Caring for the plant and irrigation system
An efficient irrigation system is not enough to keep your hanging garden beautiful. The plant needs perfect care and it is very important to plan you design and how you will maintain the hanging garden least pest and diseases infect it.
Water damage
Excess water will easily drip downwards from hanging baskets. The arrangement should be in such a position that allows the water to flow out properly without damaging anything underneath the hanging container. Place the hanging basket above the stone-flagged area which as cracks in between the individual slabs.
Stand a bowl underneath the hanging plant to catch the water running through. A cloth inside the bowl will stop water from splashing over the edges.
Do not allow water running through to drip onto plants underneath the hanging basket.
Emergency watering
In cases where the compost in the hanging plant has dried up completely, immersing the pot in a bath of water is a suitable method of irrigating the plant. Remove the hanging container from the bath when no more air bubbles are seen rising to the water surface.
Rope and Pulley
Pulleys can be used to lower big heavy plant containers. Simple or double rope pulleys are suitable for hanging containers or baskets that are light. Pulleys are available from builder's yards and shops specializing in sailing accessories.
Block and Tackle
This system is handy for heavy hanging containers, balcony boxes and baskets. Using this device can help lift the lower heavy weight with ease. There are available from builders' merchants and they need to be secured tightly between the ceiling and container.
Proper plant care
Always be on the look out for pests or diseases when watering your hanging plants. Getting rid of flower of dead flower heads, cutting back or tying up will encourage growth and flowering of the plants.
Deadheading
Getting rid of dead flowers heads prevents seed formation and encourages flower production. Removing dead flower heads also means the plant will be free of dead petals. Dead petals quickly decay and become nurseries for diseases.
Cutting back.
Use scissors to cut off dead parts of the hanging plant and promptly destroy them. Shoots that are too long should be cut back. Invading plants should be removed and should not be allowed whatsoever to disturb growth of the hanging plant. Cutting back promotes the growth of new shoots in plants that had been previously ravished by pests and diseases.
Replacing plants
Plants that are no longer attractive can be dug out with a trowel and replaced by fresh compost or a new plant that will quickly blend in and fill the open gap.
Over wintering
It is good practice to cover containers with brushwood to protect them against the cold. Plants should be cut back before they are placed inside to be over wintered. Move plants into a frost free position overnight to protect them from frost or wrap them up in polythene.