As the summer progresses and lots of us are getting really bored with watering - to say nothing of the environmental implications of using all that water. While it's tempting to add water retaining crystals to your soil, you might want to think twice before you do.
There is tons of advice out there that says that water retaining crystals are not only effective, that they are "green" too. However, there is research that says that polyacrylamide - what most crystals are made of - become carcinogenic as they break down. Not only that, some studies have shown that water crystals, are minimally effective.
Here's more info....Do Water Retaining Crystals Really Work?
I'm sticking with my hose and watering can.
Comments
I am glad to read your posts about container gardening.
They are very useful for me. I hope to get some news now from your site. Thanks.
Thanks, Alexandra! I’m happy you’ve found the site.
Hey Kerry, have you ever tried a product called Quench (http://www.zeba.com/products/products1.htm#quench)? It’s supposed to do the same thing as polymer crystals, but it is a plant based product that is much safer for humans and the environment.
Hey Fern – In the article in Fine Gardening, it said that even those water retaining crystals don’t make a whole lot of difference in water retention. For me, it sounds like the benefits don’t justify spending the money for them.
have you ever tried a sponge?