Hanging baskets

My hanging baskets never look good, I have just read on a forum that someone recommends a disposable nappy in the basket instead of water retaining gel.
Anyone think this a good idea, I might try it.

Re: Hanging baskets

That's an oldish trick we found they go mouldy rather too quick. Can't beat water retaining gel we found.

Re: Hanging baskets

Oh have you tried it then? I only heard of it today, would you not recommend it? I really have no luck with my baskets and just desperate to find something that works. Will try the gel again.

Re: Hanging baskets

Yes we tried them about 15 years ago, one of the gardening programmes mentioned it might have been gardeners question time I think. They do work well but as I said they go mouldy, so that doesn't do the plants much good.

Re: Hanging baskets

Ok thanks, Julie will forget this idea I think.

Re: Hanging baskets

I put small dishes in the bottom of hanging baskets to hold water and I line them all with plastic.
I don't use gel, it's too expensive.

I have mine on a pulley, so I can feed them once a week with tomato feed.

Re: Hanging baskets

Bought some ready planted hanging baskets 2 years ago and the containers have a built in reservoir at the bottom, the overflow is like a standpipe in the centre of the bottom Works well, have been re-using them since.

Re: Hanging baskets

Think I might try a combination of all ideas, surely my baskets will survive then. It's so dry and breezy where we are that they dry out in no time and once that happens I can't get them wet again.

Re: Hanging baskets

If they do happen to dry out, completely immerse the pot in a container of water, let it sit for awhile (not a week, but you understand). The soil has to get totally soaked to hold water again normally. Obviously this isn't something that should be a habit but what to do when soil dries right up. Good luck

Re: Hanging baskets

Hi AutumnColour, I've had so many failures it's easy to get disheartened I am doing some more soon so need all the tips I can get!! I am fine in the garden but the baskets are a different thing, entirely.