I think you mite be better tying your baskets together to stop them toppling off or get some strong fishing line and staking them descretly from the pond to the soil outside even if you make these socks . you will find most water plants don't even need soil to prosper .

Thanks Nosey - tying them together would just mean that they would all fall off the shelf. The biggest reason(s)- apart from them falling over - is that the rigid pots are letting the roots invade the pond and the pots look wrong just big chunks of plastic, sticking out of the water.

It's only a little pond and I thought a sock would be a little more aesthetic than the pots.

trouble is pond plants are always very vigouress because there getting all the water and food they need . you cant do a lot really as the water has to get in so the roots can get out .

sounds a bit weird but try fishnet stockings/tights as the casing. A 'friend' used them but I'm not sure if its because his missus found them in his car! The plants have grown well and they are still married.....

very good seaburn lol . I think the root mite just come threw them if you know what I mean ha ha

You can use the netted bags that oranges or other fruits or vegetables are sold in at the grocery. Just cut them to size and tie up with an electrical tie or twisty.

it wasn't me snoop. don't like fish nets!

Thanks all - I had heard about using tights/stockings so might try that option though I would think fishnets would be too loose a mesh and would let the roots escape. (Not saying whether I have fishnets available!!!!)

lol ofcourse not id get a high denier and green if you can and the roots wont come threw so easy . id still peg them with fishing line so they don't fall off .

Nothing wrong with letting the roots escape. If you have fish in the pond they love to nibble on them and fry love to hide in them. This is a water plant not a patio plant.

I agree boggy but everyone too there own .

And to that NP I agree too.

cool

No fish - I don't want roots clogging up the waterfall motor. Will experiment this weekend.

im wondering what plants you have . perhaps a photo will help .

pic added

looks like water cress its great as a natural filter and for fry but you don't have fish . its good because of the roots . taste a little bit of leaf and it should be peppery if im right . it will root from any joint on the plant . in the garden it would be a nightmare . id repot and get rid of it if you don't like it .

NP is right. It is watercress and it is a very fast grower not suitable for medium to small ponds. Makes a great sandwich though.

Thanks for that. I've decided that it's coming out tomorrow! My pond is way too small for it.

no problemo mate

You can buy bags for pond plants which are made for just your problem and they come in several sizes.
I tried them as my shelf has a bit of a slope and baskets tend to move till they fall off. The ones I used were Velda Pond Planting Bags small medium and large I think.

Thanks Drc - I saw the velda bags and thought they were a bit pricey for what they were. I improvised at the weekend - one made from old tights and one from weed fabric - not sure how effective they will be but my pond water is now looking very muddy. May have to think again if the water doesn't clear.