Made a mistake with hanging baskets

[willywallaby]

I have some tumbling tomato plants in hanging baskets but I made a mistake with them, they're made of fibre and had a plastic inner layer which I removed because I assumed it was part of the packaging. But apparently you're supposed to leave it in to retain water? Not an experienced gardener!
Now in this weather my plants are so parched all the time and need watering twice a day because the water runs straight through. Is there any way I can salvage this and help them retain water?

You could carefully pick out the fibre bowl & put a plastic bag/sheet inside the basket frame & put the fibre bowl back, but the fibre bowl might not be stable enough to move/could dislodge or damage the plants.
Or you could essentially replace the soil as though you're repotting it but add in some water retaining crystals etc but again this may upset/damage the plants.
Or you could look at getting one of those plant watering globes - fill it with water so the plant has access during the day?

Put a shower cap around the outside of the baskets?

Thank you - I've noticed the fibre bowl isn't attached to the wire mesh outside so I think I'll carefully separate them and put plastic in between. Doesn't look very nice but oh well!

You can use cling film. That will be transparent...

If you can, instead of pouring water through them, lift them down and let them soak in a bowl of water. Remember they will be heavier when you put them back up.

Fill a plastic bottle with water (or water and plant food). Put the lid on, poke some holes in it then put it in the basket to slowly leak. Refill and replace as necessary.

Extra full stops for no reason.

@ThatFraggle @IcakethereforeIam both great ideas thank you!

You might find that now the plants are established, you can lift the compost/rootball out in one piece and put a plastic bag in to replace the liner.

Work some water retaining granules into the compost.

I'd either re-line the baskets, or repot the contents.