How to water tubs?

hardpressed

I've had disappointing results from hanging baskets, large tubs and planters as when I water them the water just runs straight through. I bought tub and basket compost hoping that would help but it didn't. Any tips on how to keep the compost moist.

I_have_spoken

I add water retaining granules and vermiculite to compost for planters

Many of the peat-substitutes are very difficult to re-wet once dry, so for tubs try John Innes #3.

Mojisola

hardpressed wrote: »

I've had disappointing results from hanging baskets, large tubs and planters as when I water them the water just runs straight through. I bought tub and basket compost hoping that would help but it didn't. Any tips on how to keep the compost moist.

Water more often - when compost dries out, it's hard for it to absorb water. Try to keep the compost damp rather than going completely dry between waterings.

Add in the water retaining granules at planting time (as I have spoken suggested).

Yorkie1

in large tubs you can get porous pipe which will allow water to seep out. Or you can insert small plastic plant pots into the compost (empty) so their rims are just above the compost level - and water into them so the water seeps out and not down the sides of the pot.

Agree with suggestions for water retaining crystals - wet them before adding them to compost, so they don't expand and push the compost over the top of the edge of the pot.

In hanging baskets, I use a thick plastic liner (inside the prettier outside liner) with only a few holes in it, and put a saucer or similar at the bottom of the basket to collect water too.

Finally, in pots, you can mulch with small stones or other materials to keep moisture in; apply them once you've wetted the compost thoroughly.

so_very_confused

I do everything Yorkie does! Works a treat.:)

gik

I find the type of compost used makes all the difference. Have used compost from a variety of sources with gel in the past and been disappointed. This year I used Morrisons 'own' compost (without gel)and it's worked really well in my seven hanging baskets. I think the important thing is not to let them dry out.