Question:
How often should I water plants in hanging baskets?Answer:
Plants in hanging baskets need to be watered frequently (especially in summer). Potting mixes are light, well-drained, and dry out quickly. Plus, hanging baskets may contain several plants. In general, water plants in hanging baskets when the soil surface becomes dry to the touch. On hot, sunny days it may be necessary to water once a day. When watering hanging baskets, be sure to apply water until water begins to flow out the bottom of the container. This ensures that the entire soil ball has been moistened. Do not let the potting mix dry out completely. Plants will wilt if the potting mix dries out excessively. Plus, it’s more difficult to moisten the potting mix when it has dried out completely. If the potting mix becomes extremely dry, it will separate (pull away) from the sides of the container. If you attempt to water from above, most of the water will flow between the soil ball and container and run out the drainage holes in the bottom of the basket. Unfortunately, most of the potting mix will remain dry. When the potting mix becomes excessively dry, place the basket in a tub of water for 1 or 2 hours. This forces water to be absorbed slowly from the bottom of the container. Do not keep the basket in the tub of water for more than 2 hours as this may result in root rot problems.