Happy Mother's Day Everyone!
Many people purchase a hanging basket as a Mother's day gift. Here are some tips to keep it looking great. Know how heavy the basket feels when it is thoroughly watered. This is helpful not only in watering but in choosing proper support to hang it. Watering seem to be the biggest problem people have in keeping a basket looking good. Although the amount of water may vary depending on flower type, a basket needs to have enough consistent moisture to prevent the soil from drying and shrinking away from the sides of the pot. So often we hear " I watered it and the water ran thru right away, so I thought it was enough." The soil probably got too dry and the water ran right through the space between the soil and the basket. That's why knowing the weight of the basket is helpful. You can gently push up on the bottom of the basket and tell if it is very dry, because if it is, you'll be be able to lift it right off. To rehydrate the soil, give it several smaller and more frequent waterings over the course of an hour. Routine watering should be done in the morning and pour the water in under the foliage to the roots. Don't wave a hose over it because enough water will not get in this way and getting the foliage wet all the time can lead to disease. Finally, check the care tags or with your grower about fertilizing, trimming, and deadheading.
Have a wonderful day!