You need a good potting medium that provides great porosity, healthy plants, conservative applications of fertilizer, a container that drains, sun or shade conditions suitable for the plants you've selected.........and that's about it.

Stuff the basket! Don't get skimpy (unless we're talking Fuchias, you don't need so many). Pinch your vines and annuals often, they'll get that lushness your looking for.

We start with one application of Osmocote in the green bottle (14-14-14) and then Peters (20-20-20) every other week.

I also find adding a bit of water absorbing crystals help keep the planter from drying out if I get sidetracked and forget to water everyday.

Diann
IA Z5a

Thanks for the tips, I greatly appreciate it.

Dion