Karen Chapman co-author of Fine Foliage gave a lecture this spring and she stated her dislike for the gel polymers. Her idea is when your soil is dry and you have those in the soil they draw moisture from the soil, taking away water from the plants. She doesn't use them, she is a local container designer. I used them once but did't really notice a big improvement. When I plant a hanging container I use a small clear container saucer in the bottom of the pot. Holds just a bit of water like a reservoir but, I use moss lined baskets and they dry out really fast. Works like a charm.
