Use of hydrogel for indoor and garden plants. Hydrogel for plants - the secrets of using Hydrogel for plants what it is made of

After returning from a long trip, many flower growers are horrified by the state of their indoor plants, which, in the absence of watering, turn into a herbarium. The only way to avoid this is growing plants in hydrogel, which we will discuss below.

Hydrogel: what is it

Not everyone knows what a hydrogel is, although in recent years this substance has become more and more common among flower growers. The hydrogel has a very simple composition - it is an ordinary polymer, crushed to the state of powder or granules of various shapes. Its main feature is the ability to absorb a large amount of moisture, which can then either simply evaporate or be absorbed by plants planted in this substance. Thanks to this, even the smallest balls can "swell" to fairly large sizes.

Did you know? 1g of hydrogel polymer beads can absorb 200g of liquid. Thus, it will take only 2 tablespoons of these granules to absorb 3 liters of water.

In the question of what a hydrogel is and why it is needed, there are several areas of its use at once:

1. As a decorative multi-colored substance, which is used to fill glass containers and plant indoor plants or fall asleep in vases with freshly cut flowers.
2. As a moisture-accumulating substance, thanks to which flowers can remain without watering for a long period of time.
3. As a way to quickly and efficiently deliver nutrients to plant roots.
4. As a substance for effective seed germination and rooting of cuttings.

Important! The hydrogel can absorb not only moisture, but also nutrients diluted in it, which will be delivered directly to the roots of the plant. Therefore, by adding hydrogel to the soil mixture to the plants, you can also feed them.

Types of gel soils

Hydrogel for flowers has two common forms - soft and dense. They differ from each other not only in their structure, but also in the directions of use, as well as in cost.

Soft hydrogel for plants has the widest application. It is added to soil mixtures for indoor flowers, for seed germination, for planting garden and garden plants. Due to the soft structure and small size of the granules, the roots of any plant can easily penetrate between the granules and inside them, while sucking out moisture and minerals.

This substance is produced colorless and is very rarely used on its own. Often it is mixed with soil substrates, which helps prevent both acidification of the soil from the introduction of a large amount of moisture, and its rapid drying.

This is a more expensive material, which may consist of larger and more diverse granules. Due to the high cost, it is completely irrational to use aquatic soil in horticulture and horticulture. Unlike conventional hydrogel, aqua soil can include a variety of dyes, sparkles and rhinestones. In this regard, the answer to the question of how to use aquatic soil appears by itself - with its help, transparent flower pots are decorated, and attractive florariums are also created.

Another way to use aqua soil is to freshen the air. For this purpose, dry granules are filled with water with essential oils or other liquid that has a pleasant aroma. As soon as the moisture is absorbed into the granules, they can be placed in glass vessels throughout the house and enjoy a pleasant smell for a long time. In addition, if children or pets accidentally turn over a pot or vase with a dense hydrogel, it can be put back together very quickly, without even having to vacuum the house.

Important! During filling with water of multi-colored aquatic soil granules, each color must be laid out in different vessels. It is recommended to mix them only after complete swelling.

How to use hydrogel in indoor floriculture

The hydrogel does not have clear instructions for use, so flower growers use it for a variety of purposes. There are practically no restrictions on how to use hydrogel for indoor plants - some types of plants can be grown directly in it (without forgetting to add some mineral fertilizers) or mixed with the soil substrate. In the latter case, the hydrogel will be useful only for long-term preservation of moisture in the soil, and at the same time, it is recommended to apply no more than 2 g of dry hydrogel per 1 liter of substrate. It is best to do this during transplants.

When growing flowers exclusively in pure hydrogel, consider a few important nuances:

• when using ordinary unsettled tap water for irrigation of the hydrogel, the granules may soon become covered with an unattractive coating or even turn green;
• if the plant has a large root system, it can spread so widely around the pot and envelop the hydrogel granules that it will look completely unattractive;
• some types of plants may suffer from a lack of air in the hydrogel, so they will have to be transplanted.

Important! Hydrogel polymer beads that you do not use can only be stored in the refrigerator and only in airtight packaging. Otherwise, they may crystallize and lose their properties.

Application of hydrogel in the garden

When it comes to hydrogel, the question of why it is needed in gardening can seem rather complicated, since for large trees, tiny granules of water can not play a big role. However, when it comes to rooting cuttings or propagating shrubs by layering, it is the hydrogel that can be the best helper. Hydrogel is also used (1:5 ratio with soil) when planting young seedlings in soil that does not quite suit them. Firstly, with the help of a hydrogel, the soil can be made more nutritious, especially if there is a need for mineral fertilizers. Secondly, by planting plants in hydrogel and adding it to the soil, it becomes looser.

