Tip of the Day. I assume many people have some hanging basket plants. The soil is usually relatively light, and they require a watering often. Cover the soil with black mulch to a depth of about two or more inches, and this tends to maintain soil moisture for longer periods. The black mulch has the appearance of normal soil, and doesn't distract from the typical beauty of the plant and container.
The black mulch is purchased from a soil provider. I assume it is forest fire residue put through a shredder. Certainly the stuff that stains one hands when handling is carbon. I bought half a yard for the front garden beds, and even my wife likes it. For the back garden I use the "vinegar" wood chips supplied by the city free of charge. Both are used to maintain moisture. I have reservations about the 'benign" dye used to make designer mulch. Here are pictures of the black mulch. http://neefa.notlong.com
