BasketMate contains water absorbing gel and Slow Release Plant Food

For a whole season

Yes, the action of sunlight and bacteria degrades the gel back to simple molecules. The Slow Release Plant Food is completely biodegradable as its polymer coating is based around lignin, a component of timber.

You will still need to water plants. The watering storing gel component reduces the work but does not remove the need. The Slow Release Plant Food component does remove the need to feed all season. However for heavily planted containers, a top up with Phostrogen Plant Food is recommended at peak flowering periods

The addition of water storing gel does not reduce the plants water requirement, what it does do is reduce watering frequency and reduces the wastage when watering