Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to add vibrant splashes of color and cascading foliage to any outdoor space. From balconies and patios to porches and pergolas, they elevate your garden literally and aesthetically. However, achieving those Instagram-worthy displays isn’t always straightforward. Many gardeners, both novice and experienced, fall prey to common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results.
Here are 10 hanging basket mistakes too many gardeners make, and how to avoid them:
1. Choosing the Wrong Basket Size
The Mistake: Opting for a basket that’s too small for the plants you intend to grow. While a 10-inch basket might seem adequate, it limits root growth and water retention, especially for plants that will grow significantly over the season.
The Solution: Consider the mature size of your chosen plants. For a lush, long-lasting display, aim for baskets that are at least 14-16 inches in diameter. Larger baskets offer more soil volume, which means better moisture retention and more room for roots to establish, leading to healthier, more robust plants.
2. Skimping on Potting Mix Quality
The Mistake: Using cheap, generic garden soil or an impoverished potting mix. These often lack the necessary nutrients, drainage, and aeration for the demanding environment of a hanging basket.
The Solution: Invest in a high-quality, lightweight potting mix specifically formulated for containers. Look for mixes that contain perlite or vermiculite for drainage, and a slow-release fertilizer for continuous feeding. Some premium mixes also include water-retaining crystals, which are a huge advantage for hanging baskets that dry out quickly.
3. Overlooking Proper Drainage
The Mistake: Not ensuring adequate drainage or, conversely, letting water run straight through without being absorbed. Baskets without drainage holes lead to waterlogged roots and rot, while overly porous liners can dry out too quickly.
The Solution: Most hanging baskets come with drainage holes, but if yours doesn’t, drill a few. For wire baskets, always use a liner. Coir liners are popular, but consider adding a plastic saucer or a layer of landscape fabric at the bottom of the liner to help retain some moisture while still allowing excess water to escape. Avoid letting the basket sit in standing water.
4. Incorrect Plant Selection
The Mistake: Filling your basket with plants that have conflicting light, water, or growth requirements, or choosing plants that are simply not suited for hanging basket life.
The Solution: Do your research! Select plants that thrive in similar conditions. For sun-ddrenched locations, opt for petunias, calibrachoa, verbena, and geraniums. For shade, impatiens, fuchsias, and coleus are excellent choices. Aim for a mix of “thriller” (upright focal point), “filler” (bushy, mounding plants), and “spiller” (trailing plants) to create a balanced and dynamic display.
5. Overcrowding the Basket
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