How do I know if I have hydrophobic potting mix?
If water pools on top of your pots or runs straight down the sides instead of soaking in, you may be dealing with hydrophobic potting mix.
Potting mix can become hydrophobic when it dries out and begins to repel water, making it difficult to re-wet. You might notice water sitting on the surface or draining away without properly wetting the mix. This can become particularly noticeable as the weather warms and pots dry out more quickly between waterings.
Want to learn more about why potting mix becomes water repellent? Gardening Australia explains what causes hydrophobic potting mix and how to manage it.
To help revive tired potting mix, try The Garden Family Pot Revival. Lightly work it into the existing mix to help improve water absorption and water-holding capacity. It also helps restore structure to older potting mix and replenishes nutrients with quick and controlled-release fertilisers to keep plants fed for up to nine months.
Water the pot thoroughly after applying, then check it regularly during warmer weather. Keeping the mix from completely drying out can help prevent hydrophobic potting mix from becoming a recurring problem.
