If you have ever used disposable diapers then you already know that the gel inside the diaper is super-absorbent and can hold an incredible amount of liquid. How do those help your plants? Trust me, it’s probably not what you’re thinking.
Diapers are designed to absorb liquids and keep them away from baby’s tender skin and your furniture and car seat! With this garden hack, you can reduce the amount of times you have to water your garden by cutting open a diaper (after soaking it in about four cups of water) and removing the gel inside into a large bowl.
This leaves you with what is called hydrogel. You want to mix this hydrogel together with soil carefully and thoroughly until they are fully mixed. The end result is a highly absorbent soil that is perfect for all of your potted plants.
It is easy to add the diaper gel into plants that you already have too. Simply scoop the gel crystals into your plant and mix them into the soil. Work the crystals down to the roots of the plan with by making gaps in the soil with a spoon and a knife.
These crystals are also perfect for extending the life of flowers. Simply add:
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Teaspoon of bleach to some water to create flower food
Next, you can add the hydra gel crystals to the solution. Agitate the mixture with the stems of the flowers and the effect is that the vase looks as though it has ice inside. It’s slowly releasing water as the flowers need it, and feeding them at the same time.
Hydrogel is non-toxic, is completely biodegradable and safe for the environment which means you can use it in your garden. This garden hack will help to save you water and the hydrogel last for several planting seasons.
Check out this video and see How Can Diapers Help Your Plants Grow! (via Grant Thompson – “The King of Random”)
Warning: Individual results may vary depending on location and application. Use of video content is at own risk.
Learn more tips and tricks for everything to help you with the simple problems in life. To read about more Gardening check out our Garden category.