Hanging Basket How-To

Once you have your supplies and plants ready to go, just make sure whatever hanging basket you choose is lined.  Now it's time to start prepping your soil.  I like to combine Miracle Gro Moisture Control potting mix with Coast of Maine Quoddy Blend lobster compost.  The moisture control is super helpful in containers and helps retain water while feeding your plants.  The lobster compost I use contains sphagnum peat moss.  This also helps cut down on the amount of watering your planter will need.  It also helps improve drainage to prevent over watering.  Getting that perfect balance can sometimes be a challenge especially in the hot summer months. 

Next I added in my Burpee Rain Gel water storing granules. This will save you from the dreaded dead hanging plants syndrome that follows any short vacation or weekend getaway.  I can't tell you how many times I've gone away and come home to a sad looking plant all shriveled up and wilted.   It helps reduce the amount of watering needed from daily to once a week.  Trust me when I say, this is a huge help!  Just mix some into your soil before you add your plants, and you are good to go!  Just remember, you still have to water your plant more frequently the hotter it gets.  If a heat wave hits, make sure to give your plant extra water and stick your fingers in the soil daily for a quick check!

Now onto the fun part.  Adding all of your beautiful plants.  You've done your research, sought them out, and it's time for them to shine!  After you have added a small layer of soil to the bottom of the container, position your plants where you would like.  You can play around with them until you find the perfect spot.  Once you have found the design you like best, take them out of the containers and fill in the gaps with extra soil.  Gently press your plants down and firm soil around plants.  If you notice any faded flowers or damaged stems, now is the time to cut and remove them.  Make sure to keep the top layer of soil a few centimeters below the top of your basket to allow room for watering.  I can't tell you how many times in the past I have overfilled my containers. Watering becomes a messy process, and it's just not pretty. 

Do you enjoy putting together your own hanging baskets?  Have any favorite thriller, filler or spiller plants?  Please share with me in the comment section below.  Have any pictures of DIY outdoor projects you'd like to share with me?  Feel free to tweet them to me here  @thefreckledrose.  Now that I have put together some hanging baskets, I can't wait to get started on my container gardening next weekend!  Wishing you good weather and healthy soil for all your garden projects to come!

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