21/10/25, 11:00
Hanging Baskets
Our Care Guide
Step 1: Watering is Daily, Not Optional
Hanging baskets dry out incredibly fast, especially on hot or windy days. Check your basket daily—often twice a day in the peak of summer. The goal is to keep the compost consistently moist, but not soaking wet.
To check: Push your finger an inch deep into the compost. If it feels dry, it needs watering. Apply water slowly until it begins to run out of the bottom of the basket. If the basket is extremely dry (the soil feels light and pulls away from the edges), submerge the entire basket in a bucket of water for 20 minutes until the air bubbles stop, then let it drain thoroughly.
Step 2: Feed Regularly for Continuous Blooms
Potted plants quickly exhaust the nutrients in the compost. To keep those colourful blooms coming, you must feed them frequently. Start feeding about two to three weeks after planting.
Use a high-potash liquid feed (like tomato food) once a week, mixed according to the instructions. This feed encourages flowering rather than just leafy growth. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release feed mixed into the compost at the start of the season and supplement with a liquid feed every two weeks.
The Ramswood Guide to Hanging Basket Care
The Ramswood Guide to Hanging Basket Care
Keep Your Blooms Beautiful All Season Long
A hanging basket provides continuous, vibrant colour right at your front door, but they require consistent care to thrive through the summer heat. Since hanging baskets are contained and exposed to the elements, they dry out faster and need more feeding than plants in the ground. Follow these simple steps from the Ramswood Nurseries experts to ensure your beautiful basket stays healthy and spectacular from spring right through to autumn.
Step 3: Deadhead and Tidy Weekly
To encourage your plants to produce new flowers instead of setting seed, you must regularly remove the spent blooms. This simple task, called deadheading, is essential for a continuous display.
Walk around your basket once or twice a week and pinch off any withered or fading flowers. Also, remove any yellowing leaves to keep the basket looking tidy and to prevent the spread of disease. This effort directs the plant's energy into producing more blooms.
Step 4: Position and Protect When Necessary
Place your basket in the appropriate location based on the plants inside (sun-lovers in full sun, fuchsias in partial shade). Ensure the location is sheltered from harsh, strong winds, which can quickly dehydrate the foliage.
If you know a severe storm or frost is forecast, it is wise to temporarily take the basket down and place it in a more protected area, such as a garage, porch, or covered doorway. This prevents delicate plants from being battered or freezing.
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