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Ezine ready page
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Posted on November 30, 1999 by Joy Stoyle | Posted under Landscaping Gardening
Tips for hanging flower baskets
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A large basket will accommodate more soil and water and thus be more comfortable for a growing plant. It will also grab the eye more easily than many smaller baskets and can retain water if you are not able to water it everyday. In this way it is also low maintenance. Wire Mesh baskets are preferable Wire mesh baskets are preferable especially if you have hanging flowers or if you intend to plant through the sides. The wire mesh basket will provide a good view of the plant to anyone looking up. With a closed container, all you will see is the pot, and some part of the top of the plant. Soil and Fertilizers for hanging flower baskets: Instead of heavy soil, use potting mixture that is specially meant for container plants. Ensure that it has water holding crystals. A slow release fertilizer works better since there is little soil. Water soluble fertilizer must be used with watering every now and then. While using them create a more diluted concentration than what is mentioned on the label. Using liners with flower hanging baskets: Unlike plastic containers, wire mesh baskets require liners. Opt for natural liners made of coir, moss or coconut fiber. They look attractive and insulate the soil well on a hot day. Plus they are environmentally friendly, so go better with the plants health. Inside the natural liner, you will need to feet some kind of a plastic liner (a thick one) to keep the water in and prevent evaporation on a dry day. Remember to make holes at the bottom. How to plant in hanging flower baskets: With a basket, you can plant right through the sides, making the basket look full with lovely plants and flowers. To do this, half fill the basket with the potting mixture or light soil. Make a slit in the liner and then insert the plant rootball through the sides so that it rests on the surface of the soil. Then fill up the container with soil. If the wire mesh is too tight, and you're afraid it might cut through your stems or roots, wrap them in paper before inserting. Watering the hanging basket Water the plant as many times as required, by checking with your hand if the soil is dry or moist. When watering, ensure that you stand on a stool so that you can see where is the water is going, to avoid spilling it all over. If you notice the hanging basket or pot has dried out, set in a bucket of water such that the water covers its rim. Leave it overnight, or at least a few hours. Hang it again, after you drain it. Tending to the hanging baskets: Being show items, these need constant attention to remove any dead and discolored leaves and require primping often. Keep an eye out for pests and insects as well. Strong Support Brackets are a must Hanging baskets are extremely heavy, and you need a strong bracket to bear the weight. A swivel hook is preferable, so you can rotate the basket to allow even sun exposure. Some also use a pulley system if they find lowering and hanging the baskets a pain. A well-maintained hanging flower basket is lovely to see and offer an ideal option to gardeners with a lack of space or time. They can help one keep plants even with no space around and liven up a room considerably. About The Author: |
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