Hanging Basket Care in Southwest Saskatchewan: Tips for Thriving Blooms All Season Long

May 20, 2025

There’s something magical about a lush, overflowing hanging basket swaying in the breeze. Whether it’s a petunias, lobelia, or a mix of calibrachoa or coleus, hanging baskets are one of the easiest ways to bring instant colour and life to porches, patios, and entryways. In our Zone 3 prairie climate — with hot sun, wind, and the occasional cold snap — there are several factors you need to consider when caring for your baskets.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your hanging baskets blooming beautifully all summer long in Southwest Saskatchewan.

1. Choose the Right Location

Hanging baskets thrive in the right amount of sun — and that varies depending on the plants inside. Here's a quick guide:

Full sun (6+ hours): Supertunias, calibrachoa, geraniums, verbena, bidens
Part sun (4–6 hours): Fuchsias, begonias, lobelia, impatiens (New Guinea)
Shade (under 4 hours): Ferns, impatiens, trailing ivy

💡 Tip: Watch for signs of sun stress (scorched leaves, dry soil) or stretching (plants reaching for more light), and adjust your location as needed. Our hanging baskets come with blue (more shady) or white (more sun) tags to help get you started with determining the proper amount of sun required.

2. Watering: The #1 Secret to Success

Hanging baskets dry out fast — especially in our dry prairie winds and hot summer afternoons.

Check daily. Stick your finger into the soil; if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water.
Morning is best, so plants have time to soak up moisture before the heat of the day.
On hot or windy days, you may need to water twice — morning and late afternoon.

Tip: Water until you see it run out of the bottom. If your basket is dry and water runs right through, give it a minute and water again to fully rehydrate the soil.

3. Feed for Continuous Colour

In a hanging basket, nutrients wash out quickly. Regular feeding is key:

Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (like 20-20-20 or 15-30-15) every 7–10 days.
For bloom-heavy baskets (like petunias and million bells), choose a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to encourage flowering.
Slow-release fertilizer (mixed in at planting) can provide backup support for busy gardeners.

Tip: If blooms start to fade or foliage turns pale, it's likely time to feed!

4. Deadhead and Prune for Bushier Growth

Keeping your basket tidy encourages new blooms and keeps it looking full:

Pinch off spent flowers regularly, especially on geraniums, marigolds, and petunias.
Trim leggy stems every few weeks to promote branching and lushness.
Supertunias and calibrachoa don’t always need deadheading — but a mid-season trim can work wonders!

Tip: Don’t be afraid to give your basket a "haircut" in July. It will bounce back quickly with new growth.

🌬️ 5. Protect from Prairie Wind & Weather

Our Saskatchewan wind and storms can take a toll on delicate hanging baskets.

Shelter them near walls, under eaves, or on covered porches when strong wind or rain is forecast.
Rotate baskets every few days so one side doesn’t get all the exposure (or become one-sided).
On cold nights (below 5°C), bring baskets indoors or cover with a breathable frost cloth.

Tip: A single late spring frost can damage young plants — play it safe until nighttime lows stay above 10°C.

Bonus: Mid-Summer Refresh

By late July or early August, even the best-cared-for baskets may start looking tired. Don’t toss them!

Trim back by 1/3 to rejuvenate growth.
Top up with fresh soil and fertilizer.
Add a few new annuals to fill gaps and give a fresh look.

Tip: With a little mid-season care, you can enjoy your baskets well into September.

Final Thought

A beautiful hanging basket brings colour, pollinators, and enjoyment all summer long. With just a few minutes of care each week, your baskets can thrive in our prairie climate — even on the hottest days.

If you ever have questions or need help picking the perfect plants for your baskets, we’re always here to help. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, we love helping you grow something beautiful.

Happy gardening,
— The Riverdene Garden Centre Team

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