[joyfull]

This video shows using nappies as water retaining gel for posts, cut flowers and raised beds - possibly cheaper than buying tubs of water crystals.

[Fairy Plotmother]

Yep. Cheap nappies are on my shopping list! I watched the you tube video and was well impressed.

[mjpalin]

I too was well impressed, hopefully more successful than (expensive) water retaining crystals / gel
Nappies also now on my shopping list

[sunshineband]

What an excellent idea!  I shall have to try this with the potting mix for my tomato plants. 

[gypsy]

Which nappies have those gel beads? My daughter has her babies in washable nappies so I have no idea.

[Fairy Plotmother]

any of the disposable nappies. I bought 20 economy ones size 5  from T***o today. £1.40.

[gypsy]

Thank you, I just wondered if they all had the beads in them.

[joyfull]

you can also buy adult ones which will give you a greater quantity of gell.

[gypsy]

you can also buy adult ones which will give you a greater quantity of gell.

That is why I asked about the gel in nappies, some of the adult ones do not have gel they are just wadding.

[Baldy]

Don't know the truth about this but one comment on the video states:

The polymer used in diapers is generally an acrylic polymer that is not safe in soil or in soil water and some reports note that the compound is carcinogenic. The main problem however is that these polymers absorb water but do not release it to the plant. The plants in the photo are ok because they are living off the overflow water in the jar however as the plant grows, that water will dry up and the water in the polymer will stay in the polymer. Most plants need specifically engineered polymers that release the water to plants under osmotic pressure . They work long term but have to be applied correctly.

 
http://dif1-31.diply.com/videosworthsharing/he-pours-this-blue-liquid-on-a-diaper-reason/94755

Pip pip,
Balders

[Beetroot Queen]

I wouldnt be comfortable using them on our plants.

[gypsy]

If they are carcinogenic, how come they can be used for babies. It does not sound as if they will hydrate the plants unless that is something that the plant gel makers have dreamed up to put us off.

[LotuSeed]

I guess it's a neat concept in theory but in practice it seems like it'd be a bit wasteful, especially if you don't already have spare diapers lying around. *shrugs*