Water and soil question.

[2minspast420]

Hi There,

 

My soil is not very free-draining at all. after I water my plants it will remain

moist for many days afterwards, thanks to things like peastraw and composted horse-manure (and the soil

itself is only marginally clay like if at all).

The plants are going well but i'm wondering if i should introduce some sand/gypseum/course rocks

to help the soil drain faster.

 

Is it better to water more often with free draining soils or less often with not so good drainage?

Is it better to allow the roots to dry out now and again? (afraid of root rot, if that exists?).

 

thanks

[Ozzy420]

If it was me i wouldent worry about it.

 

If the soil dosent have very good drainage dont water as much and every now and then let it dry out and all should be ok.

 

One of the best potting mix is Searles Premium Potting Mix u get it at bunnings...

[mull]

Couple of products you could consider mate, something like saturaid or wettersoil.

 

Even old dishwater if you're outside.

 

[2minspast420]

Couple of products you could consider mate, something like saturaid or wettersoil.

 

Even old dishwater if you're outside.

 

wouldn't saturaid etc be used to retain water in sandy soils?

my problem is the opposite.

[2minspast420]

thanks ozzy420, i'll leave it go and see how things progress.

[danoz]

nah saturaid is for penetration.

Although i think there are also saturaid crystals and they are for holding.

 

To put it in perspective and without giving too much away about my ID

I have done some soil research in the past kinda my field and we grew horse raddish in heavy clay high salinty soil this = basically no penetration. Furthermore the holes in the pots were blocked by grow bags for experimental reasons.

We just calculated water holding capacity and watered the plants based on weight loss. plants never got water logged.

[2minspast420]

thanks danoz, never thought about the penetration

[danoz]

sorry im so shit at explaining myself.

 

All i was saying is that no matter how bad the water infiltration is as long as u dont over water u will be sweet

[67Special]

Hey 2past

 

I don't think there's much you can do if the plants are already in, but if you still think it needs better drainage, you could mix in some perlite before your next grow.

 

I just mix up worm castings, compost, perlite and a bit of coco for a general potting mix.

It's heaps lighter than using soils with sand, clay and gravel in them. So it makes moving my potted ladies around, much easier on my back

 

Happy gardening

[Medusa]

If it isn't broken why try and fix it. If the plants look good and healthy leave it alone. Photos help.

Wog