How I fertilize my containers - and other tips for amazing annuals

[@stanskotniczny9529]

I have watched hundreds of videos over the years but yours sir, are the best! Simple, easy and informative. Thank you

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Thank you for those kind words!

[@MrHwkifan]

I have to agree. I would like to know what you use as “mulch’ on top of pots. Thanks for talking about things that are basic and so many people assume you know. So many great tips.

[@MrHwkifan]

Another question. If you have too much rain, and your plants are already saturated, do you fertilize?

[@SharkeysFloralGreenhouses]

Thank you so much for highlighting our Beat Your Neighbor fertilizer! We appreciate you showing it and supporting us as small businesses owners and fellow growers. (Oh…And we do add the extra iron to our BYN fertilizer.)

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

THAT’S GREAT NEWS. It also explains why my calibrachoa that were looking a bit lime-leafed have darkened up.

[@deb7639]

Corey, you sir, are my hero! Every one of your videos teaches me something new. And I have been a gardener for over 50 years. Your content is so honest and spot on. You definitely know what thoughts go through our minds. 😂 Amazing video!

[@lorrainesalstrand1603]

You are so down to earth and easy to listen to and learn from. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@adeleferguson663]

Corey, you are an absolute joy to watch. Your channel gets better and better with every episode. I get just as messy when I’m repotting my annuals. It’s just dirt, and washes away. Have a great week!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Thank you. Sometimes KZbin makes people’s process so tidy and organized… not me.

[@marilynwithrow5665]

Love your videos. So informative!! With my annuals I have always done "Fertilizer Friday's" as an easy way to remember what day to fertilize.😂

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Agreed!!!

[@user-dn6zw5fy9v]

Thank you for mentioning the frustration of measuring Miracle Grow! I quit fussing over it and use 1 scoop per gallon. I use a 5 gal bucket then fill a half gallon pitcher to fertilize my annuals. Yes, it takes time but I like the control I have with the amount of fertilizer. I follow your fertilizer and watering regime faithfully and am thrilled with results. This was challenging but I used less plants per pot and by golly you were right!! Thank you for your videos and enthusiasm! Your up north, almost in the UP follower

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I suspect they are hoping people just use a full scoop per gallon so they use more. Glad you’re having success with your containers!!!

[@deb7639]

Thanks for the five gallon bucket watering tip. I love it! So much easier using the measuring cup than trying to refill and continuously lift a watering can. You are so smart, Corey!

[@wendykelcey1246]

I agree! Great tip!

[@VickiL-lb3vg]

Corey after watching your videos I'm going to give petunias another go. Normally where I am we plant bedding petunias in mid autumn so they're ready to flower in Spring. I am amazed at the choice of super vista petunias and petchoas. I have limited choice and if it's not bought with a flower, well it's pot luck. I've potted up some supervista petunias to grow over winter, so am looking forward to see what I end up with in Spring. Thanks for the inspiration. 🌏

[@sandymorrow7477]

I now have gorgeous petunias, thanks to you and your tips!

[@pam1201brooks]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am learning so much from you. I struggle every year with hanging floral baskets.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Hopefully, you’re seeing improvement 🤞

[@nicholasryan5401]

We have fifty two containers of perennials and six containers of annuals. We feed all the containers with tomato food once a week. When we started gardening with containers we used to use Miracle-Gro but the plants would be covered with aphids who are attracted to plants with high nitrogen levels. Tomato food has a 6-3-9 NPK and we don't get as many aphids.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I use tomato food on my containers in Ireland and it’s worked pretty well for me as well.

[@coleneritchie5625]

Corey, we really need saucers that snaps to our hanging containers. They will catch the overflow, well, you know what I mean. Would it be a good, or bad thing?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

There’s a risk of overwatering, but that would be handy in the hot summer. Designing one that doesn’t spill when blown in the wind would be the challenge.

[@ts3063]

I can’t stop looking at that el brighto container 🤩

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I’m very happy with it. I can’t believe the Proven Winner recipe called for twice as many plants.!!!

