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Re: wetting agent

At 07:10 AM 5/9/97 -0400, you 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'd really appreciate any ideas.
>
>This list is wonderful, and I am learning a lot from it.
>
>Thanks in advance for any information,
>Rose
>
>hatten@usa.net
>
>
Rose,

I generally don't bother with wetting agents when I use either soilless mix
or seedstarting mix, but I do find that soaking is not sufficient to wet a
dry mix. The best way is to put it in a bucket or tub of some kind, add a
little water at a time, then work it with your hands. Add a little more
water, mix some more and so on..This breaks up lumps, aerates the mix
(increasing it's volume) and gives it a really nice texture. Don't add too
much water..You want it fluffy, barely damp to the touch, and slightly
darker brown than initially. If you add too much water it will be soggy and
pack down to much in the pot.

Hope this helps,
Gerry (TN/6b)>
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