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Re: wetting agent


Hi Rose,

> 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

I've found that it isn't necessary to add any kind of wetting agent to soilless
mixes.  You can add water right when you make up your mix.  Spread out a tarp
and mix your materials on that, using a plastic shovel (mine is a plastic snow
shovel) to turn it.  Once it's thoroughly mixed flatten out the pile and dribble
water across the whole surface.  I've found that one gallon of water for every
four gallons of peat to be about right for lightly wetting the mix, add more if
you want it wetter.  Turn the pile, it will seem lumpy at first, but with a few
go arounds it will even out it's moisture nicely.  This makes a mix that is a
lot easier to handle, less dusty to breathe and one that takes addition watering
easily.

   ____________________
  |                    |
  |     Bob Carter     | Kootenay Bay, BC, Canada
  |  bcarter@awinc.com | Zone 6b
  |____________________|


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