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Water retaining gel crystals
Supernanny
Posts: 7
in Plants
I plan to use water retaing gel crystals in my hanging baskets this year. Could anyone tell me how many grams of crystals should I add to each basket? The baskets are 12" and 14" in diameter. Thank you.
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Hi Supernanny, I just put a very small amount, about 20g, mixed in with the compost and perlite to help drainage and this seems to be enough, I did read the packet but it didnt advise about baskets so used my initiative............However the first time I tried it went a bit pete tong......put too much in and when it rained all this gelitinous gunge came pouring out of my tubs............oh well I lived to tell the tale......good luck xx
The trick here is, first put your crystals in a bucket and add water until the gel won't absorb any more. Remember, it does take a few minutes for the crystals to expand. Then add a couple of handfuls to the compost your going to use to fill your baskets. This way, when it gets wet either from the rain or by watering, it won't over spill.
Ahhh, didnt think of this.....why does it say to mix it with your compost then? guess I've been lucky then, could have had another catastrophe.........eeeeek!!!
IMO they should change the instructions. I made the same mistake when I used these crystals for the first time also - what a ruddy mess. LOL
hahahaha, how often do you water your plants that have this gel in them, I feel I may also be overwatering?
There lies the million dollar question, it really does depend on how hot a day its has been. I could say every other day as I live in the north, but you may live in the south where its hotter. I would check your baskets/containers everyday and see how many days it takes for it to dry out. In general, if its cool 2-3 days between waterings and if its hot 1-2 days. Seriously hot, every day. And if its raining, put your feet up.
The trick is to touch the compost until you train your eyes to spot drying out - if it feels wet, don't water. If its dry, water. If its moist, give it a sip.
Hope this helps...
I feel the weight of my baskets - if they are light they need watering but if they feel very heavy they probably don't.
Pam x
@Marshmello - yes I also live in the North - Leeds. Thanks for your help, have been watering as you suggest so all good
Hi Lucy3 and Marshmello! Thanks for some very good advice. I would have mixed it with the compost so that would have been a disaster!. Any particular make of crystals you would recommend?
I add the dry gel with the compost, only a small amount. If you add it wet then it makes a mess and it is difficult to mix it - you end up with globs of the stuff instead of an even mix. I use miracle gro gel and it works well. Certainly expands and retains with all this rain!