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#1
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Strange Mutant Soil From Beyond
I just got some tuberous begonia bulbs and planted them with Scott's
potting soil, left about 3/4 inch of space from the top of the dirt to the rim of the pot, watered the little critters and left them outside per instructions. The next day the soil had swelled to about an inch above the pot! What the hell? The soil was used with other plants and it didn't swell then. What can I do to save my bulbs, dig them out and replant? They've only been in the soil for 3 days so I presume that would be okay. Also, are aliens involved? * * * Stacia * * http://world.std.com/~stacia/ "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Evelyn Beatrice Hall |
#2
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Strange Mutant Soil From Beyond
Are you sure the soil didn't have the crystals that expand when soaking up
water? Maybe they had settled in the bag and it didn't affect your first planting? "Stacia" wrote in message ... I just got some tuberous begonia bulbs and planted them with Scott's potting soil, left about 3/4 inch of space from the top of the dirt to the rim of the pot, watered the little critters and left them outside per instructions. The next day the soil had swelled to about an inch above the pot! What the hell? The soil was used with other plants and it didn't swell then. What can I do to save my bulbs, dig them out and replant? They've only been in the soil for 3 days so I presume that would be okay. Also, are aliens involved? * * * Stacia * * http://world.std.com/~stacia/ "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Evelyn Beatrice Hall |
#3
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Strange Mutant Soil From Beyond
Stacia wrote: I just got some tuberous begonia bulbs and planted them with Scott's potting soil, left about 3/4 inch of space from the top of the dirt to the rim of the pot, watered the little critters and left them outside per instructions. The next day the soil had swelled to about an inch above the pot! What the hell? The soil was used with other plants and it didn't swell then. What can I do to save my bulbs, dig them out and replant? They've only been in the soil for 3 days so I presume that would be okay. Also, are aliens involved? Removing the bulbs, then removing a sufficient amount of soil and replanting should be fine. No aliens, but I bet your potting soil had water retention crystals mixed in it. Once moistened, they will swell several times their size and could easily result in the soil displacement. Either that or the soil had dried out considerably since your previous use - because potting soil typically contains a fair amount of peat, which when it dries out is very difficult to remoisten, you could be experiencing a "floating" effect with the moistened soil rising above the original level. pam - gardengal |
#4
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Strange Mutant Soil From Beyond
"Surfs Up" writes:
Are you sure the soil didn't have the crystals that expand when soaking up water? Maybe they had settled in the bag and it didn't affect your first planting? That must have been the case. I threw the bag away already so I was really at a loss! I probably thought the crystals were the phosphorous advertised on the bag. I replanted the bulbs and put the extra dirt on the tomato plant, who I am fertilizing because he looks terrible. I'm thinking about talking to the little guy until he perks up. So far my only success are the gladiolas. But it's my first year of gardening so I guess I can't expect too much. (Ha ha right.) * * * Stacia * * http://world.std.com/~stacia/ "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Evelyn Beatrice Hall |
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