Are you looking for an easy and eco-friendly way to enhance your garden beds? Look no further than your lawn clippings! Yes, those grass trimmings you often discard can be a valuable resource for your garden. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using grass clippings in garden beds and provide you with practical tips on how to make the most of this natural resource.
Asparagus ferns are known for their graceful, flowing foliage that cascades beautifully over the edges of hanging baskets. With the right care and conditions, these plants can transform any outdoor or indoor space into a tropical oasis. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to grow vibrant asparagus ferns in hanging planters to create a gorgeous, lush display.
What are Asparagus Ferns?
Asparagus ferns are not actually true ferns at all. They belong to the asparagus family and are more closely related to edible asparagus. The most common varieties grown as houseplants are Asparagus densiflorus (foxtail fern) and Asparagus plumosus (plumosa fern).
With their fine, needle-like leaves and arching stems, asparagus ferns resemble delicate true ferns. But instead of producing spores on the undersides of fronds, asparagus ferns produce small white flowers and red berries.
Benefits of Growing in Hanging Baskets
There are several advantages to displaying asparagus ferns in hanging baskets:
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The long, trailing stems look spectacular cascading over the basket’s edges. This creates a beautiful teardrop effect.
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Hanging in baskets allows the long, arching stems to gracefully drape down. Planted in pots on the ground, they would just spread out horizontally.
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Elevated in a hanging basket, the ferns get better airflow which prevents fungal diseases
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Hanging planters provide excellent drainage Stagnant soil can cause root rot
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Baskets are lightweight and easily moved to adjust sun exposure.
Choosing the Right Hanging Basket
When selecting a hanging basket consider the following factors
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Size – For a mature plant, choose at least a 12 to 20 inch wide basket to allow stems to spill over the sides.
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Depth – Baskets should be 6 to 8 inches deep to provide sufficient soil and moisture retention. Asparagus ferns have extensive root systems.
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Drainage – Excellent drainage is crucial, so select baskets with multiple holes. Line with sphagnum moss for moisture retention and drainage.
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Lightweight – Opt for lightweight plastic or moss-lined wire baskets that are easy to reposition. Avoid heavy materials.
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Durability – Ensure metal hanging hardware is rust-resistant and built to withstand frequent repositioning.
Ideal Soil for Planting
When planting asparagus ferns in hanging baskets, use a lightweight, porous potting mix that drains well but also retains moisture. The ideal soil parameters are:
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Aeration – Incorporate perlite, vermiculite, coco coir or orchid bark to maintain air pockets around the roots.
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Nutrients – Asparagus ferns thrive in soil with balanced, extended-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients over time.
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Acidity – Aim for a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0-6.5. Ferns prefer acidic conditions.
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Moisture – The soil should dry out slightly between waterings but not get bone dry. Incorporate peat moss or compost to retain moisture.
A commercial orchid or fern potting soil contains these ideal properties. You can further amend it with extra perlite or bark chips to enhance drainage.
Step-By-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these simple steps to plant an asparagus fern in a hanging basket:
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Select a young, healthy asparagus fern in a 6-10 inch nursery pot with an established root system but room left to grow.
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Choose an appropriate hanging basket 2-4 inches wider than the nursery pot.
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Fill 1/3 of the clean basket with moistened, high quality potting soil amended with time-release fertilizer.
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Carefully remove the fern from its pot, gently loosening any circled roots.
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Place the fern in the prepared basket. The crown should sit just above the soil surface.
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Fill remaining space with more moistened soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Leave 1 inch below the rim.
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom to settle the soil. Let excess drain fully before hanging.
Growing Conditions for Optimal Growth
To keep asparagus ferns looking lush and vibrant in hanging baskets, provide these ideal growing conditions:
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Light – Bright, indirect light is best. Some early morning sun is ok, but avoid intense afternoon sun.
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Temperature – Keep between 70-80°F during the day and above 50°F at night. Bring indoors if colder.
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Humidity – Mist leaves frequently and place near other plants to maintain 40-50% humidity.
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Air Circulation – Good airflow prevents disease. Gently turn the basket to circulate air.
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Water – Water thoroughly as soon as the top inch of soil dries out. Allow to drain fully after to prevent soggy soil.
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Fertilizer – Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
To keep asparagus ferns looking their best in hanging baskets:
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Prune off any dead, damaged or unsightly stems to maintain an attractive cascading shape.
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To control size, cut back long whips and trim wayward stems around the basket edges. New growth will rapidly fill back in.
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Gently twine excessively long stems back into the basket interior to keep the plant full and compact.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites, mealybugs and scale. Wipe away any insects on stems with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol.
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To overwinter indoors, cut stems back to 6 inches and move to a 50-60°F location with limited watering.
Enjoy the Tropical Vibes!
With a well-draining hanging basket, proper soil, and ideal care as described above, asparagus ferns will thrive beautifully. The gracefully cascading foliage will create a stunning tropical look sure to elevate any indoor or outdoor space. Relax and enjoy the lush, relaxing ambience these magical ferns provide!
How often should I apply grass clippings to my garden beds?
The frequency of application depends on the method you choose and the growth rate of your plants. Generally, it’s safe to apply a thin layer (1/4 inch or less) of fresh clippings every few weeks or as needed.
Can I use grass clippings in my vegetable garden?
Yes, grass clippings can be an excellent source of nutrients for your vegetable garden. Just be sure to follow the recommended practices and avoid using clippings from lawns treated with chemicals.
Everything You Need to Know About Asparagus Ferns | Plant Encyclopedia | Better Homes & Gardens
FAQ
How do you care for asparagus fern hanging baskets?
Asparagus ferns have few requirements to make them healthy, happy and growing. A loose, airy potting mixture is essential with bright to medium indirect light. Keep humidity high and water when the soil dries out, which can happen faster than with your average plant, and you will have a fast growing fern.
Do ferns do well in hanging baskets?
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Ferns in general:Many ferns appreciate consistent moisture and partial shade, making them suitable for hanging baskets on a porch or patio, according to Fairview Garden Center.
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These are a popular choice for hanging baskets due to their trailing fronds and ability to thrive in cooler, shaded conditions.
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Choosing a suitable basket:Select a basket with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can be harmful to ferns.
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Soil:Use a peat-based potting mix that retains moisture but allows for adequate drainage.
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Watering:Water ferns frequently, but ensure the soil is not bone dry between waterings, as this can lead to leaf drop.
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Sunlight:Ferns prefer bright, indirect light, so avoid placing them in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
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Overwintering:If you live in a region with cold winters, you may need to bring your fern indoors to overwinter in a shaded location.
Do asparagus ferns like sun or shade?
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Ideal Light:Asparagus ferns thrive in locations with bright, indirect light.
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Direct Sunlight:Direct, hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.
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Part Shade:They can tolerate part shade, especially if it’s dappled or filtered light.
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Indoor vs. Outdoor:Indoors, a location near a window with sheer curtains or a north-facing window can provide the right amount of light. Outdoors, a shaded patio or under the canopy of a larger tree would be suitable.
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Adaptability:Asparagus ferns are adaptable and can grow in a variety of light conditions.
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Yellowing:Yellowing foliage can indicate that the plant is either getting too much or not enough light.
Where is the best place to put an asparagus fern?
This plant grows best in bright indirect light and dappled shade, so be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. Water when 25% of the soil volume is dry, allowing the water to run out of the drainage hole fully to avoid root rot. If the plant is turning brown or drooping, this is a sign it is not getting enough water.