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| I am looking for suggestions on the best annuals for hanging baskets (zone 5b)? The baskets are wire frames with coco liners like this: http://www.menards.com/main/home-decor/crafts/planters-accessories/14-cameo-hanging-basket/p-1933013-c-10138.htm These baskets are hung under the overhang facing west. In past years we have planted geraniums and petunias and have seen poor results. One of the issues I believe is lack of water so this year I plan on installing a drip system (incorporated with surrounding landscape). I would like to be able to buy the annuals locally (big box stores) and have a lot of summer color. Thanks in advance! |
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| Sorry to hear you've had poor results with petunia. A couple of days ago I put one in a basket like the one you described. I've never grown one in a basket but have seen them. They look really nice, as they grow long and drape down the sides. |
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| Water and fertilizer are key. Last year I watered my hanging baskets almost everyday, (if it didn't rain). I mixed 1/4 the recommended fert with every watering. They dry out really fast even if they are not in full sun, and the constant watering washes the fertilizer out of the soil quickly. You say where your baskets will be, but not how much sun they will get. Petunias and geraniums both do better in cooler weather, so afternoon shade is better for them. I am having a hard time coming up with heat loving trailing plants, but I am sure others will chime in. |
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| I'm trying a coconut liner hanging basket this year. Besides the normal issues with containers, with this coco liner, I noticed the water drains out very fast, contrary to what I had thought about the liner. Another problem that others have said is that, what water does remain in the soil, gets wicked by the liner itself, so that the soil gets drier than usual. You could try some purslane or moss rose or a kind of sedum that has some bit of trailing, such as sedum autumn joy. You can also have more traditional plants in hanging baskets, but just know that you'll need to water in more regularly with this liner basket. The direction of sun exposure also can play a factor, and morning sun would be quite different from afternoon or evening sun.
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| mandolls, you are a gem for the tips about petunias and geraniums liking afternoon shade, and the fert tip. Thank you. I'm always running around, moving my baskets to where the sun is in the afternoon. The neighbors get a real kick out of it. Now I won't do it when we get our normal, ungodly heat this summer. Thank you, thank you. My answer to this post is: Petunias, petunias, petunias. And more petunias. pat |
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| I've never used coco liners, although I love the look of them. They just seem like they would dry out too quickly. I use plastic pots, not as pretty but they hold moisture in better. I do agree they need daily watering and fertilizing regularly though. This year I am planting my baskets with wave petunias, verbena, sweet alyssum and nasturtiums. I may tuck a few portulaca in there too, they aren't often seen in baskets but they do fine, and they can take the heat and dryness. The only problem with them for me is, the deer love them. |
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- Posted by pmsmith2032 5b Suburbs of Chicag (My Page) on Mon, May 19, 14 at 10:28
| Thanks for all the responses. Is there a certain fertilizer you'd recommend? Liquid or granular? How often? |
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| Although I'm a big fan of fish emulsion, I'm convinced I need to use a granular food in my basket. This is my first time growing in a basket, and what I'm finding is that the water runs right through the soil and liner. Using a liquid fertilizer would be pretty wasteful. My suggestion is to water the basket first and saturate the soil, add a granular fertilizer then lightly water it in. Because the soil is already saturated, the fertilizer stands a better chance of remaining in place and being taken up by the roots. |
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