The recommendations on when to water that I've found have been to wait for the top 1"-2" of soil to be dry before watering. I'm using fox farm happy frog soil which Is peat moss based and when peat moss dries it becomes hydrophobic. I've had containers dry out, become hydrophobic and it's a pain to rehydrate the soil. Is this an issue with anyone else?
by xxxston3wallxxx
3 Comments
I have had this issue and I find a couple of things help
Mulch the top with grass cuttings, straw, dead leaves or something to help slow the evaporation – nutrients are available to the plant for longer and the top dries out slower, it also seems to be less hydrophobic when you water because it doesn’t build up a “crust” as easily
I also disturb the top layers of soil with my fingers before watering plants if they have become crusted
You could also mulch with a mix of 50% perlite and 50% compost – that way even if the top layers fully dry out they are permeable and let the water down
I have always let my peppers dry out almost completely before watering. I never let them wilt. I have had excellent results doing this. I have always used miracle grow potting mix which by nature does not hold water like heavier mixes.
Can’t you just splash the peat with a little bit of water, let it bloom for like 5 minutes, then come back and water regularly?