I would like to make my own hanging baskets this year. What do I need to put in the bottom of them. Full Sun.

I normally buy geraniums and I have had wave petunias but I would like to do my own. What is the components I need to make them. Peat moss, hanging basket soil, etc..



Thank you in advance!
I would like to make my own hanging baskets this year. What do I need to put in the bottom of them. Full Sun.
dry moss. dark soil.
Reply:If you already have your baskets, you need a high peat soil blend, like pro-mix. Some Lowe's and Home Depot stores sell it. Don't use straight sphagnum peat to do your potting.. the pH is going to be too low. Pro Mix has pH buffers and better drainage than plain peat. Also, be sure your baskets have drainage holes.



I'd recommend integrating some osmocote in to your soil before planting. Hanging baskets can be difficult to feed, so take care of feeding in advance.



I know some people add hydrogel to handing basket soil to reduce their watering frequency. I don't think it's a bad idea, but it does add weight to the baskets....
Reply:Any potting soil will work as your base. If it seems too heavy, you can mix in a little bit of a seed starting mix (find this in bags right next to the regular potting soil) as it is lighter and drains water more quickly. Even though I don't use chemicals in my garden, I do mix a synthetic fertilizer (such as Osmocote) into my containers. Because they are watered so frequently and need to have lots of blooms to look good, it's almost impossible to do without a fertilizer.



Other than that, the sky's the limit. You can use any type of plants that you want. Trailing varieties, such wave petunias, million bells, bacopa, etc. look good. You can also try more unusual plants, like passionflower or flowering maples if you have a good nursery that carries them. I like to mix plants in my containers--an upright, a trailer,and a green (like ivy or sweet potato vine), but planting all one thing looks nice, too.



Don't be skimpy--most containers can hold 3 or 4 plants and will help them to fill out sooner.



Fertilize weekly with a diluted liquid fertilizer or compost tea. Enjoy!
Reply:and diapers. My nursery person told me to put a dry diaper in the bottom of my baskets. The diaper absorbs extra moisture, and then releases the moisture when needed. They also have potting soil for containers(I think the brand is Miracle Grow) its much lighter than normal potting soil and perfect for baskets