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Hydrogel appeared relatively recently and is a novelty for many gardeners. It is used for seed germination and stratification, it is added to the soil in order to retain moisture. The hydrogel looks most often as small or larger granules.

Instructions for using the hydrogel

Before you start using the hydrogel, it is pre-soaked. At the same time, it greatly increases in size. From a package containing 100 g, about 8-10 kg of hydrogel is obtained.

Unused gel can be stored for long period time. To do this, it is placed in the refrigerator in a closed container.

How to use hydrogel for seedlings?

If you are going to use hydrogel for seed germination, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. The gel contains no nutrients. Therefore, if desired, fertilizers that can be dissolved can be added to the water in which it is planned to soak it.
2. It is recommended to wipe the swollen gel through a sieve or grind with a blender until a homogeneous mass is formed. Another option would be to cut it into thin layers.
3. The hydrogel is laid out in prepared containers with a layer of about 3 cm. Seeds are laid out on top of it. If the gel is cut into layers, the seeds are slightly pressed with a toothpick. They should not be deeply buried in the gel, as this will limit access fresh air for them.
4. The seed container is covered with a film, which is briefly removed once a day for ventilation. If the seeds need to be germinated in the dark, you can use a dark film or put the container in a dark room. When sprouts begin to appear, the film is removed.
5. When cotyledon leaves appear on the seedlings, they are transplanted into the soil. In order to exclude damage to the roots, the sprout is removed along with a piece of hydrogel and transplanted with it.

You can also use the hydrogel in combination with the soil, which is usually used for seedlings. This mixture is placed in a container, and placed on top thin layer crushed gel mass, in which the seeds are sown. In order to prevent the sprouts from stretching, they pour not a large number of soil.

How to use plant hydrogel?

Due to the ability to retain moisture well, the hydrogel is used for growing moisture-loving plants in the garden or at home. This is very convenient for those gardeners who do not have the opportunity to visit their plots often.

The gel can be added to the ground in a dry or swollen form. The first option is more suitable for growing plants in the garden, and the second - for growing at home. The gel is ideal for light sandy soil.

How to use hydrogel correctly?

When using hydrogel, the following rules should be observed:

The use of hydrogel for growing plants will greatly simplify this process. Using hydrogel, you can reduce the frequency of watering. In addition, the use of the gel prevents leaching, the plants develop much faster.

Flower lovers have probably noticed beautiful bright balls in glasses or vases on the shelves of flower shops. In horticulture, this know-how appeared recently, but the tool immediately became popular with flower growers. Beautiful and bright balls are a hydrogel for plant care. What is this innovation, how to use it correctly and what should be considered when buying hydrogel for plants?

What is hydrogel used for?

Many flower lovers will be interested to know in more detail what hydrogel is, how to use it, so as not to harm their favorite plants. Recently, the tool is often advertised and it is in great demand. This is not surprising, because colorful granules look attractive, and they can be used for different purposes.

The hydrogel has the form of granules, less often a powder, in this form it is sold in bags. Beautiful colorful balls made from granulated polymer. The appearance of the balls is very attractive and many gardeners buy hydrogel as decorative means. A window sill with flowers looks not only green, but also elegant. But this approach is wrong, because bright balls have a different purpose.

Hydrogel for indoor plants, absorbs moisture well. By absorbing water, the granules increase tenfold. One gram of hydrogel is able to absorb up to 200 grams of liquid. accumulated moisture gel balls give to the roots of indoor plants.

Flower hydrogel was invented to provide plants with moisture in between occasional watering. The swollen granules are mixed with the soil in which the flowers grow. On average, plants have enough moisture for 2-3 weeks. Roots germinate into granules and absorb water. Much here depends on the root system of colors and its development. The granules continue to remain in the soil and after the next watering they are again saturated with moisture.

Due to this property of the hydrogel, the roots of plants will not rot from excess moisture. If you water indoor flowers with impure water, but with fertilizers, then the granules will be filled with this composition and bring double benefits to the plants. There are two types of hydrogel designed for flowers.

• Soft - it has practically no color, due to its softness, the roots of plants freely penetrate through it and feed on moisture. It is great for those who can not often water the flowers, as well as for germinating seeds and rooting cuttings.
• Dense (aquatic soil) - can have a different shape in the form of balls, cubes, pyramids. It is classified as a decorative type of polymer, used for seed germination. It is convenient to use instead of water in vases with bouquets of flowers.

