Q.I Planted Some Seeds Indoors Using Seed Starter Soil. Why Does The Water Repel? Is There A Trick To Watering So The Seeds Don’t
The starter soil seems like it repels the water. Is there a trick to watering starter seeds in this soil? Thank you!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
This happens with Peat based mixes, once it dries out fully. It is very difficult to wet, once it has dried. Adding a drop of dish soap to a gallon of water can help, as can coconut oil, or wetting agents.
Alternatively, using coco coir based seedling mixes instead of Peat will be a good work-around. It is, naturally, full of wetting agents, and holds water far better.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-dries-too-fast.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/using-coconut-coir-mulch.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/planting-in-coco-peat-media.htm
