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Hydrophobic Container Soil
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Hydrophobic Container Soil
The intense, protracted extreme heat (zone 9b, Central California) this summer caused my hanging strawberry baskets to go hydrophobic. This has never happened before. I have watered from the top and the water just sits there and doesn’t soak down in. Then I also soaked them from the bottom by setting them in a tray of water overnight, which seemed to help a little for the very bottom portion, but they still are just barely hanging on and need something to change the situation. Can the soil (bagged container potting soil) be rejuvenated? If so, how? What I’m doing is apparently not working correctly. Or do I have to tear it all apart (which I’m concerned will kill the berry plants) and replace it and literally throw away the hydrophobic soil? Any suggestions? Thanks!
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4 Replies
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Put a few drops of dish soap in the water it will help break the waters cohesion and allow it to soak in easier. You can also inject water down into the root zone.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by BiggKidd.
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Thanks! I’ll give that a try. Is there a recommended number of drops per “x” ounces or gallons of water?
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This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by
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I usually put a few 3-5 drops in a gallonish size container and mix it in. It will depend on your water hard water takes more if I remeber correctly.
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Thanks
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