Hydrogel: instructions for use

Hydrogel granules are different color and size, they come in this form for sale. Package may vary in weight. Usually small granules are used for seed germination, and larger granules are used to add to the soil. The color of a substance does not affect its properties.

Before applying the gel, it is soaked in water, after which it absorbs moisture and significantly increases in size. It is believed that only 2 tablespoons of granules are enough for a 3-liter volume. After the granules are filled with water, they can be discarded in a colander and the remaining water drained.

Unused granules are perfectly stored in the refrigerator in sealed packaging. If they are stored at room temperature, they decrease in size and crystallize.

In order to germinate seeds, hydrogel balls must also be saturated with water and preferably with fertilizers. In this state, he will be more useful. The granules themselves do not contain the nutrients needed by plants, so water-soluble fertilizers will help good growth and seed sprout development.

Very often, gardeners use a substance for seed germination with several convenient ways. A lot depends on the size of the seeds. The hydrogel was originally invented for use in agriculture, but as time has shown, it has become more in demand among flower growers.

Seeds can be sown in a gel in pure form with water. Having been saturated with moisture, they swell greatly after which they can be crushed to the desired state in a convenient way:

• rub through a sieve;
• grind with a blender.

The prepared mass is laid out in a container with a layer of 3 cm and seeds are laid on top. Very large granules can be cut in half and spread the seeds on top by slightly pressing with a toothpick. If the seeds are buried too deep, they will not have access to air. All seed material is covered with a film. It must be periodically removed to ventilate the seeds.

Very often, gardeners use hydrogel for growing seedlings, in the ratio 3-4 parts soil mixture and 1 part granules. The containers for growing seedlings are filled with the prepared mixture and a thin layer of pure crushed hydrogel is laid on top. AT upper layer gel, seeds are placed, after which they are sprayed with water and covered with a film.

It is possible to germinate seeds in pure gel, but in the phase of cotyledon leaves, seedlings must be transplanted into the ground. It is advisable to transplant together with a piece of gel so as not to damage the root.

Hydrogel for plants application

The tool is often used for growing indoor flowers and plants in the garden. It is usually added when planting in a hole or in a soil mixture. Due to its ability to retain moisture, hydrogel is very convenient to use for those who do not have the opportunity to water plants often.

The gel is very easy to use, it can be apply dry and wet. Dry matter after watering will immediately absorb excess moisture and then give it to the plants. Experts recommend using a swollen gel for potted plants, and adding it dry in the garden. The proportion will depend on many factors:

• soil conditions;
• planting conditions;
• irrigation frequency.

For a long time, the hydrogel will absorb moisture and then give it to the plants. After the expiration date it breaks down into ammonium, water and carbon dioxide , and there is nothing else in it.

Hydrogel and aqua soil - what's the difference?

Many unscrupulous manufacturers of this product at the peak of its popularity began to produce a completely different tool. It has nothing to do with hydrogel. A colorful alternative called "aqua soil" has an attractive appearance and is in great demand. The tool is available in different form, which performs only a decorative function. If it is used incorrectly as part of the soil mixture, it will only harm the root system of flowers.

High-profile advertising also often misrepresents information, for example, that aquatic soil can be used in its pure form for seed germination. Buyers confuse it with hydrogel and only harm their colors and seed material. For this reason, many negative feedback about the hydrogel. Many simply confuse it with aqua soil, use it incorrectly, so the end result is deplorable.

When buying aqua soil or hydrogel, you need to consider for which types of plants the products will be used. They are suitable for one plant, but there are species showing a negative reaction. It is best to use both products in a potting mix so that the flowers feel like they are in their natural environment. Hydrogel or aqua soil in its pure form does not have nutrients, therefore it cannot create right conditions for the active development and growth of flowers.

In summer, our flowers suffer from the withering heat. Especially goes to those that grow on balconies - in hanging boxes, planters, baskets. The earth in containers dries up in a matter of hours, root system is damaged. More in more difficult situation there are container flowers in the dachas, where we come once a week. Yes, and plants growing in open ground you won’t envy either ... If there is no rain, then watering once a week will not solve the problem. Plantings will turn yellow, wither and gradually die.

But there is a solution that allows you to reduce the irrigation regime by 4-6 times! And the name of this miracle of the agricultural industry is hydrogel. It is a colorless powder or crystals, which, when soaked in water, are saturated with it and turn into a kind of water reservoir. Being introduced into the soil, the swollen hydrogel becomes a source of moisture for plants. Even when the soil dries out, the hydrogel's reserve "reservoirs" remain full and the root system "pumps" as much fluid out of them as it needs. Well, isn't it a miracle?

