Mulch Pots And Hangers To Hold Moisture

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - What you put in your containers (pots, windowboxes and hanging baskets) is up to you; from the flowers you choose, to what kind of potting soil, compost or other fertilizers, and maybe some of those magic soil moistening pellets that absorb extra water. But whatever you put inside your pots, make your life a little easier this summer by topping off your containers with a little bit of mulch to reduce evaporation. That way, they won't dry out quite so fast in the hot sun.

And as a bonus, mulching the tops of your planters also helps keep soil from dribbling down over the sides of your pots when you water. So, do yourself a favor and grab a few handfuls of mulch to keep your containers looking tidier - and give yourself a few hours of grace on a scorching summer day that just might save some plants from frying and dying until you can get home to water.