Phostrogen basketmate
What is in Basketmate
Basketmate contains Swellgel water absorbing gel and Time Release Plant Food
Why should my container be watered twice when first made up
When swellgel is first imbibed with water it takes two treatments to fully sell the gel crystal, hence the double treatment
The compost has overflowed, spilling out of the container
This means that you have added more than the recommended quantity to your compost. Either remove the spillage until it is at its correct height. Better still, remove all compost, dilute with fresh compost and re-pot the container
How long will Basketmate last
The swellgel component will continue to absorb and release for two years or more. The Time Release Plant Food will release for a season. Simply retreat the container with Time Release Plant Food in the second year.
Is Basketmate biodegradable
Yes, the action of sunlight and bacteria degrades the gel back to simple molecules. The Time Release Plant Food is completely biodegradable as its polymer coating is based around lignin, a component of timber
How does Basketmate work
As water is absorbed by the Swellgel crystals, a lattice work structure inside expands holding the water in place. If the level of water in the compost drops then water is released from the gel into the compost. The Time Release Plant Food feeds the plants continuously so that the plant is fed at its optimum rate. It even releases more in warm conditions when the plant is growing faster
Will I have to water or feed my plants
Yes, you will still need to water plants. The swellgel component reduces the work but does not remove the need. The Time Release Plant Food component does remove the need to feed all season. However for heavily planted containers, a top up with Phostrogen Plant Food is recommended at peak flowering periods
Basketmate reduce the frequency or quantity of water needed. The addition of Swellgel does not reduce the plants water requirement, what it does do is reduce watering frequency need and reduces the wastage when watering