i guess you can give anything a try. used diaper? not for me, but if you feel ok, why not. careful so you don't block the drainage.

I think they're just using it because of the water-retention material inside of the diaper. Why not buy some water retaining crystals instead? They sell these at Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, etc.

Tracy

If you're set on using something like a diaper, you may want to check with your local grocery store for "diapers" that are used in meat packages. These would be sterile for the safety of your plants (and you!) and more than likely they would either give them to you for nothing or be incredibly inexpensive.

However, I would be more inclined to go with the water crystals because you can mix them all in the soil and promote multi-directional root growth instead of just toward the bottom, plus they won't inhibit drainage any more than the rest of your soil.

Good luck
Lexie

Gosh, the garbage they put on TV and serve up to unsuspecting folk as valuable information! Unless you were to shred the material - not what I'd recommend with a used diaper - you are not helping the plant or the soil, forget about conserving moisture. This is even more of a consideration in container planting, as abrupt changes in substance and pore size will impede drainage rather than improve it. You want uniformity of material throughout. If moisture retention is a major concern, go with the polymer crystals or a larger container.

what do you do with the diaper soil if you have to replace it? It can't be recycled in to the compost bin can it? It looks like it has to go in the trash???

It "Depends".

Al

I saw that on PBS also, it didn't make any sense. First he had you put dried corn cobs in the planting hole to increase drainage then he put in a diaper to hold moisture. Very strange, one would cancel out the other.

Anyway, I've used diapers in my containers for last 5 yrs. They work great. I use clean infant diapers, one for each large container, they last one season. Pull them out before composting your used potting soil.

I put roughly 4 inches of soil in the container, then a diaper face up, the rest of the potting soil and then plant my annuals. I don't think I would use them with veggie plants.

Do you tear the diaper open and just use the "cottony" stuff inside? That is the stuff that holds the moisture, isn't it? You wouldn't just plop a whole diaper in the pot, would you? Thanks.

Personally, I would go the fresh route. I have leftover diapers from my last child but looks like I may I be using them as intended afterall. Maybe after our last I will have some leftovers again and can try it but considering they have crystals that can be composted etc. I think I will go that route. I am pretty inexperienced so when I saw the program I was wow, water retention in the pot what a good idea (blush). Veta, yes, they said to use the insides but as others posted it probably is cheaper and better for the soil to use the crystals.

No I don't break them apart I just put them in as is. They work well and it's easier to remove them at the end of the season. Just make sure there is soil between the plants and the diaper, you don't want the roots to be right on the diaper.

I've read that some people use sponges in containers or tampons in hanging baskets, I never have but I guess it would work since it's based on the same principle.

By the way I buy the cheapest diapers I can find, nothing fancy.