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Re: wetting agent

At 11:10 AM -0000 5/9/97, Jim & Rose Hatten wrote:
>Hello to all,
>Does anyone know what is used as a wetting agent in soilless mixes?  I had
>some half peat, half vermiculite mix that I bought at Walmart that worked
>very well for starting seeds.  The package said the only other ingredient
>was a wetting agent.
>
>When I went back for more of the mix, they were out of it, so I tried to
>mix my own.  I found that it wouldn't get wet, even after soaking for quite
>a long time.  I finally added a drop of liquid hand soap to each cell in
>the flat, and that seemed to work. The seeds are germinating OK, but I am
>not sure if soap is the best choice for the wetting agent.  Also, it would
>be nice if I could find a dry ingredient so I could add it when I prepare
>the soilless mix rather when I plant.


I make my own mix out of peat moss, fine sand, perlite and usually just
moisten it with water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid in it. (About
5-6 drops to a gallon container, stirred well.) I haven't had any problem.
I saw this tip on a gardening show on TV.

Karen
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