planting with water crystal and slow release fertiliser

Water crystals help your plants establish and ensure good root development by retaining moisture around the roots where it’s needed, and by holding moisture around the root ball for longer. It is also beneficial for use in potted plants, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Using slow release fertiliser in conjunction with water crystals helps provide the vital nutrients plants need while keeping you plants hydrated.  Always read the manufacturers product information in conjunction with instructions below.

250g of water crystal will plant around 350 tube sized plants.

preparing water crystals

The following instructions will create enough water crystal mix to plant around 50 tubes or 50 x 6” pots.  If you’re planting smaller or larger numbers, adjust the amount you initially make accordingly.  Water crystal mix can be stored for up to 4 weeks then re-used.

1. Fill a standard 9 litre bucket with water
2. Sprinkle approximately 4 dessert spoons (a handful) of the water crystal granules over the water and stir well.
3. Leave to sit for approximately 10mins to let the granules absorb the water. The consistency should eventually resemble ‘porridge’.  It needs to be firm enough to roll off your hand rather than runny and dribbling through your fingers.  Add a little more crystal if it is too runny or more water if very thick.
4. When firm, add around 2 heaped dessert spoons of native plant slow release fertiliser per 9 litre bucket.
5. Mix fertiliser thoroughly through water crystals. Around a dozen granules per handful of crystals is a good ratio.

for use with in ground plantings

• For tube stock add 2 tablespoons full (or small hand full) of prepared water crystal mix into the prepared hole
• For 140mm pots or larger add 4 – 6 tablespoons full (or large hand full)

Create a depression in the water crystal mix for the plant to sit in – you’re aiming for the root ball to be surrounded by the mix.  Push your plant firmly, ensuring it touches the bottom of the hole and back fill.

for use in pots

prepared wet mix

• The amount you use will depend on the size of your pot.  Add 1- 4 tablespoons of prepared water crystal mix to your potting medium and insert the plant in the hole as for in ground plantings, ensuring the root ball is surrounded by the water crystals

dry water crystals

• Place 1 heaped tablespoon into the potting medium and mix through.