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. Looks hydrogel more often as granules of small or larger size.
Instructions for use of hydrogel
Before starting to use the hydrogel, it is pre-soaked. At the same time, it increases very much in size. From a package containing 100 g, about 8-10 kg of hydrogel is obtained.
Unused gel can be stored for a long period of time. To do this, it is placed in a refrigerator in a closed container.
How to use hydrogel for seedlings?
If you are going to use a hydrogel for germination of seeds, the following recommendations should be adhered to:
- The gel does not contain nutrients. Therefore, if desired, you can add to the water, in which it is planned to soak it, fertilizers that can be dissolved.
- It is recommended to wipe the swollen gel through a sieve or to grind it with a blender until a uniform mass is formed. Another option would be to cut it in thin layers.
- The hydrogel is laid out in prepared containers with a layer of about 3 cm. Top seeds are laid on top of it. If the gel is cut by layers, the seeds are slightly pressed using a toothpick. Do not deepen them in the gel, as this will limit the access of fresh air to them.
- The container with seeds is closed with a film, which is briefly removed once a day for ventilation. In case the seeds need to be germinated in the dark, you can use a dark film or put a container in a dark room. When sprouts begin to appear, the film is removed.
- When cotyledons appear on the seedlings, they are transplanted into the soil. In order to exclude damage to roots, the sprout is removed together with a piece of hydrogel and with it also transplanted.
It is also possible to use a hydrogel in combination with a soil that is commonly used for seedling. This mixture is placed in a container, and a thin layer of ground gel mass is placed on top of it, into which the seeds are sown. To prevent the extension of the shoots, a small amount of soil is poured on top of them.
How to use hydrogel for plants?
Due to the ability to retain moisture well, the hydrogel is used to grow water-loving plants in the garden or at home. It is very convenient for those gardeners who do not have the opportunity to visit their sites 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 the hydrogel correctly?
When using hydrogel, the following rules should be observed:
- The container with the seeds planted in the hydrogel should never be placed on a cold sill;
- It is impossible to sow seeds of different plant species in one container;
- it is not recommended to reuse hydrogel;
- Small seeds are best sown in small portions;
- the hydrogel is best for growing tomato seeds , but is not suitable for cultures with leathery seed shells (for example, for fragrant peppers).
The use of hydrogel for growing plants will allow you to substantially simplify this process. Using a hydrogel, you can reduce the frequency of watering. In addition, the use of the gel prevents the washing of fertilizers , plants develop much faster.