How to use Soil Wetting Agents & Gels

The soil in my yard is sandy… In the area’s that I’ve put some effort into there is plenty of organic matter and the plants are doing well, yet the lawn area and the older garden beds there is one big issue, hydrophobic soil. Hydrophobic soil almost repels water that is put onto it, and it can take a fair bit of effort to take care of.

One method is to use Soil Wetting Agents, basicly they are a combination of different detergents which break the surface tension and disolve the waxy coating that the soil particles develop over long periods of dry weather.

Pot plants also need soil wetting agents to ensure that the water you are applying to them is working effectively. When soil inside a pot becomes dry and is then watered, the water finds the path of least resistance and flows right through to the bottom. this barely wets the soil and the plant does not access the water.

I watched Gardening Australia the other night and saw this great video on Soil Wetters and water saving crystals.
You should check it out and tell your friends.

http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/video/video_index_2008_May2008.htm

Tags: soilwetter, gardening