Instant Hanging Basket

Follow these simple instructions, and take your container garden to new heights in no time flat.

It's hard to ignore those flower-laden hanging baskets that dangle from pillars and posts in malls and parks. Wouldn't you love one or two at your house? Don't be dissuaded by their size. They're easy to put together and look great immediately. Gather the materials, and you can make one in less than an hour.

Three Easy Steps

Step 1: Fill the coco-fiber-lined wire basket halfway full with potting soil. Sprinkle a handful of granular, timed-release fertilizer on top.

Step 2: Slide the petunias from their basket (remove the wire hanger first), and gently loosen the roots. Position the petunias to one side of their new container. Tuck the rex begonia opposite the petunias. Carefully separate the ivy into two clumps, and arrange them between the begonia and petunias.

Step 3: Fill in around the roots with more potting soil. Hang the basket where it will get morning sun and afternoon shade. Water thoroughly.

Keep It Pretty

* Water-Hanging baskets require consistent moisture, especially if they are located in full sun. Purchase a long-handled watering wand to care for your container easily. Water once a day when summer starts to heat up.

* Fertilizer-Even though you added granular, timed-release food when planting, occasional snacks will keep your basket in prime flower production. Once every two weeks, mix a water-soluble fertilizer (such as 15-30-15) to give your basket a little boost. Remember, you should always wet the soil with plain water prior to feeding to prevent root burn.

* Snip and clip-Remove spent flowers from the basket every few weeks. Always pinch them off above a set of leaves, and cut back spindly foliage. ELLEN RUOFF RILEY

MATERIALS

* 1 (14-inch) wire hanging basket with coco-fiber liner

* potting soil

* granular, timed-release fertilizer

* 1 (10-inch) hanging basket petunias

* 1 (6-inch) pot rex begonia

* 1 (6-inch) pot ivy with long tendrils

* water-soluble blossom-booster fertilizer 15-30-15

RECIPES FOR COLOR

Try these great-looking combos.

Full Sun

* 1 (10-inch) basket pink lantana

* 1 (6-inch) pot asparagus fern

* 1 (6-inch) pot mandevilla (trailing over the edge)

Shade

* 1 (10-inch) basket Dragon Wing Hybrid begonia

* 1 (6-inch) pot Boston fern or spider plant (a houseplant)

* 1 (6-inch) pot pothos (houseplant with solid green or variegated leaves)

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2005
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved