Keep in mind that if a little fertilizer is good, a lot is NOT better. Too much fertilizer can burn roots and damage plants. Check what's available at your local garden center or greenhouse and invest in a little fertilizer to keep your plants flowering. It is also important to keep in mind that plants may take several days or weeks to respond to a fertilizer application. Give the material time to work before even considering a second application.
Clean plants are healthy plants.
With proper watering and fertilizing, your basket plants will flower so much that you may need to remove dead flowers and seed pods. This helps keep the plants looking their best and stimulates more flowers during the summer. The activity is also a good way to relax after a long day, which is what gardening is all about. Robert Nuss is a horticulturist at Penn State. He coordinates all extension horticulture programs.