You can also apply hydrogel to the near-trunk circles of adult fruit-bearing trees. The amount of dry matter used for one tree can vary from 20 to 40 g, which depends on the age of the tree (the older, the more hydrogel will be required). To introduce the hydrogel along the entire perimeter of the near-stem circle, punctures are made to a depth of 0.5 meters, into which not only the hydrogel, but also mineral fertilizers are poured. After that, the punctures are filled up, and the soil is watered abundantly. Be prepared for the fact that the ground near the tree may rise slightly. Shrubs can be added in the same way, however, using 10 g of hydrogel for currants, blueberries and gooseberries, 3 g each for raspberries, hydrangeas and roses (it should be deepened by no more than 30 cm).

Another area of ​​​​application of hydrogel in the garden is the removal of excess moisture in the spring, when the groundwater level rises sharply due to melted snow. In this case, dry hydrogel is also introduced into the soil. If we are talking about young seedlings that require a lot of moisture and nutrients, then it is recommended to dig already swollen granules into the soil near them.

How gardeners use hydrogel

In the garden, this substance is used at least as often, so it’s worth figuring out how to properly use hydrogel for plants. In this substance, it is very convenient to germinate seeds (which do not have a hard shell) and grow seedlings until the very moment of their transplantation into open ground. In addition, part of the hydrogel can also be dug into the beds so that it retains moisture near the roots of the plant longer. But tomato seedlings can remain in the hydrogel until the very beginning of flowering (it is only important not to forget about additional top dressing), which will allow you to get a good harvest and forget about many diseases of this plant, which the bushes can infect through the ground.

Did you know? Hydrogel is a completely sterile substance in which bacteria cannot grow. In addition, this substance releases moisture to plants very slowly, so you do not have to worry about the possible rotting of plant roots.

However, the use of a hydrogel for vegetables when grown outdoors can play a trick on the gardener. Hoping that the hydrogel will provide the plants with enough moisture, the gardener may skip several waterings, as a result of which the vegetables may wilt badly. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt to the hydrogel and its abilities very carefully, especially since if there is a hydrogel in the soil, it will be safer to fill the plants with water than to leave them dry.

In general, it is worth using hydrogel in gardening only when growing:

• tomatoes;
• cabbage;
• cucumbers;
• radish;
• potatoes.

Vn It is worth sifting the hydrogel granules to a depth of about 5 cm. If the soil is light, then per 1 sq. m will require no more than 10-20 g of dry matter, if heavy (loam) - from 20 to 30 g for the same area.

The best time of the year is a vacation, but the bitterness of parting with plant pets can overshadow the anticipation of a vacation. The longing for the upcoming separation is nothing compared to the anxiety for their health.

It’s good if relatives agree to water the flowers, but what if not? Hydrogel will help out - a “smart” soil that will take care of the well-being of plants in your absence.

Let's talk about what hydrogel is, how to use it and why made in China aquatic soil is a silent killer of potted flowers.

Absorb and give: why do we need a hydrogel for indoor plants?

Hydrogel, also known as eco-soil, hydro-soil and aqua-soil, has recently replenished the assortment of flower shops, although the history of its occurrence goes back centuries.

Since ancient times, the ingenious minds of mankind have been thinking about how to retain moisture in the soil and prevent crop losses from drought.

Attempts to solve this problem in the last century led to the invention of hydrogels. The initiative belonged to the UN, and Western chemical concerns were involved in the implementation.

At its core, a hydrogel is a highly absorbent polymer.

One gram of dry polymer granules can absorb up to 200-400 grams of water, increasing in size by 1000-1500%. The structure of the hydrogel is flexible and plastic.

When dried, the polymer returns to its original crystalline form, and swells again in the presence of water. What does it have to do with indoor flowers?

added to the ground, hydrogel beads absorb moisture from the soil during watering and create a kind of water reservoir, to which the roots of plants fall during times of "drought" to quench their thirst. Genius is simple.

If you…

• take care of maintaining optimal soil moisture,
• plan to go on vacation, leaving the plants for 2-3 weeks,
• or just forget to water your "pets" regularly,

...transplant potted flowers into aquatic soil. They will say thank you. As for the application, the hydrogel can be used both as an additive and as an independent primer.

Advantages and disadvantages of aqua soil

When using pure polymer substrate, be aware of its neutral nature. Aqua soil does not contain nutrients and cannot provide optimal conditions for growth and development.

