The post A Dash of Basalt Keeps Flowering Hanging Baskets Healthy—and Hummingbirds Happy appeared first on Cascade Minerals.
]]>As a byproduct of violent volcanic activity, basalt is not something that gardeners (or hummingbird enthusiasts) necessarily associate with fragrant flowers and beautiful blooms.
But volcanic basalt is rich in micronutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese that work together to help increase root growth and contribute to stronger and more vigorous plants. Basalt also contains soluble silicon which builds the strength of cell walls and makes flowering plants better able to resist pests and disease.
Vibrant, healthy plants grown in soil that has been remineralized with volcanic basalt often produce more fragrant and colorful flowers with a greater number of nectar-filled blooms—a hummingbird’s paradise!
When choosing a potting mix, opt for a lightweight mix that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and aeration. Add to that a finely milled volcanic basalt product like Cascade Minerals Remineralizing Soil Booster (our top quality volcanic soil booster is 100% natural and listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for use in organic production).
For best results, use 1 cup of crushed volcanic basalt per cubic foot of potting soil and blend prior to planting. For surface applications, use 1 teaspoon of crushed volcanic basalt per every inch of your hanging basket’s diameter, then lightly stir into the top of the soil and water thoroughly.
Want to attract more hummingbirds? Here are just a few of their favorite plants:
Finally, don’t forget to keep your hanging baskets slightly moist—especially during the hot days of summer—and pinch back spent blooms to encourage new flowers throughout the season.
The post A Dash of Basalt Keeps Flowering Hanging Baskets Healthy—and Hummingbirds Happy appeared first on Cascade Minerals.
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