Tips for growing great outdoor annual baskets

The spring weather is fast approaching and many homeowners will buy beautiful annuals hanging baskets. Fuchsia, Petunias, Impatiens, Begonias, Geraniums, Non Stop Begonias, Bacopa, Million Bells just to name a few. Every year I see homeowners proudly display their baskets. The key steps in keeping your baskets looking prime all summer are simple.

1) Water a minimum of once a day and sometimes twice if in direct sun all day, the container is 8" or smaller or the plant is large and mature which will result in more roots and less soil.

2) Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer AT LEAST every two weeks although I like to feed weekly sometimes more to keep my plants lush, green and full of flowers. Do not use a fertilizer where the first number is to high as this will promote more leaf growth and less flower production. The lack of fertilizer is where most homeowners go wrong. When you are watering so much in the summer you are leaching out any nutrients thus starving your plant. If liquid feeding proves to be to much work a slow release fertilizer is highly recommended. You can purchase this at most garden centers.

3) Proper sunlight location is important to match the plants requirement. Most plants should come with a care tag or simply ask for advice when purchasing. Most annual flowering baskets do well with mostly to partial sun.

4) Deadhead, cut back, or prune your flowering baskets as needed. Annuals can take trimming very well. Don't cut back to much as it might take several weeks to re flower.

5) Up pot to a larger container if possible. This will result in a bigger plant and reduce your watering requirements.

6) See my article on some plants I suggest for a great summer. Click on this link http://hubpages.com/_1k7l2scpzt76y/hub/My-suggested-plants-for-a-great-summer

Good Luck and Happy Planting