The problem of nutritional deficiency can be solved by adding fertilizers, but keeping plants in such an environment for more than a year is still a mockery of nature.

Some flowers will not live in aqua soil for even a month. Strongly unacceptable hydrogel for orchids. The age of life of a wonderful flower in a glass vase with gel balls is short.

Why are they selling? Florists are paid money “to make it beautiful”, and you know - orchids in the hydrogel die, as well as cacti, succulents and epiphytes.

You can experiment with any moisture and shade-loving flower of low growth with a large root system.

The high decorativeness of the soil, the clean planting process and the convenient transportation of the “soil” in powder form from the store to your home are tempting arguments in favor of trying it.

Advantages and disadvantages of soil with hydrogel

The hydrogel-soil mixture has no contraindications and disadvantages and can be used almost always.

Hydrogel in the composition of the soil:

• when it dries out, it nourishes the roots with moisture for 2-3 weeks;
• prevents waterlogging and protects the roots from decay;
• regulates its texture - clay makes loose, sandy more dense.

We will provide a brief briefing on planting plants “this way and that” right now.

VIDEO REVIEW

In soil and instead of soil: hydrogel instructions for use

It was found out above that there are two options for exploiting hydrogels - as an additive to the soil or as an independent environment for keeping plants.

Into the ground

• Before adding the substrate to the soil, dilute it according to the instructions (usually a gram of powder per glass of water).
• Mix the swollen granules with the soil (usually a glass of gel per liter of earth) and plant the flowers in the hydrogel soil as usual.

Is it possible to add, by digging, a dry substrate into a pot? Acceptable, but undesirable. After watering and swelling, the granules can squeeze the plant out of the pot or damage its root system.

Do you want to experiment? Pierce the soil over the area of ​​the pot to its entire depth, for example, with a pencil.

1. Pour powder into the holes at the rate of grams per liter of soil.
2. Water. Wait.
3. If some of the gel over time squeezes out, sprinkle with soil.
4. If a flower crawls up, transplant the sufferer with honors.

Mixing hydrogel with earth

Pour or apply wet hydrogel on top of the soil does not make much sense.

Placed on the soil, the aquatic soil can create an entourage and even prevent the evaporation of moisture, but it will not completely moisten the soil.

What's more, the illusion of wetness it inspires can kill flowers - the inside of the soil shrinks from dryness while you enjoy your ingenuity.

Instead of soil

Do you want to plant flowers in hydrogel without soil?

1. Soak coarse granules (5 g per liter of water) for 2-3 hours.
2. Remove a flower with an earthy clod from the pot, gently rinse the roots.
3. Pour the swollen polymers on the bottom of the future vase, set up a flower, sprinkle with aqua soil to the growth line.
4. To avoid overdrying of the top layer, regularly remove it, soak it and put it back in place. Or spray with a spray bottle. Or cover with plastic wrap.
5. Water the flowers in the aquatic soil once every two weeks and strictly monitor the observance of the shady regime - the hydrogel will bloom in sunlight.

Hydrogel aqua soil is not a friend: how to choose the right one?

You can buy hydrogel at a garden store or any DIY hypermarket chains like Leroy Merllin and OBI. Whose soil is better? Ahead of the whole planet - Germany and France.

EVONIK, SNF FLOERGER and other concerns of a similar scale are technically and environmentally savvy. Take without looking.

If you want to support a domestic manufacturer, pay attention to Aquasin and Happy Summer Resident hydrogels. In general, remember that 90% of the hydrogel on the market has nothing to do with healthy growing plants. First of all, we are talking about Asian aquagrounds created for design and entertainment needs.

What is dangerous decorative soil?

For some time, the flower will stand in colored balls or cubes, but almost always, sooner or later, it will die.

A decorative hydrogel is denser than an agricultural one and does not release moisture well, not to mention the inclusion of dyes and other toxins, the presence of which can be assumed with a high probability. International quality certificates and safety sheets do not come with primer from China.

The correct hydrogel looks unpresentable - colorless, different-sized and shapeless. But - quality control of each batch, environmental safety and long life of indoor flowers.

Life hack: how to make hydrogel at home?

100 grams of excellent quality German hydrogel will cost only 100 rubles. This amount is enough to create 100 liters of hydrogel-soil mixture.

For home planting, the costs are negligible. Still want to make a hydrogel with your own hands? Life hackers have invented a non-trivial way to get aqua soil from ... diapers.