What is plant hydrogel and how does it work?

By chemical formula hydrogel refers to polymers (crosslinked copolymers) capable of holding large amounts of water and fertilizer solutions. The absorbency of the hydrogel is such that 1 g of dry matter can absorb 0.2-0.3 liters of water.

Dry hydrogel and saturated with water - an increase of 200-300 times!

In order for the hydrogel to start working, it must be introduced into the soil in the access zone of the plant's root system. Most often - in an already swollen, water-saturated state, less often - in a dry state (then it is required abundant watering immediately after application).

After 2-3 weeks, the roots of the plant will grow through the hydrogel capsules and will be able to absorb moisture from there without waiting for the next watering. The soil between waterings can dry out completely, but this will no longer be a shock to the root system. The hydrogel will be a backup source of water, which will not allow the plant to wither and dry out during dry periods.

The roots of the plant grow into the hydrogel and begin to be fed from there with water.

Hydrogel granules can be fed not only with water, but also with fertilizer solutions. Then, in your absence, the flowers will not only not wither, but will continue to eat “properly”.

Due to the ability to adsorb moisture, the hydrogel has another property: it will not allow flowers to be flooded. All excess moisture, which usually drains through the drainage holes, is absorbed into the hydrogel, and then, as needed, is absorbed by the plant.

I would like to immediately note that in this article we are not talking about the Chinese hydrogel or, as it is also called, “aqua soil”. It's a few different materials, although having a similar polymeric nature. The task of the agricultural hydrogel is to serve as a source additional water for plants. The main purpose of aquaground is a decorative effect.

Scope of hydrogel

Agricultural hydrogel is suitable both for use in open ground (OG) and in protected ground - pots, containers, planters, etc. Has been successfully applied in indoor floriculture. In the exhaust gas - it becomes a huge help when laying lawns and alpine slides, planting trees, shrubs, flower beds. A particularly visible effect of water conservation in hydrogel capsules is manifested when it is introduced into street and balcony containers. Often, watering 1-2 times a week in this case is sufficient to fully preserve the decorative effect of flower arrangements.

The swollen hydrogel is mixed with soil in planting containers.

The hydrogel has also found its application in growing seedlings, especially in industrial scale. In seedling containers, the drying of the soil occurs very quickly, and the hydrogel allows you to slow down the process of final moisture loss.

By mixing the hydrogel with soil in a seedling container, you can significantly accelerate the development of seedlings.

The option of germinating seeds in a hydrogel is also interesting. The swollen granules are an excellent moistened environment that stimulates the germination of seedlings.

Germination of seeds on hydrogel.

Which plants are suitable for hydrogel?

Most flower growers agree that hydrogel is suitable for growing almost all plants, with the exception of frankly drought-resistant ones. For example, succulents (desert cacti) and epiphytes (orchids, some aroids, etc.), which may not tolerate the constant neighborhood of roots with wet pieces of gel. Everyone else will be grateful for this.

Application of hydrogel - mix the gel with the soil

The laying of the hydrogel is best done before planting, that is, during the preparation of the soil in pots, in beds, in the garden, in flower beds.

Application to pots, containers

Landing

The hydrogel is applied to the soil at the rate of 1 g of dry matter (about ¼ teaspoon) per 1 liter of soil. Or 1 part swollen gel to 5 parts soil (ratio 1:5). These norms are applicable for indoor and garden plants growing in containers, as well as for seedlings.

Advice: And you can use the following proportions: 1 cup of swollen gel per 1 liter of soil.

Dry hydrogel is poured with water for an hour (you can increase the soaking time, nothing will go bad). The gel swells, after which the water can be drained.

The hydrogel absorbed water and became like irregularly shaped jelly pieces.

The swollen hydrogel is mixed with soil. The main thing is to evenly distribute the pieces of gel, otherwise some areas of the soil will be left without reserve water capsules.

Plants are planted in the prepared soil.

The hydrogel is evenly distributed in the pot, mixing with the soil.

After 10-14 days, the roots will sprout into hydrogel capsules, after which the amount of watering is reduced by 2-6 times (depending on temperature and location).

Under planted plants

It is also possible to add the hydrogel to potted plants that have already been planted. To do this, punctures are made over the entire surface of the soil with a pencil or stick, and dry hydrogel is poured into the bottom of the holes. Perform watering. If part of the hydrogel then squeezes out to the surface, you can sprinkle it on top with soil by 1-2 cm.

