Hanging baskets are a popular way to add a pop of colour to outdoor spaces but it's essential to remember that they require regular watering, especially during the spring and summer months. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises gardeners to plan their watering strategy before even planting their baskets.

The experts note: "Hanging flower baskets tend to dry out more quickly than other types of containers, and water can be easily wasted from them. If you have many baskets, you might consider using an automated watering system."

For those with already-planted baskets, daily checks are crucial. Unless the soil is already moist, gardeners should water their plants once or twice a day, ideally in the morning or evening for optimal results.

West Coast Gradeners agree that the morning is the best time to quench your plants' thirst. If it's a particularly hot day they recommend going in for seconds in the evening.

It said: "The best time of day to water your hanging basket is in the morning, preferably between 5am and 9am. This ensures that your plants have enough moisture and can stay hydrated through the hottest hours of the day. Watering in the evening is definitely not appreciated, as plants hate going to bed with wet roots. (Who can blame them!)

"If it's an extremely hot day, and you need to give your hanging baskets a second watering, try to do it between 4pm and 5pm, but not any later."

The RHS warns: "Drying out is an increased risk as the plants grow and days remain warm and windy. An easy way to check if they need water is to gently lift or nudge the baskets to gauge how heavy they are. If they are really light, they need watering."

To avoid wasting water and soluble nutrients, the RHS suggests: "Try to avoid them drying out to the point where plants start to droop, but if they do wilt, you can place a bucket underneath to capture the water that runs off and return it to the basket."

This simple trick will help conserve water and promote healthy flowering. Should your compost turn overly dry, it may resist water absorption, thus it's crucial to maintain moisture levels.

Be cautious when watering; if you drench the basket until leakage occurs, vital nutrients might be lost. It's essential to hydrate hanging baskets before feeding them, even though they do benefit from the occasional nutrient boost.

The specialists cautioned: "Plant roots can be damaged by liquid feed that is not diluted correctly, always follow the instructions on the pack." Even as summer fades into autumn, your hanging baskets will require consistent watering, so don't forget to monitor the soil's moisture.