Hanging baskets are different to patio containers in that they normally have less volume for potting compost. The ratio of soil to plant is greatly reduced - especially as we tend to cram as many plants as posible into hanging baskets and window boxes! (I am as guilty as anyone on this.)
This can lead to problems and disappointment with hanging baskets and window boxes, as they can dry out easily, or run out of food for the plants with the small amount of compost available.
It is important to use good quality potting compost or maybe even a specially-prepared hanging basket compost.
If you use normal multi-purpose potting compost, you need to add two further ingredients to ensure that the plants have the best possible chance of survival.
Water retentive Gel should be mixed with the compost before planting. These come in crystal form and are either mixed dry with the compost in your hanging basket or window box, or you can swell the gel with water beforehand. If you decide to mix the dry crystals in the compost, remember that once you water the compost, the crystals will swell considerably! So your compost could soon be pushing its way out of your hanging basket at best simply overflowing.
The water retentive gel, really does cut down on the watering required a boon if you pop off for a few days, and also a lifesaver for the plants as they thrive with a permanently moist compost!
Long Last feed such as Osmocote, will ensure that your plants will get fed for the whole season, simply by adding the Osmocote granules to the compost at planting time. Without this added feed, the hanging baskets and window boxes will nee to be fed weekly after the first two or three weeks.
Filling the Window Box
Place a few bits of broken stone over the
drainage holes at the bottom of window
boxes, to ensure that the drainage holes do
not become blocked. With new plastic window
boxes, make sure that the holes at the base
are drilled out. Sometimes the new boxes are
sold with the drainage holes sealed over.
Only half fill the box or basket with compost, then place the plants in position and feed compost down between the plants. This way, you will not have surplus compost in your window box or hanging basket as you try to place the plants in a full container!
Identify Weeds in The Garden - How to deal with weeds. Diseases and Pest which harm your garden and plants, learn how to prevent, deter and erradicate your garden problems.
Garden ProblemsPruning Guide. Shrubs flower better with correct pruning. Many illustrations and examples of what to do - and when. Includes evergreens, roses, flowering shrubs, spring flowering shrubs and pruning for stem effect. This is our most viewed and comprehensive section,
PruningGardening Businesses listed in the UK counties and USA states. County and State Listings of businesses involved in Garden supplies and services. If you wish to be added to the Directory, please send us your information. Having problems, use the search box
BusinessesIn this section you will learn about Gardening Basics, Containers, Landscaping, Propagation and Soil.
GardeningGardening Gifts and Reviews, Read Before you Buy