How to Care for Your Hanging Baskets & Patio Plants This Spring

June 05, 2023

Depending on how many hanging baskets and potted plants you have, keeping outdoor patio plants thriving can take work, but it can be rewarding and therapeutic if done properly. Here are some tips to help you keep your outdoor plants looking beautiful all season long.

Watering Your Outdoor Potted Plants and Hanging Baskets in the Spring

Proper watering of these types of plants is very important to their longevity and abundance of blooms and healthy greenery. Because plants in a pot or basket have many roots vying for the same nutrients in a small space, you will want to make sure the soil in these plants stays wet. In early spring when it is still cool, you can get away with watering less. To make sure they are getting enough water, feel down into the soil with one inch of your finger. If it feels dry, it needs additional watering.

The best time of day to water hanging plants and patio plants is during the coolest part of the day. That way, the water doesn’t evaporate as quickly as it does when the air heats up. When watering, the water should stream down through the drain holes. Note that hanging baskets will get heavier when watered.

However, be careful not to overwater. If the soil is too saturated or the planter is full of standing water that does not seep or drain into the soil, adjust your watering schedule so that you can find the right balance.

When the temperature outside is cool, watering your patio planters and hanging flower baskets two to three times per week should suffice. As temperatures rise, though, you will find they need to be watered at least once a day and sometimes more.

Deadheading Your Potted Plants and Hanging Baskets

Remove blooms from the plant as they die if they require it (check the care tag). To properly remove dead blooms, simply pinch them off where they meet the stem. This allows new blooms to flourish since they are not competing with the dead blooms for nutrients. Deadheading is not the same as trimming, which doesn’t usually need to be done until summer.

Spring Fertilizing of Hanging Plants and Potted Planters

A little fertilizer, either liquid or dry release, can make a difference in the fullness of your plants. Watering washes away some of the nutrients in the soil, so it is important to replace them, and this is typically only necessary once in the springtime. It may need to be repeated in the summer, especially if you water a lot. Fertilize when the plant is healthy, the soil is wet, and your blooms are thriving. Don’t wait until they are droopy.

Rotate Planters and Hanging Baskets

Make sure your plants are getting even sunlight on all sides by rotating them. This will avoid plants from developing their strongest and lushest flowers and foliage only on one side. You might also consider swapping their locations around the porch or patio to promote more even growth.

If you’re looking for some plants to start your hanging garden, Flower Works in Marquette, MI offers a beautiful selection of plants and flowers that are great for hanging baskets. Let us help make your outdoor space an irresistible oasis.

Also in Flower Works Blog