Hanging flowers are a seasonal favorite for many gardening enthusiasts. They’re beautiful, last longer than cut flowers, and are the perfect accent to any outdoor patio. However, many people find it difficult to keep hanging flowers blooming throughout the summer. Fortunately, the experts at Northgate Greenhouses in Cincinnati, OH, outline some basic care and maintenance tips to get you through the season.

Keeping your hanging flowers blooming comes down to three key factors:

• Watering Properly: Watering is the most difficult aspect in maintaining hanging flowers and plants. If you keep the soil too wet, the roots can rot. If the soil is too dry, the flowers will wilt and die. Hitting a happy medium is essential. Determining how much and how often to water your plants will ultimately depend on the age and size of the flowers, the temperature, and even the wind.
• Using Fertilizer: Your hanging flowers will only receive proper nutrition if it is provided to them. After watering, fertilizer is the most important factor in keeping your flowers flourishing. Garden experts typically recommend adding a controlled-release fertilizer to hanging flowers immediately after they are bought or planted to give them a constant source of nutrition. By mid-summer, you may begin adding a water-soluble fertilizer once every week or so. 
• Trimming: If your basket begins to appear stretched or overcrowded, a midsummer trim may be in order. Use a set of shears to remove a portion of growth from the basket, similar to a haircut. The amount you take off is up to you, though a couple inches is more than sufficient.

For more information on helping your hanging flowers thrive, consult Northgate Greenhouses today. The business has been part of the Cincinnati community for nearly 100 years, and the staff maintains a variety of plants in their greenhouse. Visit them online or call (513) 729-1134 to speak with a professional gardening expert.