[@donnaokoniewski3761]

Always a wealth of knowledge. Thank you so much.

[@shelleyemond1293]

Fantastic information. Thank you ❤

[@pennyarizzio2824]

Another GREAT video!! We all love you! Thank you!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@n.w.414]

Love your videos! And thanks for the permission, lol, to initially fertilize a bit more. Makes sense. And very helpful in my short growing season.

[@strawberrymage8593]

I giggled when you said "Frankenstein container" because that's what I called my zinnias last year! They went NUTS last year and I'm here for it!

[@mikec2810]

Great tips and tricks as always! Thanks Corey!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Thank you!

[@cathytalaske6255]

Thanks for all the great information. I'm trying my best to stick with getting the fertilizer to my pots. Your pots are always so beautiful!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a dose, just pick up where you left off. Weekly fertilizing works great, but you can have success with some lapses.

[@laurahiggins4712]

"The addiction is real" LOL!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

😜

[@fizzypop1858]

This was such helpful information, Corey. I always learn so much from your videos! Thanks!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I’m glad it was helpful.

[@springglory46]

This was great...thank you...

[@Ryleerae204]

I so enjoy your tutorials but this one was amazing! Thank you so very much

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Glad to hear you found it useful.

[@n.w.414]

I like the idea of using the measuring cup to water plants. I also have a wagon and pails but never use them. I have watering cans instead.

[@wendykelcey1246]

Awesome video!!! Thank you!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Glad you liked it!

[@JeanandKenny]

Thanks Corey, this is very helpful :)

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Glad to hear it!

[@reddog40]

Hi Corey this video came just in time! So I have the middle split and leggy issue I( waves) and I trimmed along pot edge and I still have spkit couldn't remember how you were fertilizing so now I have the info, also you did it 20 days ago i did mine 6 days ago 😂 Time!!!I did repot everything into the bigger pots as well.I used to use miracle grow but two yrs ago my sister in-law told me about Jack's I have great success.So i learned to have more patience for results and fertilizer and water properly.As always you have taught me well and your information is so easy to understand.Thabk you Corey my go to garden channel!!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I’m glad I added the number of days… I had people asking for updates on those one days after the first video. I’ve found that I can savor the experience of watching them come back.

[@reddog40]

@@UpNorthGardenMI Yes! great point part of why I love doing gardens is seeing things develop over time

[@kelleyforeman]

I bought an Ortho hose sprayer for fertilizing in the recommendation of the Beat Your Neighbor people. I like it because you can deliver a calibrated dose of fertilizer. I just figured out how much of the powder to add to the jar and set the dial for the correct dilution. I use a 1/4 dose for begonias. This sprayer has made my life so much easier! It's way better than the miracle gro sprayer which does not give a calibrated dose.

[@heatherk2693]

I bought one this year too. I like it but mine (and the one I bought my dad) underdoses. The 1 tbsp setting was too weak. I upped it to 2 oz setting. That delivered the same blue hue compared to what I would mix in a watering can. Have you experienced the same issue?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Thanks for the tips. I’m tempted to try it, but have gotten used to watering with my bucket and haven’t tried anything new.

[@pathorton8188]

This was an awesome tutorial! I learned quite a bit today about fertilizing AND watering!! I certainly had my fingers crossed with that large petunia! Tx so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us. 🥰

[@dlight9849]

I purchased the Beat Your Neighbor Fertilizer over a month ago after you recommended it in a video, and I'm following Sharkey's Greenhouse *Fertilizer Fridays* Thanks for a long video--great way to end the day 👋

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

They have some great videos. I’ve learned from them as well.

[@SharkeysFloralGreenhouses]

Thank you!

[@ahnie771]

Great video. Always excellent content! Thank you.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

🙏 thanks

[@heatherk2693]

Good info! Last year I switched to Jacks and have been happy so far. It is made an hour away from me in PA.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

It’s a very good fertilizer!

