Life of a Hanging Basket
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a hanging basket at Down to Earth!
Preparing the Baskets
We begin by filling each hanging basket with high-quality potting mix, carefully chosen to provide the best aeration, drainage, and nutrients for optimal growth. To give the plants a great start, we also incorporate a slow-release fertilizer that ensures steady nourishment over time.
Receiving & Evaluating Plugs
Once our young plants (plugs) arrive at the greenhouse, we carefully unbox and evaluate them for quality. Each plug is inspected to ensure it is healthy and robust, as strong starting material is crucial to a successful basket.
Boosting Root Growth and Disease Resistance
To give our plants an extra edge, we dip them in a solution of beneficial organisms, including mycorrhizae, biofungicides, and bioinsecticides. This treatment promotes rapid rooting while also providing natural protection against unwanted insects and diseases. By fostering a healthy root system from the beginning, we set the stage for vigorous growth.
Planting with Care
Each plug is then planted according to our predetermined designs, ensuring a harmonious blend of colors, textures, and bloom times. Proper spacing is key, as it allows each plant room to grow without overcrowding. The right basket size is also selected to support the plants as they mature, preventing rootbound conditions and ensuring they have adequate room to thrive.
Natural Pest Control
To minimize the need for chemical treatments, we apply beneficial insects preventatively. These natural predators help control pests before they become a problem, promoting a healthier growing environment.
Encouraging Growth and Blooms
Once planted, the baskets are fitted with hangers and suspended in our greenhouse, where they can develop in ideal conditions. Regular watering and fertilization ensure the plants receive the nutrients they need for lush growth and abundant flowers. We use a balanced feeding regimen tailored to the needs of each plant variety.
Hand-Trimming for Fullness
To create the fullest, most beautiful baskets possible, we hand-trim each basket two to three times during the growing process. This encourages branching and denser growth, resulting in a final product that is full, lush, and ready to impress.
From Our Greenhouse to Your Home
By the time our hanging baskets are ready for sale, they have been carefully nurtured and tended with expert care. The combination of quality potting mix, beneficial treatments, precision planting, and meticulous maintenance ensures that each basket will flourish when it finds its new home.
From our greenhouse to your home, our baskets are grown with care to bring vibrant color and lush beauty throughout spring and summer, ensuring your outdoor spaces stay stunning all season long!