1. Cut open the diaper and remove the pellets.
2. Mix the polymer substrate with water until a gel-like mass is formed (average grams per cup).
3. Combine a glass of gel with a liter of soil and land.
4. The gel will drink water from the soil, the plant from the gel. Everyone is full and happy, and diapers for children are harmful.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

And then what?

Water absorbents are a good thing. The idea of ​​moisture conservation in the context of the global water shortage on Earth should be developed.

Hydrogels absorb water and ensure its economical use. Behind the scenes remains the answer to the question of the safety of polymers, which are presented as pH-neutral and environmentally friendly.

After 3-5 years, the hydrogel decomposes and, according to unofficial sources, acrylamide, a neurotoxin dangerous to humans and animals, is released during destruction.

Official sources assure that the amount of residual acrylamide is regulated and safe. Maybe. But you need to remember the other side of the issue. At least in order not to save money by ordering a cheap and beautiful aquatic soil from Aliexpress.

My marriage is considered happy, but, unfortunately, typical. For example, my husband pleases me with flowers only twice a year - on March 8 and my birthday, and each time these are red roses on duty. I always put them in a vase of water, but this time my daughter bought a colored hydrogel, she really liked it.

I put it in a vase, it turned out beautifully, and the roses did not wilt for a long time. But still, the bouquet age is short, and soon I threw it away, and the balls remained. Should I send it to the trash can too? What if they still come in handy? My “built-in hostess” won, and I stuck cuttings of various plants into the vase - will they take root or not?

Not all survived. I got on the Internet to look for the truth, and it turned out that I actually had not a hydrogel, but an aqua soil. And you still need to be able to work with these substances ...

Hydrogel is a transparent free-flowing substance. If it is mixed with water, it will absorb it, growing many times in size. 1 g of a substance can absorb up to 200 g of water! But hydrogel balls (or crystals, pieces - the shape of the product is different) do not retain moisture for long.

After a while, they begin to give it away little by little. This is what flower growers and gardeners use.

Its advantages

• If you mix the hydrogel with the soil of indoor flowerpots, they can be watered less often. Also, this tool will help out people going on vacation or a business trip. It can provide flowers with liquid for 2 or even 3 weeks. After this time, the substance will dry out, and the soil can be watered again. The only caveat: you need to make a hydrogel during transplantation / landing, that is, in advance.
• Plants growing in hydrogel soil can be watered with water mixed with fertilizer. The result will be the same: the hydrogel will absorb all the liquid (while becoming a little brown) and will “give out” it to flowers in small portions.
• It is not necessary to dwell on indoor floriculture - gardeners and gardeners add hydrogel to the soil in flower beds, beds, lawns, protecting their green pets during the dry months.
• This is not a one-time substance - flower growers use hydrogel for months, or even years.
• The granules are sterile. They initially do not contain bacteria, viruses and fungi. Also, pathogens cannot penetrate the hydrogel, so plants growing in it are much less likely to get sick.

Important! It does not suit some house colors. Experienced flower growers do not advise growing succulents, desert cacti, orchids and some representatives of the Aroid family in it.

But the same orchids feel good in aqua soil (read about it below).

Does it have flaws

On some sites they write that there are many minuses, on others - that there is not a single one. Who is right? All!

How so? It's simple: the hydrogel is really a convenient and hassle-free substance to use. But flower shops also sell aquatic soil, which is confused not only by buyers, but also by sellers who do not delve too deeply into the topic, with hydrogel. This is where a lot of problems arise. What? Read below!

Hydrogel composition

Everywhere they say that the hydrogel consists of soft polymers.

Here is what a popular manufacturer writes about the composition of the substance, whose products you can trust:

Unfortunately, I did not find the detailed composition of the product, although I reviewed many packages.

Many are concerned about the question: how to dispose of this substance? In fact, no way. When the expiration date ends, the hydrogel breaks down into carbon dioxide, ammonium, potassium salts and water.

If you simply no longer need the gel, throw it away with household waste. For obvious reasons, it cannot be poured into the sewer.

By the way! It is believed that when the substance decomposes, acrylamide is also formed - a dangerous substance that causes cancer (although you should not be afraid of it in panic - for example, it even forms in food when we fry or bake it at temperatures above 180 degrees, so our bodies are well familiar with this connection).

But still, personally, I throw away the old flower soil with hydrogel, away from sin.

Shelf life of the substance: from 2 to 5 years. For more accurate data, see the packaging of the product you purchased (the period may vary, as different manufacturers may have different hydrogel production formulas).

