Re: Moisture Crystals

Paula,
I read your post with interest as we face another drought season behind the curve rain-wise. The lifting factor was news to me but makes sense when you think of the swelling that the crystals take on as they take in the water.

Another factor that a Tri-State Hosta Society speaker mentioned was that after the crystals shrink, they shrink the dirt mass in containers drawing it away from the pot and leaving a gap between the dirt and the pot walls. This led to subsequent waterings running right off the sides of the dirt mass and out the bottom before it had a chance to soak it up.  He cautioned, as you did, about putting too many crystals in the potting mix.

Based on your experience, would you add the crystals into the potting mix when they are dry or moisten them so that you get an idea of the degree of expanding / shrinking that will be taking place?  Do the directions for use recommend using them wet or dry?

Thanks!
cb

Carol in CT   z6/5
AHS Eastern Region
FIRST LOOK 2
July 6, 2002   Parsippany, NJ
www.hostalibrary.org/firstlook
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