polymers or water crystals
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: polymers or water crystals
- From: C* P* <E*@AOL.COM>
- Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1999 11:50:22 EST
In a message dated 1/9/99 7:32:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, EJSchulz@AOL.COM
writes:
<< Bobbi,
Re polimers: My only experience with them is with annuals. I use them in
containers and windowboxes and they are wonderful. I hardly suplimental water
my window boxes at all.I hesitate using them in the ground because I do not
know what will happen in the winter when they freeze. Will they freeze and
rot
the root they touch? Maybe this coming year I will try with something I can
afford to loose. >>
Polymers are discussed in a book on mixed borders by Anne Lovejoy (of
Horticulture magazine) She says there are two types, one is based on
cornstarch and does not remain in the soil.
In our area, I have been only able to find a product called "Soil Moist"
which is about $10.00 for a can containing about 2 measuring cups. I use the
entire can in potting up the outdoor containers in spring.
Ms. Lovejoy advises using polymers under primula and other moisture loving
plants. She lives in the West Coast which seems to be wet enough w/o
polymers.
If there is a source of water crystals that are not petroleum based, I would
like to know. However, the container plants have no evidence of the polymers
at the end of the season when the pots are emptied and stored.
If you have not used the polymers you would find them pretty funny at first
try. They swell so humongously the plants can be popped out of the pot by what
look like great big soft ice cubes. Advise caution <BG>.
Claire Peplowski
