Soil Moist 100064312 JCD-030SM 3-Pound Granules, White

I've used Soil Moist for about 5 years and only wish I'd found it sooner. For those people like me who can't always be around to water plants, have soil that doesn't hold moisture well, or just get lazy about keeping them watered, this is the stuff. From my experience, a one pound container should probably handle 30-50 normal average houseplants. A three pound container would be more appropriate if you are planting outside bushes, trees, or want to give your garden starters a better chance. Applying the product to existing indoor plants isn't hard. Use a pencil to poke holes in the soil around the perimeter of the primary root and even down through the center. Directions are included as to how much to put on different size plants, but also use common sense with the type of plant. Plants that don't do well with dryer soil or have more resistance to drought shouldn't have as much as more tropical plants that need constantly damp soil. Drop a pinch or so down each hold and then recover. Do not bother to top dress the plants unless you just want a bunch of shiney jelly-like stuff sitting on top of the soil. By poking the holes and dropping it down, you create a resevoir that expands each time you water the plant and the product absorbs the water. Then as it dries out, it reduces again and creates a bit of aeration as well. Aside from keeping the plant hydrated but not drowned, this process is a bit like turning the soil for better plant health. It takes several hours to fully absorb the water, so if I have to leave for a long trip, I use a two stage watering system. I give the plants a normal drink a few days before I leave so this stuff is fully hydrated. Then I water again so the soil itself is moist. As the soil dries out, Soil Moist remains hydrated and only releases the water as it is necessary. If you've done it right, you probably give your average plant an extra 7-10 of time before watering is necessary. I've used this outside on Azaleas before with good success. I added a teaspoon or so beneath each plant and it really helps in our drought time each summer. So far I have not lost any plants that I've used the product on. This year, I'm trying it on a few garden plants as well. Though it will get tilled back into the soil at fall and I'll have to add again next year, anything leftover can only add to overall garden moisture retention. I'll try to remember to update this again after harvest to give my impressions on how it works in this application.

After my rain barrel went out of commission I hated the idea of having to use tap water to water my plants. ,But I had heard about Soil Moist from another gardener. It looks a lot like sugar but expands when wet. I have a plant in a 1 gallon pot that I sprinkled a few granules on the surface of the soil knowing that rain was expected overnight. The rain was more like a downpour. When I checked the pot the next morning I couldn't believe how large the Soil Moist became. Each one was larger than a pea. Now imagine following the directions and mixing some in with the soil before planting or adding some to an existing pot before adding more surface soil. When watered it expands and as the soil dries the Soil Moist slowly releases the water it accumulated. What needed to be watered every other day or so, now lasts up to a week before needing to be watered again. A small pot (4") only takes 1/4 tsp. My 1 gallon pot takes 2 tsps. I wouldn't be without it and highly recommend it.

it does the job

As an avid gardener, this product has been a staple on my spring purchase list. I usually buy the 5 lb. bucket, but it's priced out of my budget now. So I had to make do with this smaller one, which has also increased astronomically in price, and a few other soil retention products that I'm trying for the first time. I admit that I did have some trepidation in buying Soil Moist this year, because many reviewers reported experiences with it that made me think that the product has changed. I still have some old product from a few years ago, so I intend to compare them. Yesterday, I did a bunch of containers for my deck, and I accidentally spilled a bunch of rainwater that was on a tarp into my potting mix. I did notice that the Soil Moist "granules" didn't swell up like they normally do. In fact, I did really see any evidence of the Soil Moist even being in there. I thought that was odd. Further investigation of this issue is needed before I draw any final conclusions. Now that I'm saying this, I'm wondering if maybe I forgot to put the Soil Moist in!!!! Oh no!!!!

I have been using this since it came out around 30 to 35 years ago. In our northwest dry summer time, this is a way to reduce water needs and save your garden plants. I highly recommend adding this to your planting holes along with fertilizer. When we last had a drought, I was able to keep with restriction days and still keep my garden/food plants producing. Just about 1/2 tsp to a hole kept the roots happy. In my opinion this is a must have for your plants.

Mixes easily in soil and supports better and consistent hydration for plants. Diminishes watering requirements. Very useful during warm weather and absences from home.

Learned about this product from my college professor while taking classes in landscape architecture. I live in a desert region and water is a problem especially in pots or living walls. The trick to this is that you don’t need a lot. I put about 1/2 cup to a very large size bag of potting soil. That’s enough for several good sized pots. ( I believe it’s 10 -1 gal pots, might be a bit more). In this area, you will need to water daily in summer or plants die if you don’t use it- i water 2x weekly with it and don’t lose plants. The beads will hold the water and slowly release it. Honestly, you’re losing money if you aren’t using it and keep plants in pots. Once it’s in the pot- it works as long as the soil will- if I repot a plant, that’s the only time I add, because I mix my own soil and this is part of my recipe. I recommend this product completely. You won’t be sorry. I used about one container for more than 50 large pots and a living wall. You don’t need much - it’s a great value

Great stuff for potted plants in or outdoors or for in the ground plants. Doesn't take much. Better value for your money than buying moisture control potting soil. If you tend to neglect your potted house plants or if you travel you need this.

Works well but pricey Soil Moist Soil Moist Granules JCD-030SM

Très satisfaite de votre produit! Merci

I've used this before and it is nice to have a larger container like this. It helps a lot for keeping soil moist more evenly.

You get a lot of these super absorbent pellets. And there is a lot of them. Be very sparing when using they swell up like crazy. A great value. Love the product in our garden. Keeps things hydrated in the hot summer months

Packaged well. Product works so well for my application. Used in hanging baskets and stand up veggie bed to maintain moisture when we are away. Keeps plants in hot temp moist for about 10 days. Also enjoyed cute note from supplier!