How often should I water lined hanging baskets?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.How often hanging baskets need to be watered is completely dependent on your liner material and season. Coconut coir only needs watering daily in the summer heat, but plastic can last for days between waterings. I constantly adjust my schedule throughout the year. The health of your plants indicates whether their moisture needs are being met.
Moisture-Retaining Liners
- Coir requires daily summer watering preventing dehydration
- Sphagnum moss needs hydration every 12 hours in extreme heat
- Check soil moisture before each watering session
- Reduce frequency when temperatures drop below 70°F (21°C)
Quick-Draining Liners
- Plastic liners need watering every 2-3 days in summer
- Felt fabric requires hydration every 3-4 days
- Test dryness by lifting baskets feeling weight changes
- Increase frequency during windy conditions
Seasonal Adjustments
- Winter watering drops to weekly for all liner types
- Spring/fall transition periods need twice-weekly checks
- Rainfall reduces required frequency significantly
- Cover baskets during heavy storms preventing overhydration
Check soil moisture accurately each time before watering. Push your finger 2 inches into the soil near the plant's roots. If it feels dry, water immediately. You can also lift the baskets to feel the weight difference between dry and wet soils. For exceptionally dense planting, I utilize moisture meters to ensure accuracy. Your plants are only getting water when they truly need it.
Environmental factors can greatly change requirements. Baskets placed in the wind, for example, will dry much faster than in just heat. Full-sun locations will require us to water those baskets more frequently than shaded places, for example. I water my balcony baskets about twice as much as my patio baskets. Regardless of liner type, your environment will dictate the schedule just as much.
Gradually adjust when seasons change (e.g., this is particularly important in spring). For example, if temperatures start to rise as spring approaches, increase the watering frequency. On the other hand, if the fall starts to cool down, gradually reduce your frequency. I generally change my watering schedule over a 2-week timeframe to avoid "plant shock." Your plants will then comfortably acclimate to their new environment with minimal stress signals.
Special situations are important to consider. Newly planted baskets require more frequent watering until they become established. Flowering plants should receive additional watering during their flowering cycles. For both of these cases, I increase watering by 30%. If you understand any unique qualities of your plants and their needs for more hydration, your plants will repay you with extra growth.
Read the full article: Everything About Hanging Basket Liners
