Watering hanging baskets presents a unique challenge, especially for those without convenient outdoor spigots or hose access. The elevated position and limited soil volume of these containers cause them to dry out rapidly, often requiring daily watering during warm weather. This is difficult when the only water source is indoors or far from the plants. The following methods focus on maximizing the effectiveness of manual watering while minimizing physical effort and water waste.
Optimizing Manual Watering for Height
Manually delivering water to hanging baskets requires tools that can precisely reach the elevated containers. A long-spout watering can is the most practical solution, as its extended neck allows the gardener to stand on the ground or a small step stool and direct the flow accurately into the basket’s center. This controlled delivery is important because if the potting mix has become excessively dry, water will often run down the sides of the root ball and out the drainage holes without being absorbed. To combat this runoff, water should be applied slowly and in stages, giving the soil time to rehydrate and ensuring deep saturation.
If a basket is particularly high, a step stool or small ladder provides the necessary height for access. For gardeners with multiple baskets, using a two-gallon or larger watering can reduces the number of trips. However, do not fill the can completely if the weight makes it difficult to lift and pour accurately. Partial filling allows for a more stable and controlled pour, preventing spills and maximizing the water that reaches the roots.
Soaking Methods and Reservoir Techniques
Less frequent, yet more thorough, watering can be achieved by temporarily removing the basket from its hook to fully soak the root mass. Soaking is highly effective, as it allows the entire soil volume to absorb water until fully saturated. This process involves submerging the basket in a large basin, bucket, or tub of water for 15 to 30 minutes, or until air bubbles stop rising from the soil surface. This technique completely rehydrates the potting mix, which is especially beneficial if the basket has dried out to the point of repellency.
For baskets that are too high to easily remove, installing a simple pulley system allows them to be lowered for soaking and then easily raised back into position. Alternatively, creating a simple reservoir system can drastically reduce the frequency of manual watering.
Reservoir Systems
One straightforward DIY reservoir involves inverting a plastic bottle with small holes poked in the cap and burying the neck into the soil. The water slowly seeps out over several days, providing a constant, low-flow moisture source directly to the roots. Another effective passive method is the use of a simple wick system, where a piece of nylon cord or felt is placed with one end in the soil and the other submerged in a small water container attached beneath the basket. This system uses capillary action to consistently draw water into the soil, maintaining a more even moisture level.
Efficient Water Transport and Storage
Since a hose is unavailable, the physical logistics of moving water from the source to the baskets become a primary concern. Transporting water in large, multi-gallon containers, such as clean five-gallon buckets with sturdy handles, minimizes the number of trips required. For minimizing physical strain, using a small, wheeled cart or a hand truck to move multiple filled containers at once is highly recommended.
Storing a volume of water closer to the baskets significantly cuts down on the effort and time spent walking back and forth to the main spigot. A dedicated, covered rain barrel or a large, clean storage bin placed discreetly near the hanging baskets can harvest rainwater or be filled during one efficient trip. This temporary storage provides a readily available supply of water for daily or weekly watering, eliminating the need to carry full cans across the entire yard or patio each time.