Watering hanging baskets

[AshB1989]

Can any green-fingered friends give me some advice on hanging basket soil please.

I was sick and tired of watering my hanging baskets last year as they're in the scorching sunshine all day they dry out almost instantly. Is there anything I can add to the soil to retain the moisture? I've done some research and bought some vermiculite and perlite, but can anybody suggest any alternative measures?

TIA

 

[Derek W]

Only thing i can recommend is water them first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening when the intensity of the sun is reduced.

 

[gailjon]

This ^. Reduces evaporation when watering. Apart from that, there are systems that can be bought as baskets themselves, or added onto existing baskets that help watering. You should also go for the largest baskets that you can get to help the soil retain moisture.

 

[sovietspybob]

We normally have 2 on the front of our house, i tried to water them when i left for work while the soil will accept the moisture then again last thing when the sun has been off them for a bit. I also had some gel bead things that you mix with the soil which hold more water, they seemed to help ours.

 

[SPG]

Solar polar drip feeder from a water bucket
Mains powered drip feeder
Small 1ltr plastic bottle with a hole in the the lid that you fill & freeze every night and pop it in the basket when you leave for work in the morning.