I Used Miracle Grow Potting Mix To Plant My Flowers. When I Water Them The Water Goes Straight Through It. What Can I Add To It To

Question

Why does the water run straight through the soil without wetting it

Answer 1

There are probably other causes in addition to it is normal with liquid fertilizers but I once had a plant whose rootball was dry enough that the rootball became hydrophobic and repelled water instead of absorbing it. The potting mix also separated from the wall of the container which made liquids exit faster than normal too. I had to dunk the shrub into a pail full of water in the shade until the rootball absorbed water again and felt moist to the touch (several hours in my case but it varies based on the type of plant). Add more potting mix if it is separating from the wall of the pot. An alternative for large pots that cannot be dunked in water: carefully extract the plant or connect a hose and make it drip extremely slowly for several hours.

Answer 2

The potting soil and flowers are new. I used it to plant in a planter. It feels like the soil is not tight enough. It is "fluffy". It doesn't pack down when it's watered. The water runs through without wetting the soil