Puzzled

[Robert venneri]

What is the deal with some of these potting souls (foxfarm especially)
You can water the hell out of it and then when you dig in only the top is wet whats undernesth is dryer than a popcorn fart
Also when you water established plAnts the water sits on top as if there is some surface tension that will not let it thru for a long time
Is this normal and what can i do other than chenge soils to remedy

 

[Richard Drysift]

By the time roots reach the edge of the pot it’s likely the soil has become inactive. Adding a source of compost like ewc (up to 1/3 or your mix) will prolong viability of any mix. Also try adding in some vermiculite or coco coir both of which help retain moisture. While you are at it add in some granular mycorrhizae at each transplant; helps regulate moisture and helps with absorption. After you transplant to fresh soil with compost and moisture retention inputs mulch the top layer with straw or pine bark nuggets, etc. Mulch helps retain moisture and shields fungi from heat. Also don’t try to go days without watering and then drench them; water more often with less volume each time. Be sure your container has good drainage but don’t water to runoff. Give just enough water as needed as often as it is needed. Watering from a bottom tray is sometimes better than from the top…

 

[Robert venneri]

The problem is when you water it runs out if the soil and seems to pass right past the soil without it getting wet

 

[PadawanWarrior]

What is the deal with some of these potting souls (foxfarm especially)
You can water the hell out of it and then when you dig in only the top is wet whats undernesth is dryer than a popcorn fart
Also when you water established plAnts the water sits on top as if there is some surface tension that will not let it thru for a long time
Is this normal and what can i do other than chenge soils to remedy

It's hydrophobic. Use a wetting agent like yucca or something. Watering slowly helps too.

 

[Robert venneri]

Yucca?

 

[PadawanWarrior]

Yucca?

Yucca extract. Or aloe, silica, even a tiny bit of dish soap works too. I've never personally used dish soap though.

 

[Hiphophippo]

Make sure you are watering properly nice and slowly. If you water to fast most of the time the water will just roll over the dry soil as to being absorbed by it. If I water my pots to fast it runs right over the edges and out the side but nice and slowly gets my soil completely saturated and moist.

 

[Bullmark]

I have a similar problem using coco with dry amendments. I don’t water daily and the top layer is very dry when I do. I found that misting the top (with a couple oz of water) gets it damp and allows the water to penetrate quickly and evenly.
I keep a tiny little spray bottle handy for that purpose.

 

[Budzbuddha]

Couple drops of dawn - simple. Water low and slow to fully hydrate medium.