What is the best way for holding water in plant pots so they dont dry out?
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You really don't want to hold too much water in the pots. What I was taught was to water the plant until if came out the bottom of the pot once a week unless it was extremly hot outside.
You can get a special gel to go into the pots, it is usually used for hanging baskets but it's fine to use it in pots too. You should be able to get it in the local garden centre.
There are many very good plant pots that you can buy in stores like Canadian Tire or Zellers. One that I favourite of mine has an attached plate on the bottom but also a strip of fabric that leads to the bottom of the pot. It absorbs water as the soil becomes more dry. Ask the sales reps in the garden department, they can be a great help!
get "miracle grow water retention compost", that'll do it, its got stuff init that retains water
peat moss (pH acid) or vermiculite (pH neutral )
you really can't..water shouldn't sit at the bottom of the pot, because it really doesn't reach the roots there either.the best thing to water the plants periodically(don't over water, though) so that the soil stays moist and the water will stay in the soil longer.
OR buy one of those upside down hanging pots that are advertised on QVC..
easiest and most affordable way is to use pot saucers. place saucer under pot (make sure pot has hole or holes on bottom), and fill saucer with water. the plant's soil will wick the water upwards as it requires it. contrary to popular belief, this will also encourage roots to travel down to reach the water. deeper root growth is always a good thing
be sure not to overwater (most common mistake by home gardeners) and allow soil to nearly completely dry before watering again. overwatering is a case of frequency of watering, not ammount of water. a moisture meter is a fantastic investment and ranges from 10$-200$.
Well I don't know much about gardening. But I did but that me miracle grow soil for potted plants that helps hold water and releases it when the plant needs it. I have used it and it wworkss very well. I way to the clay pots ork bets in keeping moisture that I not sure of. I hope it helps.
I use polystyrene packing that would otherwise end up in the bin and its ideal for stopping plant pots drying up. Otherwise, just get small stones from your garden and pack them in the bottom of the pot, rather than going out and buying specialist gels etc.
when the plants need water, water them.
Buy a better quality potting soil with more sphagnum peat in it.
you can also buy hydrogel to mix in with the potting soil.. that will help hold moisture.
Be carefull doing this.
Many plants will die if you try to retain the water in the pot.
Most platns are succeptable to root rot - this is when the roots turn brown or black and rot away due to being too moist.
Many plants cannot survive if their roots remain wet for more then a few days. And many plants need to have their roots completely dry out between watering.
Almost all potting soils retain morethan enough moisture for the average plant - they are designed that way. Just use regular potting soil and water until the water runs out the bottom. Wait about 5 minutes and then do this again.
If the plant is outside this will have to be repeated about twice a week, whenever the soil dries out completely. Indoor plants shoul be watered onyl once a week like this.
here is a link on root rot, make sure you watch for the signs:
http://www.ppath.cas.psu.edu/extension/p...
http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/information...
my sister uses a baby diaper in some of her plants and it seems to work !
Mix Vermiculite in with a peat free compost and John Innes
Use vermiculite, or perlite, like the natural stuff used for cat litter absorption. Also good are the "pebbles" used in hydroponics. Just mix some of this in the potting soil, or in the case of the hydroponic stuff, use it on top of the pot to retard evaporation, and it looks good too. We use it for our cucumbers growing in pots. When the plants get bigger, they are so thirsty, that daily watering does´nt compensate, and keeping the plants in a saucer of water will promote root rot.
by holding the water you could rot the roots...good idea is get small drinks bottles cut the bottoms off tip upside down place in the soil then fill with water
I use "Soil Moist". It is small white grains when you buy it. It asborbs water and turns to little chunks of gel. As the flower or plant needs moisture, the roots will take it from the gel. You don't need but a teaspoon for every quart of dirt. I have been using it for years and it is just the greatest thing I have ever stumbled upon. You can find it at most nurseries and greenhouses. I use it in container plantings, hanging baskets and bags. I reuse the same soil year after year and it last a long time.I have hooked up several freinds with it. Gardener's Supply Company also sells it under the name of "Terra-Sorb" but I don't think what I bought was that expensive. Just remember, a little goes a long way.
www.gardeners.com
i use plant holder is like a plastic saucer with a lip which will hold water for the plant to feed on as needed can be bought from wilkos homebase or any such store should imagine pound shops as well
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