Using diapers for gardening - opinions and/or comments?

[charlygal]

Originally Posted by suzy_q2010

Folks, keep in mind there are two topics here:

1. Use the filler from a diaper as a water grabber for a plant. This would be from a clean, unused diaper.

The "filler" can be purchased in stores or online. No need to buy diapers. Google "water retention polymers."

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by charlygal

The "filler" can be purchased in stores or online. No need to buy diapers. Google "water retention polymers."

I know. See post # 5.

[hittheroadjack]

I was thinking: Vermiculite and Pearlite, aren't they about the same as Sodium Poyacrylate and Miracle-Gro water storing crystals?

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by hittheroadjack

I was thinking: Vermiculite and Pearlite, aren't they about the same as Sodium Poyacrylate and Miracle-Gro water storing crystals?

The water storing crystals hold a lot more water.

Cute video on vermiculite vs perlite. Watch part 2, also. Love the accent!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPjqo6Ad1Gw

[no kudzu]

When I was getting my horticulture and design degree at Oklahoma State university in 1978 I learned that both perlite and vermiculite were used to make soil lighter and to enhance drainage. Nothing was said about holding water but it is pretty obvious that indeed it does. We always made our own potting soil and we used both along with peat moss and some garden soil. I always keep both on hand- I guess more out of habit than anything else. Even when i buy prepared potting soil like miracle gro I add a hand full of vermiculite to make lighter soil. I haven't used either product for veggies in the soil but I think I will as I still have some veggies to plant.