Garden soil is usually too heavy and dense for containers. Worms and microorganisms do a great job of keeping it aerated when it’s in your garden, but if you put it in a pot it will become compacted. Once this happens, drainage becomes a problem. Water either runs straight off causing plants to dry out, or your plants end up sitting in a puddle which ultimately rots their roots.

RainGel® Water Retaining Crystals absorb water over 100 times faster than other horticultural products. Just mix them with your compost when you plant and then water liberally. The crystals will take in large amounts of water very rapidly and hold it to form a special reservoir which plant roots will grow into. The need for regular watering is substantially reduced as plants take the water they need as and when they need it. How to use RainGel® Water Retaining Crystals:There are many brands of water-retaining granules but Miracle-Gro has Moisture Control Gel that is designed to retain water in baskets. It works by releasing crystals that absorb up to 150 times their weight in water, so when you water, they absorb it, and then they release it when the roots of your plants begin to dry out. A multi-purpose premium potting compost, this is rich in nutrients and has great water retention, making it ideal for thirsty pots and planters. Best compost for seeds * John Innes seed sowing compost

You can also give potted plants a mini-refresh by simply removing the top layer of compost and replacing it. Should I repot with compost or soil? Works all season long. Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Pots & Baskets Gel works all season long. Its ideal for pots, tubs, hanging baskets, window boxes, and can also be used in flower beds. 1 bag treats 15-20 average size (30cm) containers or baskets. Use 1-2 teaspoons for every 10 litres of compost. A water crystal is a microporous polymer that is added to potting mix or soil in a garden bed to increase soil’s water holding capacity. When water crystals are placed in soil, they swell to absorb water, reducing the amount of watering required. They can be used in both indoor and outdoor plants to help protect them from heat and drought, and they can even be used in indoor plants. Again, the answer is a resounding maybe, or maybe not. Some experts say that polymers are neurotoxins and they may be carcinogenic. It’s also a common belief that water crystals aren’t environmentally safe because the chemicals are leached into the soil. Finally, using garden soil in pots runs the risk of transferring harmful bacteria to your lovely container plants – and nobody wants that! Managing water levels in potting compost

Both * Westland New Horizon peat free multi purpose compostand * Miracle-Gro premium all purpose peat free compost are suitable for use with container fruit and vegetables. When used in conjunction with Rose Quartz, it can help relieve stress and anxiety. It can be used for meditation as well as to clear the mind and bring peace to the world. Rose Quartz is considered a safe stone to use due to its silicon and oxygen content. Always consult with a health care professional before using a stone if you are unsure about its safety. How Much Water Should You Store Crystals? Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Water Storing Gel Pots & Baskets contains water-storing crystals that absorb and release water when plants need it, reducing the need for watering. Works all season. Ideal for pots, tubs and hanging baskets, helps save time and reduces watering frequency throughout the season. Comes in a resealable pouch. We recommend an application rate of 2 grams per bareroot plant or equally you could work on 1 gram of granules to be mixed in with 1 litre of compost or soil

Multi-purpose potting compost is a good option for most container gardening projects. If you’d like to keep things simple, choosing one of the best peat free compost for pots is a safe bet. Best multi-purpose potting compost * Miracle-Gro Premium all purpose peat free compost Water crystals are often used in vases and other decorative displays. They are made of a polymer that can absorb water and then release it over time. The water is held in the crystals through a process of evaporation and condensation. The amount of time that the crystals can hold water will depend on the size and type of crystal, as well as the humidity and temperature of the environment. Are Water Storing Crystals Good? Make sure your hands are very dry (or wear dry gloves) and mix the P4 into the compost so it is evenly spread We’re also starting to see peat-free potting compost designed specifically for fruit and vegetables, such as: * Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Fruit & Veg peat free compost There are many benefits you gain with hanging baskets, one of which is having plants off the ground and away from pests. The problem though is that these plants dry out faster than those in the ground.Some products have feed added to them and there is now potting compost with the granules already added Now we’ve covered what potting compost is, and why it’s a great idea to use it for container plants, let’s take a look at options for potting compost available to buy. Is multi purpose compost OK as potting soil? My best carrots this year are from a couple of rows I sowed late(after the drought) and covered with fleece

Put your compost/P4 mix into whatever you are planting into.. prepared whole in the ground or a container.., but do not plant anything yet Miracle- Gro Water Storing Crystals should be applied evenly throughout the root zone to achieve a rate of 7 teaspoons per 6-foot row. The Power Of Crystals There are a few ways that you can add water retention to your soil. One way is to add organic matter to your soil. This can be done by adding compost or manure to your soil. Another way to add water retention to your soil is to add a layer of mulch to your soil. This will help to keep the moisture in your soil. Best Water Retaining Granules

What are Hydrogels?

You will also struggle to provide your plants with the nutrients they need from garden soil. As we mentioned above, soil usually contains less nutrients than compost. This means your plants will find it harder to grow and stay healthy if they have access to soil alone. If you’d like to explore more container gardening resources, we’ve got plenty to keep you busy. Spring flowers for pots Summer plants for pots Fall flowers for pots Winter plants for pots Trailing plants for hanging baskets and pots Low maintenance plants for pots Growing lavender in pots Growing sunflowers in pots How to get rid of ants in plant pots