Plant Tissue Culture PPT

Whether you are dreaming of a dramatic display of colorful foliage, like chartreuse and purple, for example, or a mass of colorful blooms, hanging baskets could be the perfect choice of container. And, wire hanging baskets, which require liners to keep the dirt in, are one of today's most popular choices.

The liners come in two natural materials that result in very different looks. One material is coir, which is fiber from inside the coconut shell. The fibers are compressed and come in sheets or may be pre-shaped to fit certain container styles. Before filling the coir liner with soil, some folks add a plastic bag with a hole cut in the bottom to allow drainage. The plastic helps coir retain moisture a little longer to reduce watering frequency. Think of this look as a little more tidy and formal.

Another favorite liner for wire baskets is sphagnum moss. This creates a look that is more organic, less formal and maybe even a little romantic. Here's what you need to do to line your wire basket with the moss:

Immerse several handfuls of sphagnum moss in a bucket of water to get it completely saturated, then squeeze out the excess water.Working from the bottom up, stuff the damp moss firmly into the wires or rungs of the basket, keeping it at least two inches thick with no gaps (that way the soil won't dribble out). Squeeze it around the top wire rung to encase it in the moss.

Once your liner is in place, pre-dampen the soil by stirring in a little water, then add it to partially fill the inside of the basket. You will need some time-release fertilizer for your plants to thrive, so check directions to see if it should be mixed into the soil or simply sprinkled on top and add accordingly.

Now you are ready for the plants, and the first task is to decide how you want to arrange them in the basket. One popular grouping features a tall plant in the center, followed by a ring of low mounding types and ending with an outer ring of trailing plants that will cascade over the side. Other groupings work well, too, so let your creativity come out to play. Whatever your preference, simply transplant the plants into the soil, adding potting mix between them for support as needed. With the sphagnum moss and some coir liners, you can also push plant plugs through the sides of the basket where they will take root and become anchored in the soil, creating a fuller look.

Finally, water the basket well. Remember, a wet basket is a lot heavier than a dry one, so be sure everything the basket hangs on and from is sturdy enough to support its weight when fully wet. You can allow it to dry out a little between watering; if the moss feels damp, it's not time to water again. But keep a regular eye on baskets that are in more sun, as they could need watering every day.

Be sure to locate your hanging baskets where the plants will get the necessary sun requirements or you'll be disappointed in the results. If you have followed all these steps, then you can relax and enjoy the results of your efforts all season long.

For more information about hanging baskets, plant stands, planters and flower pots, visit our site at http://www.plantersandplantstands.com/

You will find a wide range of styles for both indoor and outdoor use that will add some fun to your garden without breaking the bank. We are committed to bringing you quality choices and ensuring that you are completely satisfied with your order. So come on over and take a look.

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