Your curious questions answered
If you’ve been watering your plants this summer only to discover puddles collecting on the top of the soil an don’t draining, you might have a sticky problem on your hands
When soil dries out completely, it can become hydrophobic, meaning water runs off instead of soaking in. The quickest fix is to rehydrate slowly and deeply. Apply water in stages—light passes at first—allowing it to soak before repeating. A wetting agent, such as Searles Penetraide, can help break surface tension and get moisture back into the root zone.
Once moisture is restored, focus on structure. Work in generous amounts of organic matter like Tassie Naturals All-in-One Soil Conditioner, well-rotted manure, or leaf mould. This improves the soil’s ability to hold water while also supporting microbial life, which is key to long-term resilience.
Finish with a thick layer of mulch. About 5 to 8cm is ideal. This protects the surface from sun and wind, reduces evaporation, and keeps soil temperatures more stable.
The goal isn’t just to fix dry soil for now, but to create soil that stays evenly moist with far less effort.
