The best time to water
hanging baskets is early in the morning, so that the
plants are prepared for the coming day. In the heat of summer, plants need plenty of water and should be checked at midday, if possible, and in the evening too. Multipurpose compost is difficult to rewet once it dries, so water regularly and mix swell gel into the compost to prevent it drying out completely. It’s a good idea to put a container display underneath your hanging basket to catch the drips, rather than allowing excess water to
drain away.
The best, and safest, way to water a hanging basket is using a “lance.” which delivers water right into the heart of the basket and
helps to avoid wetting the foliage and
flowers, which can damage them and encourage disease. You can
make your own lance by attaching a hose to a bamboo cane, leaving the end of the hose overhanging by 6 inches to create a bendy “spout.” This is much safer than standing on a ladder and watering with a can, but if you have to do this make sine the ladder is secure and the watering can is lightweight and filled only with as much water as you can carry safely. It’s easier to have a tall stepladder and hold the can at arm’s length than trying to water at head
height. Ideally, install an
irrigation system??it saves considerable time and effort and makes watering more efficient.
Plants in hanging baskets need regular feeding as there arc-lots of roots packed into a small space. Until the plants are established, feed at the same time as watering using soluble plant food dispensed through a container at the end of the hose. Alternatively, you can use a lightweight watering can or add slow-release fertilizer to the compost mix. Start with general fertilizer, then change to a high-potash fertilizer, such as tomato feed, once the baskets are established; apply once a week to boost
flowering, feed regularly to prolong the display and check regularly for
signs of pests or disease.
http://www.gardeningadviceguide.com/watering-and-feeding-hanging-baskets/
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