[Goldfinger]

Is there something you could use as a wetting agents in tubs and baskets?

My parents have spotted some on a shopping channel. They say it stops the water just running straight through when watering - hence water saving etc.

But I was wondering if anyone had a home made version? That is also safe.   

[mattwragg94]

a sponge? or why not add newspaper or cardboard, both absorb and retain water.

[Auntiemogs]

You can buy water-retaining crystals in lots of shops and nurseries these days GF. The pound shops sell them. If they don't absorb the water quickly enough (may be too coarse), just give them a quick whizz in the food processor/blender. 

[Goldfinger]

Tried telling the parents that. 

I've learned stuff on here, so passed that bit knowledge on to them, but...... 

[Yorkie]

1. Saucer at the bottom of hanging baskets to retain water

2. Gel granules as suggested (wet them before adding to compost)

3. Use a solid liner in the baskets rather than a material one - I use an old shopping bag as an internal liner

4. Sponge isn't a bad idea but takes up quite a lot of room

5. As for an actual wetting agent - a drop or two (literally) of washing up liquid in the watering can reduces the tension of the water drops and therefore enables the water to better absorbed in the pots / baskets

[engineer]

I agree with you Yorkie, a liberal dosing of soapy water will break any surface tension on peat products that have dried out, dose it over the whole basket/plants and get the greenfly as well 

[Auntiemogs]

Tried telling the parents that. 

I've learned stuff on here, so passed that bit knowledge on to them, but...... 

I know the feeling well GF...if they can afford it, just say 'yes, what a good idea' and let them get on with it! 

[arugula]

5. As for an actual wetting agent - a drop or two (literally) of washing up liquid in the watering can reduces the tension of the water drops and therefore enables the water to better absorbed in the pots / baskets

That's the classic and very simple solution.

[steved]

Hi,

I always water my hanging baskets/containers by putting ice cubes on the surface of the compost and letting them melt away. Water never runs through with this method.

 

[mumofstig]

I use a plastic dish/meat tray at the bottom with an up ended water bottle standing upright (cut the bottom of the bottle off just above intended soil level). The pots then have a small reservoir at the bottom, easily topped up through the bottle 

[mattwragg94]

good tip MOS, i will be doing that this year!

[Goldfinger]

My parents rattle on about...

 'But this stuff stops the water from running staright through!!' 

Whatever! 

You go buy it, at least I know a 'just as good' cheaper alternative.