How to use it correctly: instructions

• Soak the gel in water. The exact dosage is always written on the package. On average, about 2 tablespoons of granules go to a 3-liter jar.
• When you see that the granules are swollen and no longer growing, carefully transfer them to a sieve or colander. So excess, not absorbed liquid will come off the substance.
• If after work there are still “wet” granules, put them in a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator. If the substance accidentally freezes, it’s not scary - after thawing it will again be working.
• In the garden, granules (dry) can be added when planting in the hole. After that, the planted plant should be generously watered.
• In the case of pots and open ground, it is worth remembering: the substance does not begin to benefit plants immediately, but only when the roots of vegetables and fruits sprout into crystals. This takes an average of 10 to 14 days.
• Do not add more granules to the soil than the manufacturer recommends.

Here is what one of the domestic manufacturers writes about their product:

seed germination

• Hydrogel granules come in different sizes. In general, their size (as well as shape) does not affect the operation of the substance. But still, if you want to germinate seeds, look for small granules on sale, and if your goal is to add a substance to the soil for “remote watering” of flowers, buy large ones (the older the plant, the larger the hydrogel can be).
• If you are sold large granules and you need to germinate seeds, saturate the hydrogel with water and punch it with a blender or rub it through a sieve (this is easy to do).
• When soaking the balls for germinating seeds, immediately use water with fertilizers, because the hydrogel in its pure form is an empty substance, that is, it does not carry any useful substances for flowers and vegetables.
• Spread the “Jelly” in trays with a layer of 3 cm. Scatter the seeds on top. It is not necessary to deepen them so that the seeds do not suffocate - no air enters the gel. Cover the top of the tray with a transparent lid or film. It sometimes needs to be lifted, passing clean air inside.
• If you germinated the seeds in a gel without fertilizer, then as soon as the leaves appear, dive the sprouts into the ground. Do not shake off the gel stuck to the roots, plant the sprouts with it.
• If you mix 1 part of the gel and 3-4 parts of nutrient soil, you will get soil in which both the seeds will germinate and the sprouts will get stronger right up to transferring them to open ground. On top of such soil, you need to lay a thin layer of wet, wiped hydrogel, spread the seeds on top, moisten them with a spray bottle and cover with the same film. When sprouts appear, the film can be removed.

You can see the work with hydrogel and hear the feedback from a grower with more than a decade of experience here:

Why it should not be confused with aqua soil

Modern stores can sell you two similar products:

• Hydrogel. It is soft, colorless (transparent after collecting clean water). This structure allows the substance to freely pass the roots of plants into itself. Therefore, seeds germinate so well in it, cuttings take root, and if you remove a pot from the ground saturated with hydrogel, you will see that it holds many granules with its roots.
• Aquaground. These are dense colored decorative balls, less often - pyramids or cubes. The roots do not go into it, so the substance should be used as a substitute for water in vases with cut flowers, less often - instead of soil for some plants (for example, orchids, that is, green "creatures" that can exist in a tank of water). Aquaground also absorbs water, but this takes a lot of time. But he does not accumulate fertilizer.

The problem is that some sellers offer aqua soil under the guise of a hydrogel. People try to germinate seeds in it, but nothing comes out. It is also impossible to grow a flower in it - it will be tantamount to growing a flowerpot in a glass of water.

Important! When pouring aqua soil into a vase, remember: it stagnates, so every 2-3 days pour it into a colander and rinse under the tap.

If the top balls in the vase dry out, they can be revived with a spray bottle. This substance is afraid of the sun - it burns out under the influence of light, so if you want the balls to be colorful and bright for a long time, keep the vase or pot with them in partial shade.

This video will tell you more about the difference between these “jelly” soils:

In summer, our flowers suffer from the withering heat. Especially goes to those that grow on balconies - in hanging boxes, planters, baskets. The earth in containers dries up in a matter of hours, the root system is damaged. An even more difficult situation is containerized flowers at dachas, where we visit once a week. And you won’t envy plants growing in open ground either ... If there is no rain, then watering once a week will not solve the problem. Plantings will turn yellow, wither and gradually die.

But there is a solution that allows you to reduce the irrigation regime by 4-6 times! And the name of this miracle of the agricultural industry - hydrogel. It is a colorless powder or crystals, which, when soaked in water, are saturated with it and turn into a kind of water reservoir. Being introduced into the soil, the swollen hydrogel becomes a source of moisture for plants. Even when the soil dries out, the hydrogel's reserve "reservoirs" remain full and the root system "pumps" as much fluid out of them as it needs. Well, isn't it a miracle?

