My biggest issue has been watering. I built an auto water system, but it doesn't really work. I just read about watering crystals a few posts down. Home depot sells these for 7 dollars a bag. Do they work? Is there a limit that I should add in the soil? How much will this reduce the need of watering i.e like 50%, more, less? Thanks.
Hi Ruff, AKA polymer crystals. Yes they do work. Yes definitely a limit to how many you can use but without knowing ur climate + soil, how much that is = ?? Also, for the same reasons, can't say how much will reduce need for water, but thinking 50% is prob. in the ball park. Think 'jelly'. Looks like jelly & sets like jelly. So soil stability is an issue as well as air exclusion. For a good size outdoor hole, i wouldn't use more than 1 flat tblespn & i reckon someone trying for 1st time will usually use too much. You'll be surprised how a little goes a LONG way. 1 flat TEA-spoon for every 20L if soil is prob about right. The instructions should tell you. Its hard, but believe the instructions!! Best bet (i reckon) is to pre-water the crystals (like they say in instructions), then put in a small layer of the jelly right down towards the bottom of ur hole. That way u won't jelly-fy the soil, but water source will be there when ur plants are big + needing it. Could think about mixing in some perlite into that layer, to try and keep it all a bit airy. Heard once that WCs effect the taste. Personally i think that is incorrect. In all, i reckon the crystals are really good, as do many people who live where i do.....BUT its very hot and dry here - i guess in summer mebbe similar to Texas (??). Would be good to talk it over with other growers who live close to you even try it out in a small pot with a non-mj plant first (pick one that hates having wet feet and see how it goes). DO pre-wet the crystals b4 you add them And remember for 1st time, u'll prob. use too many Good luck! OD
Yeah, crystals are PART of the ammo used to combat dry weather. But only a part. Clay based soils, mulch and watering techniques that provide the water below the surface are the rest of the arsenal. I use 1/2 cup of crystals per hole. Hole size, 24"X24"X12" deep.