[@theresaburg5881]

I love seeing how the plants are coming along. They all look great. I love the white pots as it lets the flowers be the star of the show. I admit I rarely fertilize my containers and they do fine.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I’ll be sure to post more updates.

[@Auntypatti]

You posted a comment about overwatering big pots. What do you do when the top of the pot is dry but if you push the water meter deep it’s wet?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I usually consider the weather conditions the plant will experience over the next 24 hours. Hot, dry, or windy means I will likely water. However, if the top two inches are dry, I usually add water unless it’s a geranium or begonia or some other plant that doesn’t mind being dry for 24 hours.

[@adismahmutovic9135]

I’ve used the espoma bloom one it’s quite nice though you do need to put some iron tone in the beginning of the summer! I like it cause it doesn’t burn the roots :)

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I haven’t tried that one. It’s on my list.

[@stylinnjo4022]

Corey, that was great and very informative! by the way, were you sitting in paradise island with all the beautiful flowers😄

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

It is my paradise. I have been moving them outside lately, so more I have several little paradises 😍

[@CarlinTran]

It's was good to hear about the miracle gro spoons. Drives me crazy. Also I was debating between the two miracle gros also and think they perform similarly

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I wonder if it was done so people use more fertilizer… use 1-1/2 Tbs instead of 1 Tbs 🤷‍♂️

[@CarlinTran]

@@UpNorthGardenMI Jokes on them! Water weakly ,weekly.

[@evahaynes4438]

THANk YOU❤!!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

You are so welcome!

[@stampcat2]

Enjoy all of your videos. Would like to see one on how to use various products for pests. I am having a difficult year with earwigs/slugs/etc and have tried many options like traps, DE, Sluggo...help!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Sluggo Plus or Captain Jack’s Bug and Slug for slugs, snails, and earwigs. Just a few granules per plant every 10 days unless they disappear, then add more because they’re eating it.

[@MaryAnneCowan]

Question- on your fertilizer day (I do the same- it's Mondays!) do you also do a separate watering?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Nope. I water as usual with the fertilized water.

[@user-ix9vh2gi8q]

Love this video. Got a few tips that I never do especially the 5 gallon bucket… fill it up and then just put it in a wagon and take it around. I usually carry 2 gallons at a time. Plus, didn’t realize how often I should be using a water soluble fertilizer. I always use the granule fertilizer when I’m preparing my beds and when I’m doing my pots, but I will do the water soluble more often now.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

If you’ve been happy with the results of the granular fertilizer, you don’t need to change. But the water soluble usually gives them more of a boost.

[@peggy-ann1961]

Thanks for clearing up the annual/perennial fertilizer issue! Question…we’ve had a tremendous amount of rain and no real heat here in zone 3 Manitoba. My pots need fertilizer but due to no heat the slow release that I added when planting isn’t active either. As the plants don’t need water…any suggestions? 💦😢🇨🇦

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

That’s a tough one. Too much time in all that water can cause root damage. FYI - Most time-release is activated at about 10 degrees Celsius (50• F). I suspect your plants are stunted by the extra water and cold temps more than lack of fertilizer. They might not start actively growing until those conditions change. I’ve heard people say that if the soil is heavily saturated in shrub containers and the pots have decent drainage, you can still water with fertilizer if absolutely necessary. I haven’t had to test this myself though.

[@peggy-ann1961]

@@UpNorthGardenMI Ok, thanks Corey, good to know about the slow release, I thought it had to be warmer than that. 🇨🇦👏🇨🇦

[@judyhuber6866]

Great information, Corey I have a perennial question for you, I have Primrose around a fountain. They bloom exponentially at first Should I be removing the sea pods to make them bloom again? Also have Russian sage, but I would like to start in another location, do I dig that up by the Root & transplant or is that something that I can trim the existing plant & place it in water to grow roots and transplant. Peace & Everything Good!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I usually cut off the spent blooms and sometimes get a bit of rebloom. I’ve never propagated Russian sage from cuttings, so I’m not sure - I’ve dug them up and moved them with success.

