Kitchen Garden Forum

Filled the water collars around the tomatoes a couple just let the water pour out the bottom.

Assume you fill them up to top and let them drain in their own time.

What would cause one to empty quicker than another?

The compost in the bag (I assume you are using the collars inside growbags) is probably a bit denser in one part than the other, Colin. I have used these water collars for year and find them very useful, but I also punch a few holes into the side of the growbag, about half an inch up the side, so that any surplus water could drain out if I have been too generous with the watering can!

I read about punching a few holes in the sides of grow bags, from one of Monika’s posts many years ago and it really is an excellent idea!

I think Monika's probably right. These growbags are stored in massive heaps at garden centres and I imagine the compaction is pretty intense but when bags are moved from car boots to wherever they're used for planting, some of the material will be broken down a little, probably at the edges of the bag due to handling.

I use these in greenhouse bed 2ft x 10ft with homemade compost,

Been using them this way for a few years now, collars never retain the water for long.