Elizabeth Salter of Ramsay Creek Gardening Simplified has some timely advice for those gardeners who like to purchase hanging basket displays to compliment their landscaping or to provide plenty of colour to smaller areas like outdoor patios and decks. Regular watering and not relying on rain is key according to Salter
Baskets in partial sun can usually get away with watering every other day. If the basket is too high to reach the top of the soil to feel its moisture level, Salter says you can always depend on its weight
Salter says to remember, plants in baskets don’t get the nutrients that ground soil provides.
That 20-20-20 number she refers to is the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium the fertilizer contains. Most common water soluble plant foods have this ratio and the label should confirm it. Salter also says to check the outside temperature before fertilizing and if it’s over 30 degrees (C) then skip it until it’s a cooler day.
Story by Brian Turner
