The purpose of this soilless mix is to provide a growing medium that is porous, allowing for good drainage and air space for plant root growth. It is lightweight so that it ships easily and can hang on a hook without bringing the house down!

However, it does not hold necessary plant nutrients to sustain plant growth all season. You need to add these nutrients periodically to keep the plants looking their best. And this doesn’t have to be difficult.

There are a variety of products on the market that can be used to fertilize your containers. There are slow-release granular products that you can apply once and it will last all season. There are liquids that can be used every time you water.

Caption

Hanging baskets may need watered often during a hot summer.

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

Caption

Hanging baskets may need watered often during a hot summer.

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

The most important item with fertilizer is to follow label instructions! Apply as recommended. On a side note, I usually cut back by half on fertilizer once we hit mid-summer when the plants look their best and I am not interested in pushing more growth. This keeps the plants looking good the rest of the season without encouraging a lot of growth.

Watering is also critical. I can’t tell you how often to water. That depends on where your container is in your landscape. If it’s hanging in the hot sun with wind exposure it will need watered more often, sometimes twice a day as the roots fill up the container. If it’s in the shade, it may not need watered as often.

Check often for pest problems. It’s a lot easier to manage a problem when you catch it early in the life cycle as opposed to a major outbreak.

Finally, as the plants grow, they may get a little leggy or need a little pruning. Don’t hesitate to cut plants back to encourage new growth.

Enjoy your new plants by keeping them healthy during the growing season.

Pamela Corle-Bennett is the state master gardener volunteer coordinator and horticulture educator for Ohio State University Extension. Contact her by email at bennett.27@osu.edu.