bound plants.
To keep your hanging plants growing and flowering, you have to
supply plenty of water and nutrition all season.
When plants are small, their water and nutrition needs are less.
As the weather warms and plants grow, though, their water and
nutrition requirements increase.
Faithful care
Container-grown plants need fertilizing about once every other
week. When using a liquid plant food, make sure the potting mix
is moist. If it’s dry, the fertilizer salts could damage the
plant roots.
Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages new
flowers to develop. Pruning and trimming stimulates new growth.
Scout thoroughly and often for pests and diseases. Look closely
at the flowers and foliage for pests and damaged, deformed or
discolored leaves or flowers. You may have to part the foliage to
examine the center of the plants closely.
Don’t stress your plants by not properly watering or fertilizing
them. A stressed plant is more prone to diseases and pests.
Planting healthy, high-quality plants is a good start, but to
keep them robust and beautiful, you have to provide the best
growing conditions.
(Bodie Pennisi is an Extension Service horticulturist with the
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences.)
