Grass clippings in hanging baskets?

[Incy]

Hi,
I am in a bit of a quandary and was hoping someone on here might be able to help.
Recently we have had pretty horrible weather and we plan to go away for the weekend so lo and behold the sun comes out and the forecast is hot and dry the whole time we're gone.
I'm not worried about my plants in beds as there should be enough moisture for them to last till Sunday.
My hanging baskets of tumbling toms are a different story though.
As my hubby plans to cut the grass before we leave I was wondering whether putting grass clippings around the basket plants might help retain the moisture and keep the toms allive till Sunday.
What does everyone think. Has anyone tried this?

[pdblake]

It should help, it works on borders

I know it's been hot but there's still moisture about on a night, it was quite damp in the garden this morning despite the heat.

[Incy]

Thanks pdblake,
That's reassuring.
Glad to know it works on borders. These poor toms have had a rough time between the winds and now the drought. If they survive at this rate they will deserve a medal

[HeyWayne]

You could try cutting the bottom off a plastic bottle, put the lid on and make a few holes in it. Place/bury it top-down in the middle of the hanging basket and fill it with water.

[Incy]

Thanks wayne,
I will try that too but wont be able to do all of them that way as not enough bottles I have 17 hanging baskets of toms

[HeyWayne]

Thanks wayne,
I will try that too but wont be able to do all of them that way as not enough bottles I have 17 hanging baskets of toms

Crikey!

Get drinking.

[vicky]

What about children's paddling pool(s).
I'd be wary that grass clipping might overheat and cause problems

[Incy]

It would take alot of spritzers methinks to get through that many tonic water bottles. We have glass milkbottles so nothing available from that source...

[Incy]

Sadly no paddling pool available.... Also local cats and squirrels might take the opportunity to attack them

[Nicos]

How well do you know your neighbours?? Could you go from door to door and ask if they have any plastic bottles set aside for recycling???

[HeyWayne]

How well do you know your neighbours?? Could you go from door to door and ask if they have any plastic bottles set aside for recycling???

Or ask them to water the baskets for you...

[Incy]

I think I will go with the asking the neighbours option.
Was hoping to avoid that as I don't like to impose on them - they are very good neighbours

[Finedon.Dandy]

I think I will go with the asking the neighbours option.
Was hoping to avoid that as I don't like to impose on them - they are very good neighbours

Bring them back a stick of rock or judging by how many baskets you have they can have a share in the bumper harvest!

[Incy]

will have to hope for the best neighbour was out when we left so no chance to ask. btw already has share as I have given him 3 very good tom plants for his allotment GH.

[Two_Sheds]

The best option is to shade your baskets to reduce water loss, but you're going to tell me you can't do that ....