You can also give potted plants a mini-refresh by simply removing the top layer of compost and replacing it. Should I repot with compost or soil? Works all season long. Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Pots & Baskets Gel works all season long. Its ideal for pots, tubs, hanging baskets, window boxes, and can also be used in flower beds. 1 bag treats 15-20 average size (30cm) containers or baskets. Use 1-2 teaspoons for every 10 litres of compost. How often this needs to be done can vary, depending on the size of the pot and the number of plants the compost is supporting. Somewhere between six months and two years is a likely timeframe.

I used a reservoir with water granules (a smaller pot in a plastic bag) in large pots for my tumbler tomatoes this year and it certainly helped with the watering.Water-retaining granules do break down over time; one product claims it breaks down within five years. So when your growing media with the granules addedis spent, it can be added to your garden compost pile. This can then be used either as mulch or dug into the soil as a soil conditioner. This product is potentially harmfulso after handlingalways wash your hands and keep it out of the reach of children You can mix a little garden compost into your potting compost to give established container plants a boost. Water retaining granules are often used in gardening to help improve the water retention of soil. By improving the water retention of soil, gardeners can reduce the amount of water that is lost to evaporation and help keep plants healthy during periods of drought. There are a number of different ways to use water retaining granules, and the method that is best for a particular garden will depend on the type of soil, the plants that are grown, and the amount of water that is available. Taking cuttings: Some water-retaining granules can be used neat and swollen with water as a rooting medium for cuttings in the same way that cuttings can be rooted in jars of water.

There are a few ways that you can add water retention to your soil. One way is to add organic matter to your soil. This can be done by adding compost or manure to your soil. Another way to add water retention to your soil is to add a layer of mulch to your soil. This will help to keep the moisture in your soil. Best Water Retaining GranulesIt’s fine to leave it out for four hours at night (and eat some popcorn afterwards). It is estimated that the crystals will swell and rise by approximately 400 times. Why Crystals Grow Faster In Hot Wate Another good multi-purpose option, Westland New Horizon peat free compost has a unique formulation that provides optimum structure, water retention and nutrients for container plants. It’s suitable for ornamental plants, fruit and vegetables, seedlings and cuttings. Best sustainable potting compost * Coco Boost all purpose compost Some products have feed added to them and there is now potting compost with the granules already added Seedlings thrive in light compost that allows their small stems to push through easily. This peat-free John Innes compost is enriched with coir, loam and vermiculite for optimum texture, plus balanced nutrients to support germination and growth. * Dalefoot fine wool seed compost

Another good all-rounder that is suitable for hanging baskets – you can mix in water retaining granules to help control moisture levels. Best garden compost for vegetables Ok, I know I am going to get some flak for this idea but I intend giving it a try next year anyway! If you’ve enjoyed this post and found it useful, here are some ways you can say thanks and support Growing Family: When you buy a bag of compost, it’s essentially organic matter which is designed to improve soil, or support plants grown in specific conditions – such as containers. My best carrots this year are from a couple of rows I sowed late(after the drought) and covered with fleeceYou may find the crystals convenient for keeping potting soil moist while you’re away for a couple of days, and they may extend watering a day or two during hot, dry weather. Don’t expect hydrogels to serve as miracle solutions for extended periods of time, however. Are Moisture Beads for Soil Safe? Garden soil is usually too heavy and dense for containers. Worms and microorganisms do a great job of keeping it aerated when it’s in your garden, but if you put it in a pot it will become compacted. Once this happens, drainage becomes a problem. Water either runs straight off causing plants to dry out, or your plants end up sitting in a puddle which ultimately rots their roots.