ONE WAY TO PLANT A FUCHSIA BASKET 
The 12” white clay hanging-pot pictured here was planted the day before the photo 
was taken. 
First, broken crocks were placed over the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot, followed 
by a ¥"-1" layer of coarse sand, pea gravel, or peat. Then the soil mixture, composed of 
one part good top soil, barely one part sharp sand and one part or more coarse leafmold. 
The prepared soil should be moist, not wet, and should be firmed down as the pot is filled. 
A heaping teaspoonful of plant food such as Vigoro or Gaviota is spread over and mixed 
into the top two or three inches of soil in the pot. 
Three strong trailing fuchsias from 21!/)'" pots—pinched back some weeks before to make 
them branch out—are then placed and planted as pictured above. A thorough watering fin- 
ishes the planting job. Hang in a cool, part-shaded place, keep moist and feed regularly 
(from a week to a month between applications, depending on the type fertilizer used). Don't 
place in deep shade. Fuchsias must have all the light they can get and a few sunny hours 
a day in order to bloom well. Protect them from wind and mid-day sun—they love early 
morning or late afternoon sun. Pinch back long-growing shoots once or twice more and 
keep plants free of bugs. 
For photogenic reasons a white clay pot was used in this case, but of course other types 
of containers may be used. Best of all are wooden hanging boxes of various shapes and sizes. 
Ivy Geraniums (see page 18) may be planted somewhat the same way, but need a 
heavier soil mixture, and not as much extra feeding. Ivy Geraniums in hanging baskets thrive 
in a warmer, sunnier location than the cool, more shaded spot fuchsias like. 
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