Polymer water crystals

[Nyboy]

I have a country home I only get to use a few nights a month. Plants drying out is a big problem, I have replaced the flowers in the windowboxes 2x this summer. Does anyone use the polymer water absorbing crystals? Can they be use when planting tree or shurbs? Thanks

 

[Smart Red]

Yes, they can be used to amend garden soil or when planting trees. I've mostly used them in pots since I am notorious for not remembering to water.

Caution: more is not better. It just makes a slimy mess with little room for good soil and it can cause rotting of roots should you get normal rainfall.

I would suggest mulching well as a first defense against drying out, and a wicking system for potted plants, but yes, the crystals do retain moisture much longer than soil alone.

 

[Nyboy]

Thanks for the caution I am from the school the more the better.

 

[vfem]

Ok. I saw this on pinterest, and I thought HEY why didn't I think of this?

But I have hanging planters and no matter what I do, the plants always dry out and die. Well, someone suggested putting a super absorbant diaper unfolded in it. The crystals in the diaper hold liquid really well and the roots and get into it to absorb what they need. I had to slap my forehead, I don't know why I didn't think of that!!!

 

[Nyboy]

vfem thats a great idea !! Going to try that next year in my windowboxs.

 

[Smiles Jr.]

Purchase some "new generation" diapers and tear the first one apart to find out where the absorbent pad is. Usually the entire diaper does not contain the SAP or AGM poly material. You can pull out the relatively small pad and put it in the planting soil. But you shouldn't need to use the whole diaper.