Introduction of hydrogel into open ground

Landing

When preparing the soil for beds, flower beds, lawns, the hydrogel is applied in a dry form, followed by watering. At the same time, 25-100 g of dry matter per 1 sq. surface meter.

The soil is dug up, a dry hydrogel is added and mixed. For plants with a superficial root system, the hydrogel is applied to a depth of about 10 cm. If the root is buried, then the depth of the hydrogel application is increased to 20-25 cm. After that, the soil is watered abundantly. Since the hydrogel absorbs water and greatly increases in volume, the soil rises after watering.

It is also convenient to add the hydrogel to the planting hole at the rate of 1 part of the gel to 5 parts of the soil (1:5). To do this, dry hydrogel is pre-filled with water, waiting for it to swell. They dig a planting hole, spread the swollen gel on its bottom and mix it with the soil. You can mix in layers: gel layer, soil layer, etc. The roots of the seedling are set on top, they are covered with a mixture of soil and hydrogel.

Under planted plants

In this case, in the middle of the projection of the crown of a tree or bush, punctures are made 15-20 cm deep. For this, you can use forks, fittings, etc. Dry gel is poured to the bottom of the holes, sprinkled with soil. Plentifully watered. It is advisable to repeat watering after 40-50 minutes.

Another way: the swollen hydrogel can be mixed into the top layer of soil around the plant. Pre-soak the gel in water and mix it with the soil around the plant - to a depth that the overgrown root system will allow. It is advisable to do this with your hands, carefully so as not to break the roots.

Sowing seeds in hydrogel

Let's recall another option for using polymer capsules - seed germination on a pure hydrogel. This method is not listed by hydrogel manufacturers, but is actively used by flower growers.

Pre-soak the hydrogel, then drain excess water, and the remaining mass is ground through a sieve or, alternatively, crushed in a blender. The resulting homogeneous "jelly" is distributed over the bottom of a shallow wide container with a layer of 1-2 cm. The seeds are laid out on top, pressing them down a little with a toothpick or a match. After planting, the container with the gel is covered with a film. Waiting for shoots. When the seeds germinate and the first leaves appear, the sprouts, together with pieces of the hydrogel, dive into the soil.

Germination of seeds on pure hydrogel.

Effects of the application and advantages of the hydrogel

Using hydrogel, you can solve many problems with indoor and garden plants. Here are the main positive effects of its use:

Flowers in hydrogel do not suffer from drought. The intervals between waterings are increased by 2-6 times. garden plants growing in containers on a balcony or outside, can be left without watering, on average, for a week. And indoor - for 2-3 weeks (depending on the time of year and the temperature in the room).

The hydrogel is able to hold nutrients(fertilizer), preventing them from being washed out of the soil.

The hydrogel absorbs excess water, freeing the pores of aeration. The roots of the plant breathe freely, and the water does not stagnate.

The hydrogel improves the conditions for the existence of the plant, accelerating the growth rate, promoting flowering and fruiting.

The hydrogel helps to increase the resistance of the plant to stress and infectious diseases.

Hydrogel for plants in questions and answers

And now - a few popular questions about the hydrogel, of course, with answers to them.

How many years will the hydrogel applied to the soil last?

On average, the service life of the hydrogel in the soil is 3-5 years (depending on the microbiological activity of the soil). The hydrogel perfectly tolerates freezing and thawing, as well as complete drying. After that, it does not change its properties. At the end of the expiration date, the hydrogel simply decomposes into carbon dioxide, ammonium and water.

Can swollen hydrogel be stored?

To keep the finished hydrogel for 1-2 months, you can place it in any container, close the lid and put it in a dark place. You can leave the container open, then the hydrogel will dry. In the future, for use, it will have to be saturated with water again - and it will swell again.

How to determine the need for watering a plant in a pot that has hydrogel?

It is clear that nothing can be determined by drying the top layer. Even when the soil has dried out a few centimeters deep, there is still water left in the hydrogel capsules. The most reasonable approach is experimental, focused on the state of the plant. As soon as the leaves lose turgor, they begin to fade - that's it, it's time to water. The interval between watering and the beginning of wilting is the interval between watering. It is advisable to reduce it a little in order to prevent visual fading. There is an even simpler option: for example, you watered the plant every 3 days, then applied the hydrogel - that's it, you can stretch the interval between waterings at least 2 times.

