Hanging Baskets

To get that “overflowing” look you see in professional displays, many gardeners follow the Thriller, Filler, Spiller design rule. You start with a tall, eye-catching “thriller” in the center, surround it with mounded “fillers” to add volume, and tuck trailing “spillers” like petunias or ivy along the edges to drape over the sides. The secret to a fast start is to use more plants than you think you need—don’t be afraid to pack them in tight from the beginning. Selecting vigorous, established starts from our lawn & garden center ensures the basket fills in quickly before the summer heat hits. Regular feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer provides the fuel needed for that lush, carpet-like growth that eventually hides the basket entirely.

The biggest challenge with hanging displays is that they are exposed to air on all sides, which causes them to lose moisture at an incredible rate. Mixing moisture-retaining crystals into your potting soil can buy you extra time by holding onto water and releasing it as the soil begins to dry. It is also vital to give the basket a “deep soak” until water runs freely out of the bottom, rather than just a light sprinkle on the surface. During the peak of a Missouri July, you might find that watering once in the morning and once in the evening is the only way to keep the plants from wilting. A high-quality liner also acts as a layer of insulation to keep the roots a bit cooler when the sun is beating down.