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Hydrophobic Potting Soil: Wet It with Soapy Water or Bag Method

Peat-heavy soils repel water when dry. Fix: swish Ivory soap in 5-gal water until slight suds, use to moisten soil. Or: bag soil with 1 gal water, seal, sunbathe 1 day.

About Gardening: The Ideal Potting Mix for Container Plants: Peat, Soil, and Ratios Explained; Custom Potting Soil Recipes for Different Plant Types; Reusing Potting Soil: Replace Every Other Year; Growing Houseplants in Water: Which Species Work; African Violet Potting Soil Without Perlite/Vermiculite: Styrofoam and Stone Alternatives; Peat-Based Potting Mix Repelling Water: Prevention Over Additives; Choosing the Right Potting Soil for Container Vegetables; Choosing and Preparing the Best Soils, Composts, and Fertilizers for Aquatic Plants; Know Your Soil Type: Sand, Clay, or Loam for Better Watering; Can Potting Soil Spontaneously Combust?

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