Introduction
If you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-to-grow plant for your hanging basket, morning glory is an excellent choice. With its delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, morning glory is sure to brighten up any space. In this article, we’ll go over the steps to plant morning glory in a hanging basket, including soil preparation, planting, and care tips.
Choosing the Right Basket
When it comes to hanging baskets, you have a variety of materials to choose from, including plastic, metal, and wicker. However, for morning glory, we recommend using a sturdy plastic basket with drainage holes. Morning glory vines can get quite heavy and require a lot of water, so you want to make sure your basket can handle the weight and allow for proper drainage.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting your morning glory, you should prepare the soil to ensure it has the nutrients and drainage it needs. Start by filling your basket about two-thirds of the way with a high-quality potting mix. Then, mix in some perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. You can also add some slow-release fertilizer to provide your plant with nutrients over time.
Planting Your Morning Glory
Once you have your basket and soil ready, it’s time to plant your morning glory. Start by placing the plant in the center of the basket and filling in around it with soil. Be sure to leave enough room for the plant to grow and spread out. You can also add a trellis or stake to the basket to provide support for the vines.
Caring for Your Morning Glory
Morning glory requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You should also fertilize your plant every few weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer to keep it healthy and blooming. Prune any dead or damaged leaves or stems as needed to promote new growth.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
While morning glory is generally a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Common pests include spider mites and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Harvesting Seeds
If you want to save seeds from your morning glory, wait until the flowers have faded and the seed pods have turned brown and dry. Then, gently remove the pods and open them to reveal the seeds inside. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them.
Conclusion
Planting morning glory in a hanging basket is a fun and rewarding way to add some color and beauty to your home or garden. With the right materials, soil preparation, and care, you can enjoy a bountiful display of flowers all summer long. So, go ahead and give it a try – your morning glory is sure to be the envy of the neighborhood!