How can I prevent water from draining too quickly?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.When water is rushing out from your hanging baskets, it demonstrates poor moisture retention, which can be detrimental to plant health. This rapid drainage essentially removes water from the root zone before the roots have an opportunity to uptake the solution with all the nutrients. I identify this condition by measuring the time it takes for water to escape from the bottom of a Type A planter basket. Plants will show stress signs through wilting leaves and stunted growth.
Liner Selection
- Choose thick coconut coir with dense fiber construction
- Opt for felt liners with moisture-wicking technology
- Avoid thin plastic liners lacking retention properties
- Measure basket depth before purchasing liner thickness
Soil Amendments
- Mix water-absorbing crystals into top 6 inches of soil
- Add sphagnum moss layers between soil and liner
- Incorporate coconut coir chunks into potting mix
- Use polymer crystals that expand 300x when hydrated
Installation Checks
- Ensure liner fits tightly against all basket surfaces
- Seal gaps with additional moss or coir patches
- Overlap liner edges by 2 inches for complete coverage
- Test fit by filling with soil before planting
Effective application techniques are crucial for successful moisture solutions. Applying sphagnum moss between the liner and soil will create a sponge effect. Pre-soak water crystals before mixing them into the soil. I demonstrate this to clients using the 'sandwich' method by placing moss on either side of the soil. This ensures your plants get consistent moisture.
Water adjustments are seasonal to maintain correct moisture levels throughout the year. I would increase moss barriers to slow down evaporation during hot summers and lower the amount of crystals during rainy times of the year. I change my baskets every spring and every fall. When you are proactive about adapting to changing weather conditions, your plants are less likely to be stressed.
Record your results using relatively simple tests. Weigh heavy baskets or containers before watering and then again to measure absorption. Check the soil moisture in the root zone daily or every few days to ensure optimal growth. I record my notes in a journal I keep specifically for the garden. It is much easier to make adjustments over time when you track conditions.
Read the full article: Everything About Hanging Basket Liners