[@bebeautiful6613]

Interesting at 21:49 you don’t disrupt the roots. I always thought you had to disrupt the roots to make them spread out 🧐 🙂

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

If the roots are healthy and you have good soil, the roots don’t need our help… they’ll quickly head to the good soil.

[@bebeautiful6613]

@@UpNorthGardenMI thank you! It’s funny how we can be doing something our whole lives(61) just to find out it wasn’t necessary 😆❤️

[@Letsgocamping143]

What about coleus mixed in with flowers? DO you still use high bloom fertilizers if those are in the pots?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Yep. They like the nitrogen in those fertilizers.

[@user-vq7mj3ck7w]

❤ Good Afternoon Love your videos and your honesty! Most channels just say what they feel they need to say...but not you. I appreciate that. My question is: Are you going to be planting up fall planters planters this year? Do you have a video on fall planters with bulbs and winter plants?❤❤❤

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I’ve never done fall planters… my summer planters generally hold up well until fall… and we often get frost in mid-September.

[@user-vq7mj3ck7w]

@@UpNorthGardenMI I'm sorry, I meant winter containers that make it into spring.

[@user-vq7mj3ck7w]

I'm in Maryland

[@S.a.r.i.k.a.]

I used to be worried about hurting my garden plants at home with fertilizer so I was careful not to get the fertilizer on the leaves and to measure properly. For the past couple of months I’ve been working at my local greenhouse nursery and they fertilize every single watering with 20-8-20 and chelated iron. We were told to basically keep the plant roots wet, it didn’t matter if fertilizer going on any leaves, every single plant got the same treatment, whether it was a perennial, herb, vegetable or annual. The soil in the pots became green and looked like it had a thin layer of algae, but I think it was the fertilizer. This goes against anything I’ve learned on KZbin. I didn’t witness any of the plants hurting from the fertilizer overuse. These plants were getting watered every single day in the greenhouses. The owner never allowed any plants to have any dry soil ever. I certainly don’t practice this at home with my plants. I do the once a week thing, but because of what I witnessed at the greenhouse, I no longer fear over fertilizing my plants. I didn’t agree with how they did it there, but it also wasn’t my business so I just did as I was told.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Most plants are pretty resilient - especially once they reach a certain size. Sometimes in a nursery setting, time input is the priority… so strategic shortcuts save a lot of money… and if the plants are selling reasonably fast it makes sense to focus on getting them abundant water and fertilizer rather than preserving leaves and checking moisture levels with each watering.

[@bonniemccormack1361]

Hi Corey 😊 I have followed your advice with success and I thank you for sharing your knowledge. In the past, at my local plant center, I noticed the water guy flooding the plants. I asked him why he was drowning them and he said they always water their plants that way. This confuses me because they have ridiculously amazing plants. I wonder if that is why the fertilizer I used seemed to work so incredibly well because they were no longer drowning and actually had a chance to utilize what I was feeding them? I did a new container yesterday and I cannot wait for it to fill in. I used 3 different colored petunias and one color verbena~ I have Bees Knees in the center and two each of white and light purple surrounding it and then in between the whites and purples I have a dark purple verbena. I hope it looks good with they fill up the container. It's an old tire turned inside out so it's plenty big. Hopefully not too big LOL I am also getting pots ready for some ladies at the manor where my mom lives. Bless their heart they think I have a greenhouse so I'm going for it. Most of my requests were for purple and yellow petunias (so I had a surplus for my own container) and one wanted a yellow begonia. It's been fun and thanks to you the plants are looking fabulous in spite of being drowned before I got them home lol Thanks again 😊🇨🇦😊

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Chances are they have fertilizer in their water all the time. I have a feeling it’s easier to train new employees to overwater than train them to properly water. If they sell baskets pretty quickly and they’re fertilizing, the plants well do okay. It wastes water and fertilizer (I don’t even want to think of the fertilizer runoff), but it must be getting the job done for them.

