How to Care for Your Hanging Baskets All Season Long
Hanging baskets are one of the easiest ways to add instant color and charm to your porch, deck, or patio. But unlike garden beds, these vibrant beauties rely on you for all their care needs — and they’ll let you know fast if something’s not right! Whether you're a first-time basket owner or a seasoned gardener looking for a refresher, here are our top tips to keep your hanging baskets thriving all season long — even while you're away.
🌞 Sun or Shade? Know Your Basket’s Light Needs
One of the most important things you can do is match your hanging basket to the light conditions in your space. Not all baskets are created equal! Before you buy (or if you're not sure), check the plant tag or ask one of our garden center experts about how much sunlight your basket needs.
Full Sun (6+ hours) – Think petunias, calibrachoa, verbena, and geraniums.
Part Sun/Part Shade (3–6 hours) – Lobelia, fuchsia, impatiens, and coleus can handle a bit of both.
Full Shade (less than 3 hours) – Look for baskets filled with begonias, ferns, or torenia.
Tip: Pay attention throughout the day to how the sun moves across your porch or yard. Morning sun is gentler, while afternoon sun can be harsh and drying.
💧 Watering: When and How Much?
Hanging baskets dry out much faster than in-ground plants because they’re exposed on all sides — especially on hot, windy days. Most baskets need daily watering, and sometimes twice a day in mid-summer. Here's what to watch for:
Check soil moisture: Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
Water thoroughly: Keep watering until you see it drain from the bottom. This ensures the entire root ball is hydrated.
Morning is best: Watering early helps the plant stay cool during the heat of the day and reduces the chance of fungal issues.
Tip: If your basket starts to wilt daily despite watering, it may have outgrown its container. Consider repotting into a larger basket or trimming back some growth.
✈️ Headed on Vacation? Here's What to Do
We get it — summer is for travel! But while you’re away, your baskets still need care. Here are a few options:
Ask a neighbor or friend: Leave clear instructions and a watering can nearby.
Use a self-watering system: There are many clever products on the market, from water globes to products such as Soil Moist that help with water retention.
Move them to a cooler, shadier spot: Even sun-loving baskets will be better off out of harsh sunlight if no one is watering them daily for a short period or time.
Soak them before you go: Give your baskets a deep soak the night before you leave to help them hold on a bit longer.
🌿 Final Thoughts
A little extra care goes a long way with hanging baskets. With the right placement, consistent watering, and some vacation planning, you’ll enjoy lush, blooming color from spring into fall. If you're ever unsure what your basket needs, our garden center team is here to help you find the perfect plants and share expert advice on keeping them beautiful all season.
Happy hanging basket season!🌼