I heard about some new product that comes in crystal form. You put a tablespoon of the stuff in your container and add water and it forms into a gel. I heard it is suppose to completely replace the soil. Has anyone heard of this or know what they are? thanks!
I have seen it on QVC. They used it to put in vases instead of soil or water. You add water to the crystals and wait a few hours . It even came in different colors. On the show they used it for cut flowers. Also I have seen at the nursery the crystals you add to your soil so you don't have to water as often. Some of the potting mixes have them in already. I had some Pro/Mix and after it rained hard I looked at my large containers and it looked like ice on top...it was the water crystals. For some reason they came to the top...maybe too much rain at one time, I am not sure.
I have seen various products of this type. I've never used any of them, but I know people who swear by the stuff. I think if you have a lot of containers, or if you don't always have the time to water, they may be a good thing. I think you would need to read and follow the directions carefully.
I've used them in my hanging baskets and they do a good job of cutting down on the water the plants require. However, I don't think I'd replace all the soil with them.