[@C123abc]

Bravo with the giant petunia!! I bought some hanging baskets with a coir bottom and when I try to water, it just runs off. These are impatiens and they're doing okay but I hate to water them. Should I have put a pit of plastic sheeting on part of the bottom?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Some plastic on the bottom would help retain that moisture… it’s still important to poke holes for drainage though.

[@empresskimberly4410]

I have been using the hose attachment that comes with the miracle grow and not measuring out at all in cups. Mine are getting way more than you give. 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ well they aren’t dead so there’s that 😅😅😅

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I’m always nervous about trusting those things… but they’re probably more accurate than my scoops.

[@Pawsinthegardenstudio]

Hi Corey, Love your videos! Maybe you have addressed this but, I’ll ask anyway. I’m in southeast Mi and this heatwave coming has me wondering how to care for my hydrangeas. They are wilting in the heat of the day but are perked back up in early evening. Should I be watering when they droop? Also, should I fertilize in this heat? A video on hydrangea care in extreme heat would be appreciated.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Only water them if they’re dry. Drooping is how they cope with the heat… it’s hard not to just keep giving them water, but if the soil is still wet, just hang tight.

[@Pawsinthegardenstudio]

Thanks Corey!

[@janenovotny6333]

Order of operations for weekly feeding of your annuals? Water then fertilize? Fertilize then water?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

The fertilizer goes into your water… so you water like normal with the fertilizer water.

[@shanemccoy419]

I just bought some super tunia bubblegum they were on sale and leggy thought ii would save them how far back should I cut them or should I give them a small trim only? I am going to give them a good nesting in good soil.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

If you’re going aggressive - I’d leave at least two sets of leaves. Or you could just do a light trim for shape and let them produce new growth by making sure they’re getting extra fertilizer.

[@caseyarguijo657]

where do you get your containers?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

We carry them as our standard 14+” basket… haven’t been able to find them elsewhere.

[@nedders60]

So have I got this right? I feed and then water lightly right after fertilizing or water lightly first and then add fertilizer.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Just use the water with fertilizer in it exactly the way you would water without.

[@terridee9637]

Question. Here in central Indiana we are experiencing a week long heat wave. Should I fertilize? Or just water to maintain. Thanks Corey❤❤

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Your number one priority is keeping them from dying out - especially watch out if there’s wind. I’d keep to the fertilizing schedule, but if you skip one week, they’ll be fine.

[@terridee9637]

@@UpNorthGardenMI thank you so much. I have LOTS of containers

[@shanemccoy419]

Thank you I also wanted to ask I have been getting a bit of " wilt" with a bunch of my petunias I have put in my wheelbarrow the petunias have looked lovely but one by one they are wilting ..all the petunias will be fine but one plant will wilt...no bug poo...or bugs I have seen. This is not bud worm no actual little worms...help what could this be. None of my petunias in my hanging are doing this.. .thank u😊

[@lnystrom9044]

thank you for a great video - i do this as well with great success - However i never heard or read Not to feed perennials - i am confused as mine do very well - isn’t it just a little boost for them as long as it is very diluted ??

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

You still need to feed them, but weekly MiracleGro is more than they need. I stick to compost in the spring and since time release during the season for perennials and shrubs.

[@peggym60]

Is there any benefit to using cocoa liner baskets versus plastic hanging baskets? Anytime I buy a hanging plant I transfer it from the plastic basket to a cocoa liner basket…is this necessary?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

It’s more about the volume of soil that the vessel. That said, a cocoa lined basket that doesn’t have plastic lining it will dry out faster as the air is able to pass through it.

[@Phone-Yakker]

What type of soil do you use?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

We buy ours in bulk, so I don’t have a specific brand. Epic Gardening just did a video comparing 14 different soils. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7MeqmceZlqd9ksi=CZNoFKP5-Ui1GIaZ

[@donnaq7626]

Fertilizer Sunday!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

A great day to fertilize.

[@shannonspano-gray7471]

If they do become hydrophobic what do you use to fix this?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Gradually add water and it'll rehydrate.

