Add vibrancy and color to your porch or patio with a hanging basket full of sunflowers. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own hanging baskets or are a hand basket pro, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you grow your plants.
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Choose plants for hanging baskets
In today’s post, I’m planting two hanging baskets in several sunny spots in my garden. When choosing plants for hanging baskets, choose plants with similar sun, water, and soil needs.
The plants used in this article are:
Material list
In addition to the plants, please collect the following materials.
small trowel
hanging basket
Culture soil
plant food
Planting a hanging basket: steps to success
Preparing the basket: Fill the hanging basket with potting soil, stopping a few inches from the top. Transplanting the plant: Turn the pot upside down and use gravity to gently remove the plant from the container. Or, if it’s in a 6-pack of cells, remove the plants by cutting the plastic with scissors. Plant placement: Place plants in baskets. If the roots are stuck, slowly separate them to encourage growth. Don’t be afraid to break the root ball. The plant is hardier than you think and this will stimulate new growth. Anchor the plant: Add soil to the hanging basket. Therefore, the plant will be buried at the same height as it was in its original pot. First watering: Water your newly potted zinnias, adding a slow-release fertilizer if your potting formula doesn’t include one. We have great success using Espoma Organic Bio-Tone Starter Plus All Natural Plant Food when starting new plants.
Expert tips for making hanging baskets thrive
Spacing: Avoid overcrowding. A 12-inch basket typically holds three zinnias. Prioritize drainage: Make sure your basket has proper drainage holes to prevent root rot. Best time to plant: Zinnias grow quickly, but it’s best to plant them as soon as it is safe to do so. Be careful of late frost. Check your local growing zone to find the best time. Fertilize regularly: Even if your soil contains a slow-release fertilizer, top it up with water-soluble fertilizer during the summer. Sunlight is important: Make sure all plants in the basket receive the sunlight they need to prevent stunted growth and reduced blooms. Prune for Health: Trim your zinnias to encourage growth and produce more flowers. Watering Strategy: During peak summer, watering may be required daily. However, be careful not to overwater. Check the moisture level at the top of the soil and feel the weight of the basket to determine the need for watering. Double up on fertilizer: In addition to slow-release fertilizer pebbles, use a water-soluble fertilizer to provide additional nutrients.
conclusion
Zinnias are a wonderful addition to any hanging basket, adding color and joy. With proper care and attention, you can brighten up your home throughout the summer season.
