As we head into the heat of summer here in the Pacific Northwest, your hanging baskets might be feeling the stress. With longer days, warmer temps, and more sunshine, they’ll need a little extra attention to keep looking full and vibrant. The good news is that with a few easy care tips, you can keep those baskets blooming strong all the way into fall.
Water Deeply and Often
In the summer months, especially during a stretch of sunny days, hanging baskets dry out quickly. Plan to water them once a day at a minimum. On especially hot or windy days, they might need a second drink in the evening.
Aim to water in the morning, so plants have moisture available throughout the heat of the day. Water deeply until it begins to drip from the bottom of the basket. If water rushes right through, the soil may be too dry—let the basket soak in a tub of water for 10–15 minutes to rehydrate it fully.
Feed Every Couple of Weeks
Because containers have limited nutrients, feeding your plants regularly makes a big difference. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or one designed for flowering plants every 1–2 weeks to encourage new blooms and healthy growth.
If your flowers are starting to look tired, it’s often a sign they’re hungry. A good dose of fertilizer can perk them right up.
Snip, Pinch, and Prune
Deadheading is one of the easiest ways to keep your baskets looking tidy and productive. Remove faded flowers by pinching or snipping them off just below the bloom. This redirects energy into new flower production instead of seed development.
Also, take a few minutes each week to trim back any leggy stems or overgrowth. This helps maintain the basket’s shape and encourages bushier growth.
Rotate and Reposition as Needed
If your baskets are hanging in direct sun, consider rotating them every few days so all sides get even exposure. On very hot days, especially in the height of summer, move baskets into a spot with afternoon shade if possible—many popular basket plants like petunias and fuchsias will thank you for a little break from the heat.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Keep an eye out for common warning signs like drooping leaves, yellowing foliage, or a lack of flowers. These could point to underwatering, overwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Catching problems early gives your plants the best chance to bounce back.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way! When properly cared for, hanging baskets can continue blooming well into September—or even longer, depending on the weather. A few simple habits like consistent watering, feeding, and pruning will go a long way toward keeping your summer baskets looking fresh and beautiful.