According to the chemical formula, hydrogel refers to polymers (cross-linked copolymers) capable of holding large amounts of water and fertilizer solutions. The absorbency of the hydrogel is such that 1 g of dry matter can absorb 0.2-0.3 liters of water.

Dry hydrogel and saturated with water - an increase of 200-300 times!

In order for the hydrogel to start working, it must be introduced into the soil in the access zone of the plant's root system. Most often - in an already swollen, water-saturated state, less often - in a dry state (then abundant watering is required immediately after application).

After 2-3 weeks, the roots of the plant will grow through the hydrogel capsules and will be able to absorb moisture from there without waiting for the next watering. The soil between waterings can dry out completely, but this will no longer be a shock to the root system. The hydrogel will be a backup source of water, which will not allow the plant to wither and dry out during dry periods.

The roots of the plant grow into the hydrogel and begin to be fed from there with water.

Hydrogel granules can be fed not only with water, but also with fertilizer solutions. Then, in your absence, the flowers will not only not wither, but will continue to eat “properly”.

Due to the ability to adsorb moisture, the hydrogel has another property: it will not allow flowers to be flooded. All excess moisture, which usually drains through the drainage holes, is absorbed into the hydrogel, and then, as needed, is absorbed by the plant.

I would like to immediately note that in this article we are not talking about the Chinese hydrogel or, as it is also called, “aqua soil”. These are somewhat different materials, although they have a similar polymeric nature. The task of the agricultural hydrogel is to serve as a source of additional water for plants. The main purpose of aquaground is a decorative effect.

Scope of hydrogel

Agricultural hydrogel is suitable both for use in open ground (OG) and in protected ground - pots, containers, planters, etc. It is successfully used in indoor floriculture. In OG - it becomes a huge help when laying lawns and alpine hills, planting trees, shrubs, flower beds. A particularly visible effect of water conservation in hydrogel capsules is manifested when it is introduced into street and balcony containers. Often, watering 1-2 times a week in this case is sufficient to fully preserve the decorative effect of flower arrangements.

Swollen hydrogel is mixed with soil in planting containers

The hydrogel has also found its application in growing seedlings, especially on an industrial scale. In seedling containers, the drying of the soil occurs very quickly, and the hydrogel allows you to slow down the process of final moisture loss.

By mixing the hydrogel with soil in a seedling container, you can significantly accelerate the development of seedlings.

The option of germinating seeds in a hydrogel is also interesting. The swollen granules are an excellent moistened environment that stimulates the germination of seedlings.

Which plants are suitable for hydrogel?

Most flower growers agree that hydrogel is suitable for growing almost all plants, with the exception of frankly drought-resistant ones. For example, succulents (desert cacti) and epiphytes (orchids, some aroids, etc.), which may not tolerate the constant neighborhood of roots with wet pieces of gel. Everyone else will be grateful for this.

Application of hydrogel - mix the gel with the soil

The laying of the hydrogel is best done before planting, that is, during the preparation of the soil in pots, in beds, in the garden, in flower beds.

Application to pots, containers

Landing

The hydrogel is applied to the soil at the rate of 1 g of dry matter (about ¼ teaspoon) per 1 liter of soil. Or 1 part swollen gel to 5 parts soil (ratio 1:5). These norms are applicable for indoor and garden plants growing in containers, as well as for seedlings.

Advice:

And you can use the following proportions: 1 cup of swollen gel per 1 liter of soil.

Dry hydrogel is poured with water for an hour (you can increase the soaking time, nothing will go bad). The gel swells, after which the water can be drained.

The hydrogel absorbed water and became like irregularly shaped jelly pieces.

The swollen hydrogel is mixed with soil. The main thing is to evenly distribute the pieces of gel, otherwise some areas of the soil will be left without reserve water capsules.

Plants are planted in the prepared soil.

The hydrogel is evenly distributed in the pot, mixing with the soil

After 10-14 days, the roots will sprout into hydrogel capsules, after which the amount of watering is reduced by 2-6 times (depending on temperature and location).

Under planted plants

It is also possible to add the hydrogel to potted plants that have already been planted. To do this, punctures are made over the entire surface of the soil with a pencil or stick, and dry hydrogel is poured into the bottom of the holes. Perform watering. If part of the hydrogel then squeezes out to the surface, you can sprinkle it on top with soil by 1-2 cm.

Introduction of hydrogel into open ground

Landing

When preparing the soil for beds, flower beds, lawns, the hydrogel is applied in a dry form, followed by watering. At the same time, 25-100 g of dry matter per 1 sq. surface meter.

