Summer Care Tips for Planters & Hanging Baskets

July 1, 2025

There’s nothing quite like stepping outside and being greeted by a lush planter overflowing with vibrant blooms. Whether they’re brightening your porch, lining your walkway, or hanging in joyful bursts from a shepherd’s hook, summer planters and hanging baskets bring instant cheer to any outdoor space.


But to keep them looking full and fabulous through the heat of summer, a little TLC goes a long way. Here’s your guide to maintaining your outdoor planters and baskets so they stay healthy, colourful, and gorgeous all season long.

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1. Water Wisely (and Often!)

Container plants dry out much faster than in-ground gardens, especially in the heat.


Tips:
•    Water daily in hot weather — even twice a day during heatwaves.
•    Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
•    Thorough watering is key — water until it runs out the drainage holes.
•    Hanging baskets may need soaking if they dry out too quickly.


🌿 Pro Tip: Use your finger to check soil moisture — if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water!

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2. Feed for Blooms That Won’t Quit

Frequent watering can wash nutrients out of the soil, so regular feeding is a must.


Tips:
•    Use a water-soluble fertilizer every 1–2 weeks.
•    For even better results, combine with a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
•    Choose a formula geared toward blooming plants — high in phosphorus (the middle number).


🌿 Pro Tip: Look for "bloom boosters" or formulas labeled for annuals.

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3. Deadhead & Trim Regularly

To keep things tidy and encourage more flowers, don’t forget to groom!


Tips:
•    Deadhead (pinch off) spent blooms regularly.
•    Trim back leggy or overgrown plants to keep a compact, lush shape.
•    Don’t be afraid to give your planter a little mid-season haircut — it will bounce back fuller.


🌿 Pro Tip: If a plant starts to dominate or fade, you can always swap it out with something fresh!

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4. Rotate & Relocate

Make sure all sides of your planter are getting love from the sun.


Tips:
•    Rotate planters weekly for even growth.
•    If a planter is in intense sun and wilting, try moving it to a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.


🌿 Pro Tip: Keep sun-loving plants in full sun, but protect delicate flowers during heatwaves.

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5. Refresh Soil & Re-pot if Needed

Mid-summer is a good time to check in on the roots.


Tips:
•    If your basket or planter is root-bound or the soil is compacted, repot with fresh potting mix.
•    Add moisture-retentive soil additives if it’s drying out too fast.


🌿 Pro Tip: Top off with fresh soil and a light mulch to help retain moisture.

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6. Keep an Eye on Pests & Problems

Outdoor containers are still vulnerable to pests and diseases.


Tips:
•    Watch for aphids, whiteflies, or powdery mildew.
•    Treat gently with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
•    Remove damaged leaves and avoid wetting foliage in the evening.


🌿 Pro Tip: Healthy plants are more pest-resistant — so water, feed, and prune regularly!

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Ready to Refresh Your Planters?

If your containers are looking tired or uneven, stop by Scott’s Nursery — we’ve got fresh plants, nutrient-rich soil, stylish planters, and all the guidance you need to give your baskets and pots a second wind!


💚 Keep them happy, and they’ll keep blooming right into fall.

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