I've done some searches on the web for polymer gel crystals - you
know, those crystals that you can either buy separately or by as a
"moisture control" or "smart soil" premix, that are supposed to absorb
100-1000 times their weight in water and make more water and nutrients
available to roots.

I can't find ANYTHING negative on the web about them. There are links
to tons of studies where they say that adding the crystals is good for
plants, some say it's so good it should be ground up, mixed with water
into a slurry, and your plant's roots should be dipped in the stuff!

And of course, the labels on the bags all tout how great the crystals
are.

However, I did find something interesting in the book, "Ortho's All
About Container Gardening," available at most Lowe's / Home Depot type
stores (or Amazon). On page 27, the following is written:

"Polymer Gel: Pros and Cons

Water-holding polymer gel has received much attention, but its use is
controversial. In isolation, polymer gel crystals can absorb a lot of
moisture, expanding up to 100 times their weight in distilled water.
In soil, however, ions decrease the water-holding capacity of polymer
gel by as much as 85%. Research shows that at the low rates
recommended on product labels and offered in some potting mixes,
polymer gel is ineffective in increasing the water available to roots.
Organic matter is less expensive, so it can be used in potting mix in
much greater quantities than polymer gel to hold far more available
water. To be effective, polymer gel must be mixed into potting soil at
such high volumes that its expense and excessive shrinkage preclude
its use."

In searching the web, I can't find anything to corroborate these
statements.

I'd be interested in hearing your opinions.

Pelvis Popcan wrote:

I've done some searches on the web for polymer gel crystals - you
know, those crystals that you can either buy separately or by as a
"moisture control" or "smart soil" premix, that are supposed to absorb
100-1000 times their weight in water and make more water and nutrients
available to roots.

I can't find ANYTHING negative on the web about them. There are links
to tons of studies where they say that adding the crystals is good for
plants, some say it's so good it should be ground up, mixed with water
into a slurry, and your plant's roots should be dipped in the stuff!

And of course, the labels on the bags all tout how great the crystals
are.

However, I did find something interesting in the book, "Ortho's All
About Container Gardening," available at most Lowe's / Home Depot type
stores (or Amazon). On page 27, the following is written:

"Polymer Gel: Pros and Cons

Water-holding polymer gel has received much attention, but its use is
controversial. In isolation, polymer gel crystals can absorb a lot of
moisture, expanding up to 100 times their weight in distilled water.
In soil, however, ions decrease the water-holding capacity of polymer
gel by as much as 85%. Research shows that at the low rates
recommended on product labels and offered in some potting mixes,
polymer gel is ineffective in increasing the water available to roots.
Organic matter is less expensive, so it can be used in potting mix in
much greater quantities than polymer gel to hold far more available
water. To be effective, polymer gel must be mixed into potting soil at
such high volumes that its expense and excessive shrinkage preclude
its use."

In searching the web, I can't find anything to corroborate these
statements.

I'd be interested in hearing your opinions.

Drip, wick, or (better yet), hydro.

"Dr. Rev. Chuck, M.D. P.A." wrote:

Drip, wick, or (better yet), hydro.

Apples and oranges, IMHO.

Drip, wick, hydro - these are alternatives to top watering. The pot
will need watered with both the crystals mixed in or without, the
crystals are said to both hold water and act as a wetting medium, so
that water is distributed throughout the soil more evenly. And so
water is "held" around the roots of the plants nearer the top of the
pot.

Of course, that's what they're *supposed* to do.

So, drip - wick - hydro with or without soil that has the crystals
mixed in?

"Pelvis Popcan" wrote in message
...

Water-holding polymer gel has received much attention, but its use is
controversial. In isolation, polymer gel crystals can absorb a lot of
moisture, expanding up to 100 times their weight in distilled water.
In soil, however, ions decrease the water-holding capacity of polymer
gel by as much as 85%. Research shows that at the low rates
recommended on product labels and offered in some potting mixes,
polymer gel is ineffective in increasing the water available to roots.
Organic matter is less expensive, so it can be used in potting mix in
much greater quantities than polymer gel to hold far more available
water. To be effective, polymer gel must be mixed into potting soil at
such high volumes that its expense and excessive shrinkage preclude
its use."

