CARING FOR YOUR HANGING BASKET
Under average outdoor conditions, medium-sized flowering plant in a 10" diameter hanging vasket will need up to 1 quart of water a day.  (More for the 12" diameter baskets, and the fuller flowering types.) A thoroughly watered 10" hanging basket should weigh between 6-8 pounds.  Under average conditions, a thoroughly waterd basket should not require water for 2-4 days.  But to on the safe side check your baskets daily.

Watch for sighs of insufficient fertilizer: a reduction of blooms and/or leaves turning yellow.  A recommended dosage for baskets is 1-2 tsp./gallon of water of water soluble fertilizer every other watering, depending on the appearance of the plants.  Or sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of slow release, coated fertilizer (one application may suffice for the entire summer).

MAKING YOUR OWN HANGING BASKET
Hanging baskets display colorful blooms at eye level.  Any container will work fine, the most important things are that the containers should be lightweight and have good drainage.  Most bedding plant annuals make attractive baskets.  Choose one color and one type of flower for a bright, showy splash of color, or design a mixed planting.  When mixing different plants,  start with more upright plants at the center, then add trailing plants around the edges.  Be sure the plants in combination baskets have similar sun requirements.  Use a porous planting mix rather that garden soil to allow good drainage.