Oh no, @Jenny_Aster , I wasn't expecting you to know whether or not it's really biodegradable, just me musing on it is all. The natural progression from my question is, I suppose, if somebody decides to mix the contents of hundreds of those nappies into their garden soil expecting to cut down on watering, will the crystals or whatever still be there in the soil 50 years down the line ? Or will they have to dedicate a fortnight every autumn to 're-nappyating' the garden.
And did I just make up a new word ?
Think it's one of those products where 'green', and 'traditionalist' agendas appear to sway the 'science'. It does seem correct though that if the crystals are mixed with soil they can break down in about 5 years, but in landfill situations I've read it could be between 150 and 500 years to break down. What with water supply said to become critical especially in some third world countries, then perhaps we and the rest of the world are missing a trick here.
Also discovered while I was down that 'rabbit hole' that work is being done to 'design' these polymers to suck up oil spills on the oceans. Hope the scientists take great care because it could be a horrendous death for a whale if it ingested the beads, though the ones in my nappy experiment soaked up the water and swelled immediately.
Other positives I discovered, that as gel crystals expand and retract depending on it's water 'level', tiny pockets of air is created, which means the soil becomes aeriated.
Also, adding these gels to a seed compost mix can help or obliterate the shock of being transplanted as seedling's roots form around the crystals - think I might try this out next time I plant seeds.
As well as 'building' the hanging baskets that's on today's 'to-do list' I'm also planning to plant out dahlia tubers today, I might plant half with gel added compost, just to see if there's any difference.
Quick update on the wool I used in my hanging baskets. Early days yet but we have had dry sunny days for a while now and I can definitely see an improvement in the baskets. I only water every other day and they are thriving.
Daughter and sister say the same thing so looks like a winner! £8 for a bag but that has done 10 baskets and is only half empty so well worth it I would say.
Could you cut up bits of 100% wool sweaters, and mix that with your compost? Or the daggings gathered up from a local shepherd? (Wouldn't want that water dripping down onto your patio though!). @debs64 I think you are onto something using wool.. it's inspiring me to source some locally.
I made the mistake once of mixing those water retaining gel granules in the compost dry and then filling my baskets and pots.. taking into account they would expand some. Got everything planted up and watered fine.. but a few days later it rained and they erupted soil and plants everywhere! Haha, so follow the packet directions and let them soak first if you go that route.
@Blue Onionit was on sale at the garden centre so not my own idea I am afraid but it works well, is biodegradable and environmentally friendly and helps the farmers so it’s a winner for me.
I line baskets with old compost sacks, had the same liners for years, inside the coir liners or direct into some, black side out. don’t pierce holes in the bottom, but about 2 to 3” up, that way they hold the water for longer.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
I do that too @Lyn but I still have to water daily, with the wool it’s every other day and plants don’t seem to dry out in the same way. I will be using it in my pots next year I think, the smaller ones at least.
Posts
Also discovered while I was down that 'rabbit hole' that work is being done to 'design' these polymers to suck up oil spills on the oceans. Hope the scientists take great care because it could be a horrendous death for a whale if it ingested the beads, though the ones in my nappy experiment soaked up the water and swelled immediately.
Other positives I discovered, that as gel crystals expand and retract depending on it's water 'level', tiny pockets of air is created, which means the soil becomes aeriated.
Also, adding these gels to a seed compost mix can help or obliterate the shock of being transplanted as seedling's roots form around the crystals - think I might try this out next time I plant seeds.
As well as 'building' the hanging baskets that's on today's 'to-do list' I'm also planning to plant out dahlia tubers today, I might plant half with gel added compost, just to see if there's any difference.
Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.