In searching the web, I can't find anything to corroborate these
statements.

As a chemist, I would tend to believe this. But, still holding up to 15X
their weight in water might be helpful.
I grow my tomatos in pots with mixtures of potting soil and top soil (cheap
stuff) and need to water like crazy.
Frank

On Sat, 23 Aug 2003 21:49:31 -0400, Pelvis Popcan
wrote:

I've done some searches on the web for polymer gel crystals - you
know, those crystals that you can either buy separately or by as a
"moisture control" or "smart soil" premix, that are supposed to absorb
100-1000 times their weight in water and make more water and nutrients
available to roots.

They sure are fun to watch. :-) I think the main (non-chemical
science) problems are that they don't make watering unnecessary, just
less frequent and they're kind of expensive for large-scale
application. I got some years ago, and now, reminded, might add to
selected new pottings to assess more carefully. But you still have to
remember to water things from time to time. It's a little like (in my
mind) fast-rise yeast. All my old recipes (and plant care experiences)
are with non-improved systems that I understand. However, I might just
re-pot a plant I keep neglecting to water regularly with added
cyrstals. That poor sucker can use any help it can get.

Most of what is sold is acrylic polymers

Check into an outfit called Donlar they are making polymers from
polyaspartate which might prove to be easier on the enviornment.

I use Soil Moist in my containers and it sure does cut down on the watering.
When it is very hot out, I can water every 2 days instead of twice a day. I
still water every day out of habit, but if I forget (and I do occasionally)
it isn't the end of my plants!


"Pelvis Popcan" wrote in message
...
I've done some searches on the web for polymer gel crystals - you
know, those crystals that you can either buy separately or by as a
"moisture control" or "smart soil" premix, that are supposed to absorb
100-1000 times their weight in water and make more water and nutrients
available to roots.

I can't find ANYTHING negative on the web about them. There are links
to tons of studies where they say that adding the crystals is good for
plants, some say it's so good it should be ground up, mixed with water
into a slurry, and your plant's roots should be dipped in the stuff!

And of course, the labels on the bags all tout how great the crystals
are.

However, I did find something interesting in the book, "Ortho's All
About Container Gardening," available at most Lowe's / Home Depot type
stores (or Amazon). On page 27, the following is written:

"Polymer Gel: Pros and Cons

Water-holding polymer gel has received much attention, but its use is
controversial. In isolation, polymer gel crystals can absorb a lot of
moisture, expanding up to 100 times their weight in distilled water.
In soil, however, ions decrease the water-holding capacity of polymer
gel by as much as 85%. Research shows that at the low rates
recommended on product labels and offered in some potting mixes,
polymer gel is ineffective in increasing the water available to roots.
Organic matter is less expensive, so it can be used in potting mix in
much greater quantities than polymer gel to hold far more available
water. To be effective, polymer gel must be mixed into potting soil at
such high volumes that its expense and excessive shrinkage preclude
its use."

In searching the web, I can't find anything to corroborate these
statements.

I'd be interested in hearing your opinions.

I bought the gel crystals about two years ago. I have plants in
containers outside on my balcony. Whenever it rained, the crystals
would get so big that they pushed the soil outside the pots!! Not
only was it messy, but I had to add more soil.

I am of the persuasion to just use oak leaf mulch or some other kind
of leaf mulch.

"Margie" wrote in message
om...
I bought the gel crystals about two years ago. I have plants in
containers outside on my balcony. Whenever it rained, the crystals
would get so big that they pushed the soil outside the pots!! Not
only was it messy, but I had to add more soil.

I am of the persuasion to just use oak leaf mulch or some other kind
of leaf mulch.

It works fine if you mix the recommended amount of crystals with the potting
soil and add water before putting the mixture into your containers. Be sure
you add enough water and allow the mixture time for complete hydration of
the crystals after adding water. That assures you won't have too much
material in your pots. I use crystals and like them.

John

A cheaper alternative is to use unsented basic clay kitty litter. If you do
want to try water crystals be aware that they come in various crystal sizes.
I prefer the finely ground crystals when I use them in pots.

--
Henry Kuska, retired

http://home.neo.rr.com/kuska/