The soil is dug up, a dry hydrogel is added and mixed. For plants with a superficial root system, the hydrogel is applied to a depth of about 10 cm. If the root is buried, then the depth of the hydrogel application is increased to 20-25 cm. After that, the soil is watered abundantly. Since the hydrogel absorbs water and greatly increases in volume, the soil rises after watering.

It is also convenient to add the hydrogel to the planting hole at the rate of 1 part of the gel to 5 parts of the soil (1:5). To do this, dry hydrogel is pre-filled with water, waiting for it to swell. They dig a planting hole, spread the swollen gel on its bottom and mix it with the soil. You can mix in layers: gel layer, soil layer, etc. The roots of the seedling are set on top, they are covered with a mixture of soil and hydrogel.

Under planted plants

In this case, in the middle of the projection of the crown of a tree or bush, punctures are made 15-20 cm deep. For this, you can use forks, fittings, etc. Dry gel is poured to the bottom of the holes, sprinkled with soil. Plentifully watered. It is advisable to repeat watering after 40-50 minutes.

Another way: the swollen hydrogel can be mixed into the top layer of soil around the plant. Pre-soak the gel in water and mix it with the soil around the plant - to a depth that the overgrown root system will allow. It is advisable to do this with your hands, carefully so as not to break the roots.

Sowing seeds in hydrogel

Recall another option for the use of polymer capsules - the germination of seeds on a pure hydrogel. This method is not listed by hydrogel manufacturers, but is actively used by flower growers.

The hydrogel is pre-soaked, then the excess water is drained, and the remaining mass is ground through a sieve or, alternatively, crushed in a blender. The resulting homogeneous "jelly" is distributed over the bottom of a shallow wide container with a layer of 1-2 cm. The seeds are laid out on top, pressing them down a little with a toothpick or a match. After planting, the container with the gel is covered with a film. Waiting for shoots. When the seeds germinate and the first leaves appear, the sprouts, together with pieces of the hydrogel, dive into the soil.

Effects of the application and advantages of the hydrogel

Using hydrogel, you can solve many problems with indoor and garden plants. Here are the main positive effects of its use:

• Flowers in hydrogel do not suffer from drought. The intervals between waterings are increased by 2-6 times. Garden plants growing in containers on a balcony or outdoors can be left without watering for an average of a week. And indoor - for 2-3 weeks (depending on the time of year and the temperature in the room).
• The hydrogel is able to retain nutrients (fertilizers) without allowing them to leach out of the soil.
• The hydrogel absorbs excess water, freeing the pores of aeration. The roots of the plant breathe freely, and the water does not stagnate.
• The hydrogel improves the conditions for the existence of the plant, accelerating the growth rate, promoting flowering and fruiting.
• The hydrogel helps to increase the resistance of the plant to stress and infectious diseases.

Hydrogel for plants in questions and answers

And now - a few popular questions about the hydrogel, of course, with the answers to them.

How many years will the hydrogel applied to the soil last?

On average, the service life of the hydrogel in the soil is 3-5 years (depending on the microbiological activity of the soil). The hydrogel perfectly tolerates freezing and thawing, as well as complete drying. After that, it does not change its properties. At the end of the expiration date, the hydrogel simply decomposes into carbon dioxide, ammonium and water.

Can swollen hydrogel be stored?

To keep the finished hydrogel for 1-2 months, you can place it in any container, close the lid and put it in a dark place. You can leave the container open, then the hydrogel will dry. In the future, for use, it will have to be saturated with water again - and it will swell again.

How to determine the need for watering a plant in a pot that has hydrogel?

It is clear that nothing can be determined by drying the top layer. Even when the soil has dried out a few centimeters deep, there is still water left in the hydrogel capsules. The most reasonable approach is experimental, focused on the state of the plant. As soon as the leaves lose turgor, they begin to fade - that's it, it's time to water. The interval between watering and the beginning of wilting is the interval between watering. It is advisable to reduce it a little in order to prevent visual fading. There is an even simpler option: for example, you watered the plant every 3 days, then applied the hydrogel - that's it, you can stretch the interval between waterings at least 2 times.

Will the hydrogel increase the humidity around the plant if placed on the surface of the soil in a flower pot?

No, it will not. Hydrogel in the open air quickly loses moisture and dries. He will not be able to work as a long-playing "humidifier" of the air. Wet sphagnum moss will do much better with this task.

Where to buy hydrogel?

If you need a hydrogel, you can buy it in flower shops, garden malls, online stores. Moreover, its packaging can be very different - from 10 g to several kg.

