I'll save you a trip back to Lowe's, learning from my mistakes, such as not considering the distance between the basket and the ceiling. With every project, there's always more to consider than you might think. Here are some tips if you're thinking about hanging ferns from your front porch:
- Location: Ferns crave indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch their delicate leaves. Identify areas on your porch that receive dappled sunlight or morning sun only. North-facing porches are ideal. Ferns prefer calmer areas. Avoid hanging them where strong winds can whip them around and damage the leaves. (This is the suggested location; however, our porch faces northwest and can get a lot of wind, so we will see how they do. It's my first year trying to keep ferns alive, so fingers crossed.)
- Strong Support: Unlike shepherd's hooks, hanging baskets on a porch require a more robust support system. It's essential to install hooks or brackets directly into the ceiling beams. This is critical to ensure your ferns stay secure, as ferns can get quite heavy. We used Steel Screw Eyes Hooks.
- Chain Length: When buying a hanging planter, the chain might be too short for your liking. This was the case for me with the Style Selections, Black Metal Outdoor Hanging Planter from Lowes. But don't worry, if you want more space between the basket and the ceiling, you can always buy extra chain. We purchased Blue Hawk 10ft-ft Black Decorative Steel Chain from Lowes and cut it to about 1.5ft in length to allow the baskets to hang lower, creating a more relaxed feel.
- Drainage: Good drainage is crucial as it prevents ferns from rotting. When water accumulates in the soil, it can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for your plants. Choose a basket with drainage holes or a biodegradable coconut liner, like the ones that came with the planters I purchased. These allow excess water to escape, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, which is ideal for ferns.
- Watering and Misting: Ferns enjoy consistently moist soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. During hot weather, you might need to water daily. Misting your ferns regularly can increase humidity, especially in dry climates.
