Q.How Can I Keep My Plants Flowering For As Long As Possible?
I have pots and hanging baskets around the patio containing fuchsias, geraniums, busy lizzies, begonias and lobelia. Now in mid-July they all look beautiful but I’m having a party in mid-August and would like them to look good then. Should I just keep feeding them and dead-heading them? Or should I cut off all the flowers now hoping that they flower again in 4 weeks time? Or is there anything else I can do? Many thanks. Liz

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
To ensure they look their best for your mid-August party, regularly dead-head spent flowers, feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks, and trim back leggy growth. I would not cut them down, completely. Maintain consistent watering, especially for hanging baskets, and monitor for pests and diseases. This regimen will promote healthy plants and continuous blooming without the risk of them not re-blooming in time for your event.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/geranium/geranium-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/impatiens/growing-impatiens-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fuchsia/growing-fuchsia-flower.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/geranium/geranium-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/begonia/begonia-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobelia/lobelia.htm