Your Guide to Fertilizing Hanging Baskets & Container Gardens

Feed Your Plants—Not Just Water Them

We’re quick to water our plants, especially those beautiful hanging baskets and container gardens bursting with blooms. But if we’re not feeding them regularly, they won’t stay full, colorful, and thriving all season long.

At Bedner’s, we believe proper nutrition is the key to garden success—especially in containers, where nutrients are limited and get washed out with frequent watering. That’s why we’re passionate about professional-grade fertilizers that truly make a difference.

Let’s walk you through the why, when, and what of fertilizing your baskets and containers so they’ll keep growing strong.

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Why Fertilizing Containers is So Important

Unlike garden beds, container gardens and hanging baskets are closed systems. That means:

• Water drains quickly, taking nutrients with it
• Plants can’t pull nutrients from surrounding soil
• Regular feeding is essential for continuous growth and blooming

Without a consistent source of nutrients, your containers will begin to look tired, sparse, and faded—even if you’re watering faithfully.

The Best Fertilizers for Hanging Baskets & Containers

At Bedner’s, we not only recommend these products—we use them ourselves in our greenhouses to grow strong, beautiful annuals. Here’s what we trust and why:

Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster (10-30-20)

This is the go-to for promoting strong flower production and vibrant color in your hanging baskets, porch pots, and window boxes. The high phosphorus content (the middle number) supports blooming and root development, making it perfect for:

• Petunias
• Calibrachoa
• Geraniums
• Begonias
• And all your flowering annuals

Use it every 7–10 days mixed with water for best results. It’s easy to apply and delivers results fast!

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Jack’s Classic All Purpose (20-20-20)

This balanced formula is ideal for mixed containers that include both flowers and foliage plants. It feeds evenly, promoting healthy growth in:

• Foliage plants like coleus or sweet potato vine
• Mixed annual combinations
• Indoor houseplants in containers

Switch between this and Blossom Booster depending on your plant’s needs—lush growth vs. flower power!

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Bonus Product Spotlight: Triple Super Phosphate

If you’ve got hydrangeas that are putting out leaves but refusing to bloom, Triple Super Phosphate may be your secret weapon.

Best used on macrophylla (bigleaf) and panicle hydrangeas that are healthy but bloom-shy. It provides a concentrated boost of phosphorus to encourage blooming. Apply early in the growing season for the best results. Just don’t overdo it—follow label instructions carefully!

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Fertilizing Tips & Tricks for Container Success

• Start Early – Begin feeding about 2 weeks after planting, once roots are established.
  – Stay Consistent – Feed every 7–10 days using water-soluble fertilizer during active growth.
  – Water First – Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn.
  – Watch & Adjust – If growth slows or blooming fades, bump up the frequency slightly.
  – Deadhead & Trim – Fertilizer works best when paired with regular pruning and deadheading.

 

Final Words of Encouragement

Always read and follow package directions—more isn’t always better when it comes to feeding plants.
Still not sure what your plants need? We’re here to help! Stop by Bedner’s or send us a message—we’re always happy to offer tips, product recommendations, and encouragement.

Let’s help your containers thrive, together.
At Bedner’s, we’re here to help you nurture growth—one hanging basket, one bloom, and one scoop of fertilizer at a time.