Will the hydrogel increase the humidity around the plant if placed on the surface of the soil in a flower pot?

No, it will not. Hydrogel in the open air quickly loses moisture and dries. He will not be able to work as a long-playing "humidifier" of the air. Wet moss will do this task much better. sphagnum.

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Where to buy hydrogel?

If you need a hydrogel, you can buy it in flower shops, garden shopping malls, online stores. Moreover, its packaging can be very different - from 10 g to several kg.

Hydrogel for indoor plants are granules of a special polymer that can absorb a large amount of water (or water with dissolved fertilizers), hold it for a long time and gradually release it to plants.

Hydrogel for flowers can be different: there is a soft polymer for applying to the ground and a denser decorative polymer for creating compositions (it is often sold under the name aqua soil).

These two modifications must be clearly distinguished - they serve different purposes.

The hydrogel is soft, usually colorless, it is added to pots with houseplants to increase the time between waterings, used to germinate seeds, root cuttings. Plant roots easily penetrate the material and receive moisture from it for a long time. With the next watering, the hydrogel absorbs a large amount of water, which protects the soil from acidification during overflow.

A hydrogel of a denser consistency (aquatic soil) is usually made in China, always colored and has the shape of balls, cubes, pyramids.

Such a multi-colored decorative hydrogel looks beautiful, has a pleasant sheen. It is placed in transparent vessels, alternating layers of different colors. Plant cuttings in it perfectly take root, with the addition of fertilizers they can live and develop for a long time in such an environment.

In addition to being used as a substrate for indoor plants, it is used as a decorative air freshener by adding aromatic substances to the water.

AT transparent vase with hydrogel balls, you can put cut flowers. In addition to the purely aesthetic effect, this is very practical if you have small children or a cat who loves to drink water from a vase at night and knock it over along the way.

The material is sterile, bacteria do not multiply in it and midges do not start. After use, it can be dried and stored until the next time in a box in the form of granules.

Manufacturers claim that hydrogel for plants is a completely environmentally friendly product. Its service life is 1.5 - 2 years, after which it gradually decomposes, losing its decorative look, but not the ability to absorb water. You can simply bury it in a garden bed or flower bed, where the polymer will still serve for some time, moistening the plants during the dry season.

Hydrogel of any kind is a good helper in solving many problems.

When leaving home for a few days, you don’t have to worry about indoor plants - water well before leaving, and then the hydrogel will take care of it. First absorb all excess moisture and then gradually will moisten the plants.

Are flower pots on top of a closet, suspended above a ladder, and difficult to get to for watering? Using hydrogel, watering plants can be much less frequent.

For those who like to fill in home flowers, hydrogel is a protection against root rot. The hydrogel granules in the potting soil absorb water and the excess just drains out of the pot through the drainage holes. If the pellets are not fully swollen, they will draw water from the pan. The hydrogel is better to use soft, it absorbs moisture faster. The gaps between the granules provide air access to the roots. The hydrogel substrate is always loose.

How to apply hydrogel for plants?

Use of dense hydrogel (balls)

1. Prepare a container for the swelling of the hydrogel and a vase to place it. It is better to use a separate container for each color.
2. Place the contents of the package in a swelling container and fill with water, as written on the package. If there is not enough water, you can then add. If there is too much, drain. The granules will not absorb more than they should. After 8-12 hours, Chinese balls are ready for use.
3. Place the balls in a clear vase and plant the plant. It is advisable to rinse the roots of the plant well from the ground or use a cutting for planting.
4. Periodically add a little water to the vase or pull out the top balls and soak them for 1-2 hours. Do not completely fill the hydrogel in a vase with water, as this prevents air from entering between the granules and can kill plants that cannot grow in water.

Using soft hydrogel to grow plants

1. Wet the hydrogel for about 1-2 hours. The soft polymer absorbs enough water within an hour (you can immediately add a little liquid flower fertilizer to the water).
2. Mix with the prepared soil substrate and plant the plant.
3. When using pellets in a flower bed or garden bed, you can simply mix the dry pellets into the soil and water very well before planting. Please note that the soil may rise after watering - the granules increase very much in size.

Never put a dry hydrogel into a pot with a plant - when it swells after watering, the hydrogel expands greatly and can damage the roots or even squeeze the plant out of the pot.

In a soft hydrogel, cuttings of indoor plants take root well. It is often used to germinate seeds. Due to the sterility of the material, the seedlings do not suffer from diseases.