Hydrogel for plants: how to use, application of water retaining granules

The use of hydrogel for plants is considered a novelty in floriculture. This material helps to improve the development of crops and performs decorative functions. In fact, the substance is a rounded granule that is able to absorb a large amount of liquid. It evaporates over time or saturates the root system of plants. In order for the application of the hydrogel to give noticeable results, it is important to take into account a number of features.

What is a hydrogel and what is it for?

The chemical formula makes it possible to attribute this substance to polymers, which can retain a lot of moisture and useful solutions. Due to its high absorbency, 1 gram of dry powder can absorb 200-300 grams of water.

To start the work of the hydrogel, it must be introduced into the soil in the area of the roots of the culture. Usually it is used in a swollen state, but sometimes it is applied in a dry form. In the second case, you need to immediately water the hydro soil abundantly immediately after use.

After 2-3 weeks, the roots of the culture will grow through the hydrogel capsules and begin to absorb moisture from them. In this case, the plant does not have to wait for the next watering. The soil may dry out completely between waterings. However, this will not stress the roots. Essentially, hydrogel is used in place of water between waterings. Its excellent holding capacity prevents crops from drying out during periods of lack of moisture.

Granules can be saturated not only with water, but also with nutrient solutions. Through this use of fertilizers, plants can be gradually saturated with useful elements.

Because the hydrogel can absorb moisture, it helps to avoid flooding the flowers. Any excess water that flows out through the drainage holes is absorbed by the hydrogel. As needed, the roots absorb the liquid from the granules.

Types of hydrogel

Today there are 2 main types of hydrogel on sale, which differ in components, density and appearance. In addition, they have various applications.

Soft transparent polymer is used to moisten the roots. It is added to loosen the soil. The hydrogel has a jelly-like structure, because the roots get into the granules and easily absorb moisture and trace elements that are dissolved in them. Thanks to this material, it is possible to increase the intervals between watering crops.

During the absorption of moisture, the hydrogel is able to increase in volume by 10-15 times. Due to this, it retains a lot of moisture. So, 10 grams of granules absorb up to 2 liters of water. As needed, the substance gives the liquid to the plants. They do not rot from excessive moisture as excess water is absorbed by the resin.

Another type of material is considered to be aqua soil. This hydrogel has a denser composition and is available in the form of multi-colored granules. They differ in form. So, there are cubic and spherical elements.

Because the polymer has a denser structure, it absorbs moisture much worse. Such crystals are usually used as a temporary substrate or for decoration when planting houseplants.

Such a hydrogel can be used repeatedly - for this you need to dry it with high quality. Although the decorative characteristics of the polymer deteriorate after 1.5 years, the ability to absorb and retain moisture remains. Therefore, after the end of the period of operation - after about 5 years - the substance is mixed with the soil. Thus, it can perform its functions for several more years.

The polymer has no toxic properties and can maintain its characteristics in soil at different temperatures. In addition, the substance is made from environmentally friendly materials, and therefore it does not harm crops.

Pros and cons

Hydrogel is commonly used by gardeners, landscape designers and gardeners. This substance helps to achieve a number of beneficial effects:

protect the roots of seedlings during transplantation and transportation;
improve the adaptation of crops to new conditions, increase their resistance to moisture deficiency;
simplify the watering process;
ensure uniform moisture absorption by the plant;
increase soil buffer capacity;
improve drainage, aeration and soil structure;
reduce the ripening time of the crop.

At the same time, granular hydrogel has a number of disadvantages:

does not allow germinating seeds that have a hard leathery shell - they primarily include representatives of the legume family;
there is a risk of mold with prolonged exposure to sunlight;
It is permissible to grow a culture in a pure hydrogel for a maximum of 2 years, and then it needs to be replaced.

How to use it?

The use of this type of material has a number of features. They should definitely be considered for excellent results.

Sprouting seeds

To start, the soaked hydrogel granules need to be crushed until smooth, and then put into a transparent container. In this case, the thickness of the layer should be 3 centimeters. Seeds need to be slightly pressed into the gel and cover the container with a film. Every day it needs to be opened to get rid of the condensate.

When using a hydrogel, it is important to ensure that the granules do not fall on the floor or garden paths. Such a coating is very slippery, and therefore there is a high probability of injury.

For seedlings

The use of a substance for seedlings has many features. To begin with, it is recommended to mix the product with soil in a ratio of 1: 4. Then pour the composition into a container for seedlings. In this case, you should not add 0.5-1 centimeter to the top. Then you need to plant the seeds for seedlings and water them.

It is also permissible to plant seeds directly into the finished hydrogel. But in this case, at the stage of the appearance of cotyledon leaves, it is necessary to move the seedlings into the soil substrate. At the same time, the procedure must be carried out very carefully, without cleaning the roots from the granules.

When landing

Before planting flowers and other plants on the beds, you need to lower the roots of the seedlings into the hydrogel mass. This will help improve the adaptation of plants to new conditions. Also, the hydrogel can be applied to the soil when planting bushes or planting seeds in open soil or in a greenhouse.

As a fertilizer

The instructions say that the hydrogel itself is not used as a fertilizer. However, this substance is able to retain useful elements and prevent them from being washed out. Therefore, the use of such material can be combined with fertilizing.

Precautions for handling the substance

In order for the remedy not to cause harm, it is important to adhere to certain rules. Dry granules are strictly forbidden to be added to a container with growing flowers. If necessary, they must first be soaked. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the roots.

Besides, you can not keep containers with polymer in the open sun. This may cause mold.

Hydrogel substitutes

The following can be used to retain moisture:

coconut;
perlite;
vermiculite.

Hydrogel is considered a popular material that is often used for plant care. To achieve noticeable results, you need to follow the instructions clearly.