Spring has almost sprung, and with it comes our favorite time of year at Handyman Hardware! We love it when our Garden Centers are bursting with greenery, plants, and flowers!

Welcome to this year’s guide on caring for your hanging baskets and plants. We'll share some of our expert Handyman hacks to help you keep your greenery thriving and your hanging displays looking their best all season long. These tips and tricks make caring for your hanging baskets a breeze, whether you’re just starting to explore your green thumb or are a seasoned expert!

This blog outlines everything you need to know about hanging baskets, from the best plants to common care and management—all in one handy guide!

What are the Best Plants for Hanging Baskets?

One of the many reasons folks love hanging baskets is the variety of plants you can grow in them! Besides flowering annuals, you can grow grasses, ferns (one of our favorites!), fruits, veggies, herbs, and vines!

Opt for varieties that thrive in our Missouri climate and your space’s lighting conditions. Consider mixing different textures and colors for a visually stunning display. Let’s explore a few of our favorites!

Ferns

Are you looking for a set-it-and-forget-it hanging basket? Then, ferns are your answer! These versatile and low-maintenance plants are perfect for the busy gardener. Plus, the larger they get, the better! A few species that work great for hanging baskets are Boston, Maidenhair, Lady, Kimberly Queen, and Hay-scented. (There are some good names for your next pup on that list!)

Succulents

We should have started with succulents in the “set it and forget it” category. You can forget about these; they’ll still welcome you back with open arms. (Pro tip: don’t forget too long!) Succulents are resilient and low-maintenance. They thrive in the summer sun with minimal watering. This makes them perfect candidates for outdoor hanging baskets, where they can bask in our St. Louis sunshine.

Trailing varieties are some of the best succulents you can add to hanging baskets. Some varieties to consider include Climbing Aloe, Variegated Trailing Jade, Ruby Necklace, String of Hearts, and Lantern Flower. (Maybe don’t use this list for your next pup’s name.)

Flowers

Nothing says spring like the first few houses in the neighborhood displaying hanging baskets filled with petunias and geraniums. The burst of color is such a statement against the gray of the previous winter season.

Flowers for your hanging basket come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. You can swap out annuals each season while your baskets of perennials will add charm to your space year after year. Some of our favorite hanging basket flowers include begonias, fuschia, lantana, lobelia, petunias, and verbena.

Planting and Potting Mixes

Is getting your hands dirty in the soil one of your favorite parts of gardening? We love it! There’s nothing like putting on your tried and true gardening gloves and feeling the soil run through your fingers. The potting mix is the foundation of your hanging basket.

You want to look for lightweight and fluffy mixes, like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix or Espoma Potting Soil Mix. These mixes are great because they allow for good drainage and aeration–which your plants love! Some of our favorites:

Common Missouri Plant Pests and Problems

Alright, let's talk about the not-so-glamorous side of hanging basket gardening: dealing with pesky pests and peskier problems. But don't worry, it's nothing a little know-how and some good ol' fashioned gardening grit can't handle!

A few critters you might encounter are aphids, spider mites or powdery mildew. Don’t worry! A quick blast of water or a squirt of insecticidal soap will send them on their way!

Another issue you might encounter is stress caused by our changing weather conditions. Wilting or yellowing leaves might cause your plants to look worse for wear. Often, a little trim will bring them back to tip-top shape. Another Handyman hack is to practice good sanitation while working with your plants. That will help prevent any diseases from spreading.

Getting Started with Hanging Plants

At Handyman Hardware, we're dedicated to helping you strike just the right balance between relaxed enjoyment and strategic planning as you dive into the world of gardening! From potting mixes to planting tools and, of course, PLANTS, our garden centers are bursting with color and expert advice.

Are you ready to add some color to your space and explore the many benefits of hanging baskets? Stop by Handyman Hardware and visit our garden centers today! Our inventory changes as the seasons change, so it’s good to stop in regularly and see what new plants have arrived! Happy Spring!