We mainly use cap mats in greenhouse and grow rooms. In Europe though they have a great track record for using them in many different ways -- on the ground in gardens, on rooftop, walls, balconies, and even large fields. The bottom layer included in this kit makes it possible to walk on the mat without worrying about small sharp things on the ground causing leaks. It also has the perforated foil for the top to prevent evaporation, algae and biofilm growth. You can supply the water manually, with a Surface Blumat, with a Tropf Blumat in a pot, or with a timer.

Here are some of the advantages

• Water comes from bottom so roots grow down
• Flexibility -- water different plant types in different sized pots on same bed
• Move plants on and off without needing to change water lines or emitters
• Easy set up -- just get water to the bed, don't worry about getting it to the plants
• Sensitive foliage not spotted by overhead watering
• Lower water use, little evaporation
• Increased and uniform growth
• Low maintenance 
• Lower costs, less labor