Keeping Thetford’s Hanging Baskets Blooming
As the summer progresses, Thetford’s town centre comes alive with hanging baskets overflowing with petunias, geraniums and trailing ivy. These floral displays brighten shopping streets and public squares, but they also require careful upkeep to stay lush and vibrant. Thetford Town Council asked Top Garden Services to take over the watering and maintenance of its baskets, ensuring they flourished through the hottest weeks of the year.
Why Proper Watering Matters
Hanging baskets dry out more quickly than ground‑level beds, especially when lined with moss or coir. Experts at the University of Illinois note that both solid baskets and moss‑lined baskets lose moisture quickly and should be watered thoroughly until water drips out of the bottom. They recommend maintaining uniform soil moisture and watching for slight wilting as a sign it’s time to water. Frequent watering also calls for regular feeding; a combination of slow‑release fertiliser and half‑strength liquid feed every two weeks will keep baskets looking healthy.
Timing also makes a difference. West Coast Gardens advises watering hanging baskets early in the morning, ideally between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., to keep plants hydrated during the heat of the day. On extremely hot days a second watering around 4 p.m. is helpful, but plants should not go to bed with wet roots. They also recommend lifting the basket to check its weight and watering until the soil is soaked, avoiding wetting the foliage.
Sustainable Solutions for Councils
Many councils are looking for sustainable ways to manage floral displays. Self‑watering baskets reduce maintenance and water waste by incorporating reservoirs that extend watering intervals. Selecting drought‑resistant plants and using eco‑friendly compost further reduces resource use. Working with a professional horticultural team also provides access to ongoing maintenance services, including watering, feeding and replacing plants when needed.
Our Approach in Thetford
Thetford’s hanging baskets were showing signs of stress after a period of hot, dry weather. Our team began by assessing each basket’s weight and moisture level, then established a regular watering schedule. Watering took place in the early morning to limit evaporation and prevent the plants from “going to bed” with wet roots. On unusually hot days we returned mid‑afternoon for a second, shorter watering session.
We brought our own water tank and specialist hoses to reach high‑mounted baskets safely. Each basket was watered slowly at soil level until excess moisture dripped through the base, ensuring the entire root zone was saturated. We also applied a balanced liquid feed at half strength every other watering, in line with expert recommendations for frequent irrigation.
Results
Within a week the baskets had perked up, with brighter blooms and healthy green foliage. By maintaining consistent soil moisture and adding nutrients, we prevented stress and allowed the plants to thrive even during hot spells. Thetford’s residents commented on how vibrant the displays looked, and the Town Council appreciated not only the improved appearance but also the cost‑effective maintenance plan we provided.
Why Choose Top Garden Services?
- Experienced grounds maintenance contractor – we manage floral displays, lawns and green spaces for councils across Suffolk and Norfolk.
- Specialist hanging basket maintenance – from installation to watering, feeding and plant replacement, we keep baskets looking their best throughout the season.
- Sustainability‑focused – we can supply self‑watering baskets and use peat‑free compost and drought‑resistant plants.
- Safety and professionalism – our trained team uses appropriate equipment to reach high baskets safely and efficiently.
If your council or business needs help maintaining hanging baskets, floral planters or other horticultural features, get in touch. Top Garden Services offers tailored hanging basket maintenance and grounds maintenance contracts across Norfolk and Suffolk.
