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NURSERY |
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HANGING BASKET CARE
Ensuring a long life for your hanging basket requires three basic concepts:
WATER
Watering is the most important element to a healthy basket.
• Water until it pours through the bottom center of the basket - i.e. the drainage hole or moss.
this will tell you that the basket is getting enough water to its roots.
• Adjust your watering schedule with the weather. Cool days and nights many mean less
watering per week, while hot weather may require you to water 2 to 3 time per day.
• Rain will most likely not water your basket thoroughly. As your basket plants grow, they
will need more and more water. Rain will often not be heavey enough to reach the bottom
roots and soil. The plant's leaves will shield the soil from moisture.
SITE
A sturdy hook is essential. Baskets are heavey, particularly when watered.
Choose a basket that will be appropriate for its home. If your basket will experience full sun,
make sure that the plants in your basket can take full sun. If you choose a shadier spot, plants
need to be chosen equal care.
In cooler weather (early spring) when night temperatures are in the 30's - 40's, keep your
hanging basket under cover. The combination of cold and excess moisture may cause
mildew or weaken the plants, allowing for pests or diseases.
HEALTH
Your basket will do best when:
• Spent flowers and yellowing leaves are groomed off of the plants. This will encourage
the plants to produce more flowers while allowing more oxygen flow to the plants.
• Fertilization occurs regularly. This may mean once a week or twice a month. You can
experiment to see how your baket responds by waiting a week after fertilizing and
assessing the change. It is also important to follow the exact directions that your
particular fertilizer recommends. Any of the staff at Wells Medina Nursery will happily
advise you on appropirate fertilizers.
Creating a routine of care incorporating the previous advice will allow your basket a long
and productive life.
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