[@suek7086]

I’ve been using the Proven winners this year. I’ll evaluate later.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Let us know what you think of it. I had good luck using it in the past.

[@MrHwkifan]

When you tranplant a plant into a bigger pot, do you ever break up the roots?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Depends on how developed the roots are. Younger plants it’s not a problem… more mature it gets risky.

[@lynnk5641]

Do I need to fertilizing perennials I bought from you? If so, when?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

We top-dress with good compost in the spring and add some time-release fertilizer pellets once or twice during the season.

[@angelmonello9577]

What I need to know is what size pots were that he used. Anyone have a clue or a source for cheap white/beige pots?

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

In most of my container planting videos I try to mention the size of container. I’d suggest starting with your local nursery, they usually carry a line of basic containers OR they can direct you to some local sources.

[@bebeautiful6613]

Can someone help me with a rain question? I never know if I should fertilize after it rains or not. today’s the day I had planned to fertilize, but it rained really good last night. Cori, this was an excellent video on fertilization and how to use it. I think I’ve been using miracle grow wrong. 😳 what the heck! I thought that little scoop was for 2 gallons. That explains a lot.! And I don’t think I’m fertilizing often enough. 😬

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

If the pots are really wet/heavy, I wait a day or two before I water/fertilize… you can either skip a week of fertilizing or just go back to your regular weekly schedule.

[@bebeautiful6613]

@@UpNorthGardenMI thank you 😊

[@loreleimaid]

Wondering why you didn't use an empty pot to form the soil well? I usually have several pots the same size and use an empty pot to keep from damaging the plant.

[@loreleimaid]

😂😂😂 Watched the rest of the video

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

🤭

[@tracylewis552]

Is watering every 2 weeks okay

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Yep. That works. If your plants are looking sluggish you could give them a bonus dose on an off-week.

[@kittythings2563]

I suffer from fertilizer addiction 😅

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

It’s very real.

[@rebeccawdowiak9342]

Next time put an empty pot into the pot you are transplanting into( same size of the one your are transplanting) much easier,and less broken branches..

[@user-qy1fu5qg2p]

Corey, very, very good video, very informative. That is really the only plant I have a little trouble with keeping it looking good and making it last all summer. I planted 5 bubble gum this year. I'll already lost 1 another 1 maybe on its way out. I hope they will survive. I try to do what you say. Minor all in Corey, very, very good video, very informative. That is really the only plant. I have a little trouble with keeping it looking good and making it last all summer. I planned it 5 bubble gum this year. I already lost 1 another 1 maybe on its way out. I hope they will survive. I try to do what you say. Minr are all in ground. I could not find any PWS in town. So I replaced one with a wave and I like it. I think that's what I will do if i louse anymore. My first time to try bubble. Wish me luck you have such marvelous taste. Thank you for your videos have a blessed day the oklahoma gardener

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

I’m growing some ColorRush alongside Supertunia Vistas and they might be outperforming the Vistas (but it’s too early to tell).

[@emmyhusfloen]

How 'North' are you? I am in Southeast MN, Zone 4b..

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Not far from Lake Superior… the lake keeps a little warmer in the winter than farther inland.

[@lauriemiller8954]

Ya im a fertilizer addict.

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

We need a support group - but every week or would turn into a session of everyone comparing plant photos on our phones… “Can’t you believe the size of this petunia.” 😝

[@SuperWoodyboy]

Heard Petunia can be fertilized with liquid feed 2 times a week

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

They can handle it, but I’ve been happy with the results of weekly fertilizing.

[@bowler8]

None of this fuss happens in Europe...look at their real hanging baskets

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

Having spent over a decade splitting my time between the US and Europe, I have seen some of those truly incredible containers... but I've also seen plenty of mediocre ones there as well. Those lush containers, no matter where they are, are getting plenty of fertilizer and special care. I recall a woman near Bath, England, who claimed her secret was that she only used rainwater. However, she conveniently didn't mention the wagon full of fertilizers she kept around the corner that were clearly part of her regimen.