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TIPS
Happy plants, unharried gardeners
Here are some tips for growing and maintaining healthy plants:
Use a cocoa mat instead of moss in a wire hanging basket. The tightly woven mat holds water better than moss.
To save water, plant in larger wire-framed hanging baskets. The 16- and 18-inch versions need watering less often than the 14-inch baskets.
To create a water reservoir in the bottom of a wire hanging basket, place a small amount of soil-less medium in the cocoa mat-filled basket, place a clear plastic plant saucer on top of that medium and continue filling with soil. Even though the saucer fills with soil, it still retains extra moisture your plants need between waterings.
Know the water, light and fertilizer needs of plants before combining them in a container. Plants with different needs will not thrive if they are placed together in one container.
After your mums bloom in late spring, prune them back half way by July 4 so you will get a second bloom in fall.
Get your soil tested so you know the pH, soil acidity and nutrient needs.
Avoid high-maintenance plants if you are a low-maintenance gardener.
Watch for insect pests. Use beneficial bugs to prevent pest damage in your garden. Search Web sites and local garden centers to learn where to obtain good bugs for your garden. Also, use plants that naturally attract desireable insects.