Hydretain for Water Retention

[amideutch]

Came across this interesting product and wondered if anybody has used it and what were the results. Can be used in containers or the open garden, organic and normally lasts 60-90 days between applications and cuts down watering by up to 50%. Sounds to good to be true. Here's the link. Ami

http://www.watersavers.com/yard-and-...tain_19_11.php

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by amideutch

Came across this interesting product and wondered if anybody has used it and what were the results. Can be used in containers or the open garden, organic and normally lasts 60-90 days between applications and cuts down watering by up to 50%. Sounds to good to be true. Here's the link. Ami

http://www.watersavers.com/yard-and-...tain_19_11.php

I will try to keep an open mind;
but I can't see how it can work better then simple plastic mulch to prevent loss of moisture.

dcarch

[mdvpc]

I ordered the gallon jug. Since we have so little rain, about 8-10 inches a year, I am going to try this on my lawn and shrubs, and maybe even the container garden. I cannot use plastic mulch, it gets way too hot here during the summer. I tried it and it fried my plants big-time.

Ami, thanks for the link. I had heard about this from someone, but didnt know it was for sale to home gardeners.

[amideutch]

dcarch, was looking at it more from the container aspect. Anything that can lessen the water intervals will also lessen the chances of stress on the plants. Plastic mulch can hasten the activity of certain diseases in the soil because it not only keeps in the moisture but also heats the soil at the same time. I guess it depends on the application and the desired results you are looking for. Ami

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by amideutch

----------- Plastic mulch can hasten the activity of certain diseases in the soil because it not only keeps in the moisture but also heats the soil at the same time. ---------Ami

If you use white or silver plastic mulch, it also keeps the soil cooler. there is also talk that reflective mulch keeps whiteflies away.

I actually use reflective aluminum sheets.
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthrea...hlight=roofing

dcarch

[dcarch]

Has anyone tried to use baby diapers in soil or containers?

Diapers have Superabsorbent polymers , and it can absorb up to 500 times the weight of water. Obviously diapers are non-toxic.

dcarch

[kelleyville]

Hmmm baby diapers do hold that much weight but they don't let it back out, that is the purpose, a dry baby Unless you are going to open the diaper and remove the top portion that goes next to baby's skin?

I did see a soil mat thing at Thompson and Morgan for containers.

If any of you try this prodcut from this thread I would love to know how it works.


Kelley

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by kelleyville

Hmmm baby diapers do hold that much weight but they don't let it back out, that is the purpose, a dry baby Unless you are going to open the diaper and remove the top portion that goes next to baby's skin?
I did see a soil mat thing at Thompson and Morgan for containers.
If any of you try this prodcut from this thread I would love to know how it works.
Kelley

Imagine your inlaws, or kids, or friends, or --- found out you are buying baby diapers!

dcarch

[kelleyville]

You know just the thought of baby diapers in veges would give most people the willies...they would immediately see n thier mind dirty baby diapers hehehe. I buy diapers all the time, to ship to my husbands daughter! No worries there! If only it worked

But on another note Dcarch are baby diapers non toxic ?

And what about that stuff mdvpc uses in grow bags or was that someone else, it was organic enough, made of corn starch or cornmeal or something....corny....whatever you do don't use these soil moist things and leave your potted plants in the rain ....cause they swell so much they push thier way right out of the root zone and shoot across the yard! LOL


Kelley

[mdvpc]

Kelley-The product is called Zeba-Cant use it for lawns or shrubs-this product you spray on, then wash it down into the root zone, from what I read. I think I will try it side by side with zeba and see how they do, with the same variety, same potting soil, etc.

[kelleyville]

Zeba! that's it! Hmm I was under the impression you could use it in the ground...cannot see using it on established plants in the ground though.....I look forward to hearing your comparison of Zeba and this other stuff!
Thanks!
Kelley