Video instruction on the use of hydrogel

Hydrogel appeared on the garden market not so long ago, so many summer residents and flower growers are just discovering its features and benefits. This novelty can be used for stratification and germination of seeds, used as a moisture-retaining additive to the soil - both for garden and indoor plants.

Preparation of the hydrogel for use

The hydrogel is usually sold in the form of granules. They come in different sizes and colors; the size of the package is also different. Small granules are convenient to use for seed germination, larger ones are preferred for adding to the soil. The color of a substance does not affect its properties.

Before use, the gel is soaked in water. Absorbing moisture, it significantly increases in size: two tablespoons of granules are enough for a three-liter jar; from a 100-gram package, 8 to 10 liters of gel are obtained. Excess water can be drained by discarding the prepared composition in a colander.

Unused gel is stored for a long time in the refrigerator, in a closed container. And leaving it in an open dish at room temperature, after the moisture evaporates, you will see that it crystallizes again.

If the hydrogel is planned to be used for seed germination, it should be noted that in itself it is an inert substance, it does not contain the nutrients that plants need for development and growth. In this case, water-soluble fertilizers (for example, Kemira complex mixture) or growth stimulants (for example, HB101) can be added to the water for soaking.

Hydrogel for seeding

Hydrogel is used for germinating seeds in various ways - each gardener empirically determines the most suitable one for himself. In addition to individual preferences, the choice may also depend on the size of the seeds.

Can be sown in pure gel. If the soaked granules were large, it is better to wipe the swollen composition through a sieve or grind it with a blender (mixer) to form a homogeneous jelly-like mass. This composition is laid out in prepared bowls with a layer of about 3 cm, and seeds are laid out on its surface.

Sometimes large pieces of the swollen hydrogel are not crushed, but cut into thin layers, on top of which the seeds are laid out, slightly pressing them into the surface of the plate with the tip of a toothpick.

The seeds should not be buried in the gel, so as not to deprive them of air access, it is enough to press lightly so that contact with the gel mass is tighter. The container with crops is covered with plastic wrap - this helps to avoid drying out; at least once a day, the film must be removed to shake off the accumulated condensate and ventilate the crops. If the seeds require darkness for germination, use a black film or remove containers with crops in a closet (pantry). It is also convenient to use bowls with seeds laid out on a gel for stratification.

You can use the hydrogel mixed with the soil commonly used for seedlings. Optimal proportion: 3 - 4 parts of the soil mixture to 1 part of the gel. With this mixture, lightly tamping it, fill containers for sowing. The rubbed (crushed) gel mass is distributed on the surface with a thin layer, and seeds are sown in this layer of gel. Crops are sprayed with water and also covered with a film, which is removed when sprouts appear. On top of the gel, a little soil can be added to the sprouts so that the seedlings do not stretch. This method of germination is well suited for small seeds.

If the seeds germinate in a pure gel, then in the phase of cotyledon leaves they are usually transplanted into the ground. In order not to damage the roots, the sprout is transferred to the soil along with a piece of gel. It should be noted that this method of germination is not suitable for all seeds. First of all, it is recommended for those plants whose seeds require long-term stratification, are very small or require special conditions during the germination period. These are, for example, petunia, geyhera.

The use of hydrogel in landings

For growing moisture-loving plants - both at home and in the garden - you can add the gel to the soil mixture or planting holes. He will also help out those gardeners who cannot often visit their site and regularly water flowers - especially those planted in containers or hanging baskets. Due to the ability to retain and gradually release moisture, the hydrogel eliminates the need for constant soil moisture.

The gel can be mixed with the soil both in dry form (after watering it will absorb moisture and swell), and after soaking. In the garden, the first method is preferred; for potted plants, it is more convenient to add an already swollen gel to the soil - otherwise it can be difficult to calculate its amount. In this case, the proportions are selected individually - depending on the composition and other features of the soil, planting conditions, regularity of watering and other factors.

As with sowing, the characteristics of plants should be taken into account: not all respond equally well to its application. The use of gel is useful in dry, sandy soils, where it helps to retain not only moisture, but also fertilizers, preventing them from washing out. In container plantings, the gel is added to the planting holes or a gel layer is made: soil is poured over the drainage layer, the gel is laid on top and covered with earth again. It is more convenient to use a pre-soaked gel here, so that after watering it does not begin to bulge out of the container, increasing in volume.

Of course, the gel cannot completely relieve the grower from worries: if the soil dries up, the hydrogel introduced into it dries up and crystallizes. But it is possible to significantly reduce the frequency of watering in this way.

Marina Gerasimova

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