A Tip To Help Potting Soil Absorb Water

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Every time I mention this, someone says, 'I didn't know that!' So, here I go again.

Do you ever pour water on dry potting soil and it just floats on top until the water overflows and brown soil bits run down all over the side of the pot and make a mess…but the soil still isn't wet?

To stop that from happening, just add a tiny drop of liquid soap to your watering can or a teensy squirt of soap on top of the dry soil in your pot before you point a hose at it. The soap breaks the surface tension of the water and that lets the moisture soak into the soil mixture rather than beading up on top of it.

Next time you have a bottle of dishwashing liquid with a little bit left in the bottom, fill it with water and put it where you pot up plants, so you'll always have some handy.

But remember: more is not better, you only need a drop or so! That little bit of soap can save you all kinds of frustration and mess.