Re-hydrating peat based potting soil-any tips?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
sfk Richmond, VA(Zone 7a) Feb 09, 2005

Anybody have a good way to rejuvenate dry peatmoss based potting soil? I have some left in a bag that has dried out, and it seems to be waterproof now.

Post #1281365
Quote
MsCritterkeeper The Heart of Texas, TX(Zone 8b) Feb 10, 2005

Try adding a few drops of liquid dish soap(Dawn or Ivory) and then wetting it down, mix it in as you go and then letting it drain the excess water off . I add in a sprinkle of Mosquito repelant pellets to my mix, too. It keeps the gnats away.
I do this especially with my African Violets that dry out.
I also add a few water crystals to the mix when planting anything in it afterwards,the water crystals help to keep the same thing from happening with a plant .
You do have to remember not to over water plants with the water crystals though.

MsC

Post #1281760
Quote
sfk Richmond, VA(Zone 7a) Feb 10, 2005

Thanks! Sometimes I add soil that isn't dried out and mix the two, but I don't have any right now!

Susan K

Post #1282940
Quote
Kachinagirl Modesto, CA(Zone 8b) Feb 10, 2005

I usually do as Susan does, mix it with some other mix (usually a 'too wet' mix), that seems to work the best. I use a 5 gallon bucket with a lid, put the soils in and shake! K

Post #1283047
Quote
cmdgarden Burns, TN(Zone 6b) Feb 10, 2005

I learned a new trick recently to re-wet peat based soils - Add a scoop of moist perlite to your dry mix and it will moisten readily.

Also, African Violets respond real well to a self-watering system via a wick and container beneath with fertilizer water. There are number of self-watering containers on the market...

Post #1283061
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Indoor Gardening and Houseplants Threads

Go to all Indoor Gardening and Houseplants threads
BACK TO TOP