Growing Mediums

Horticultural Vermiculite has the excellent property of improving soil aeration while retaining the moisture and nutrients necessary to feed roots, cuttings, and seeds for faster growth. Vermiculite is permanent, clean, odourless, nontoxic and sterile. It will not deteriorate, turn mouldy or rot.The pH of vermiculite is essentially neutral (7.0-9.5) but owing to the presence of associated carbonate compounds, reactions are normally in the alkaline direction. Vermiculite possesses cation exchange properties, thus it can hold and make available to the growing plant ammonium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. When mixed with peat, composted bark, organic compost, or natural soils, vermiculite like perlite helps promote faster root growth, and gives quick anchorage to young roots. These mixes help retain air, plant food, and moisture, and releases them as needed by the plant. Because vermiculite is very light and easy to handle, it easily mixes with soil, peat, composted pine bark and other composted organic materials and fertilizers.

Please note that this product is only available for delivery to customers within South Africa.

This product is the Medium Grade - (3mm -5mm) Vermiculite

We also stock Large Grade Vermiculite (5mm-20mm) which can be seen at this link.

Perlite is a unique volcanic mineral which expands from four to twenty times its original volume when it is quickly heated to a temperature of approximately 1600-1700 degrees F. This expansion is due to the presence of two to six percent combined water in the crude perlite rock which causes the perlite to pop in a manner similar to that of popcorn. When expanded, each granular, snow-white particle of perlite is sterile with a neutral pH and contains many tiny, closed cells or bubbles. The surface of each particle is covered with tiny cavities which provide an extremely large surface area. These surfaces hold moisture and nutrients and make them available to plant roots. In addition, because of the physical shape of each particle, air passages are formed which provide optimum aeration and drainage. Because perlite is sterile, it is free of disease, seeds, and insects. Perlite has been used for many years throughout the world for soil conditioning and as a component of growing mixes with materials such as peat moss or bark. Extensive studies have shown that the unique capillary action of perlite makes it a superior growing media for hydroponic cultures. Among the many uses of perlite today are propagation and seed cultivation, plug production and transplants, interiorscape and planter growing, composting, hydroponic cultures, turf and lawns, and around shrubs, trees, and landscaping.

Please note that this product is only available for delivery to customers within South Africa.

Sphagnum peat moss (SPM) is partially decomposed sphagnum moss. It’s large cell structure enables it to absorb air and water like a sponge. Although peat moss does not contain nutrients, it adsorbs nutrients added to or present in the soil releasing them over time as the plants require. This saves valuable nutrients which are otherwise lost through leaching. Sphagnum Peat Moss is derived from the slow decomposition of sphagnum moss which accumulates in bogs (or peatlands). Harvesters clear bogs of vegetation and then dig shallow ditches to lower the water table so that the peat will dry and that the equipment necessary to harvest the peat can operate on the field. Once a bog is ditched, harvesting begins. Harrows loosen the top peat moss which then dries in the sun for two to three hours before being vacuumed into large harvesters. It is transported from the field to the plant where it is screened, graded and baled for storage or shipping.

Please note that this product is only available for delivery to customers within South Africa.

Coco Peat is also known as coir, coco fiber or coir peat. It comes from the mesocarp of the coconut and is intended for hydroponics and/or substrate.  It is a consistent media for long term growing. Coco Peat Bricks have excellent water retention ability and can be used multiple times. 

Uses

Coco peat finest particles can be used in their pure form or blended with other substrates for hydroponic purposes: Vegetables Landscaping: coco peat is 100% natural, totally organic and a removable source, eco-friendly.

Advantages

• Coco peat has a high water holding capacity (eight times its weight) combined with high
• porosity (95%) allows an excellent root aeration oxygenation, producing more functional
• roots therefore improving plant nutrition and healthier plants.
• Excellent re-wetting.
• Light weight, easy handling.
• Homogenous and stable structure; long lasting, superior to peat.
• Totally organic, 100% natural, renewable source.
• pH slightly acid: 5,5-6,5, suitable for most plants species.
• Lightweight material ideal for reducing transport costs.

Coco peat generally has an acidity in the range of pH – 5.5 to 6.5. It is a little on the acidic side for some plants, but many popular plants can tolerate this pH range. Coco peat can be re-used up to three times with little loss of yield. Coco peat from diseased plants should not be re-used.

Cocopeat, pressed into Coco peat bricks, has a negatively charged complex, surrounded by a couple of positively charged ions: sodium and potassium. Because these elements stick to the complex, like iron to a magnet, there is no danger to the plant root initially. The problem starts when fertilizing with calcium. The calcium will push the potassium and sodium aside and take their position. Consequently, the calcium that is connected to the complex won’t be available to the plant, while sodium and potassium that are released into the water will be available.

To avoid this problem, the Cocopeat needs to be  buffered with Calcium Magnesium Nitrate (Cal Mag) and then flush/rinse before using.

A 650g compressed brick expands to 6.5l litres of growing media when 3.25 litres of water is added to it.

Please note that due to the manufacturing process of the bricks that each brick weighs between 550g and 700g.

This sale is for 1 x brick weighing between 550 grams and 700 grams.

Fertilis Worm Castings - Natural Organic Fertiliser

A purely bio-natural group 2 fertiliser produced by earthworms
Cerified organic
EASY TO USE, ODOURLESS, WEEDFREE, ALL-PURPOSE FERTILISER FOR USE IN ALL GARDENS AND FARMS.
Slow release – guaranteed not to burn – apply neat, without diluting – very economical

Uses:

1. Can be applied to all soils
2. Fertiliser and top dressing for lawns, indoor and outdoor plants
3. For planting out seedlings, bulbs, etc
4. For making top quality potting soil and germination mix
5. Seasonal fertilising of shrubs, roses and trees

Benefits of using Fertilis

1. Contains no harmful ingredients to man or the environment
2. Helps to restore natural balance and structure to soils
3. It is naturally Ph balanced
4. Combats pollution and helps lock CO2 into soil
5. Results in healthier, better developed plants with higher yields
6. Slow release – apply only once every season
7. Reduces costs to gardener / farmer by almost 20% overall
8. Produces healthier, tastier edibles with longer shelf life
9. Facilitates re-activation of dormant earthworms in any soil
10. Improves water retention and aeration of soil
11. Eliminates need for toxic pesticides

Clear set of directions for use included on every bag of Fertilis.

Available in 5dm( 5 liter), 15dm(15 liter) and 30dm (30 liter) bags.

Please note that this product is only available for delivery to customers within South Africa.

Lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) or expanded clay (exclay) is a light weight aggregate made by heating clay to around 1,200 °C (2,190 °F) in a rotary kiln. The yielding gases expand the clay by thousands of small bubbles forming during heating producing a honeycomb structure. LECA has an approximately round or potato shape due to circular movement in the kiln.

Leca® is the world leader in horticultural, agricultural & hydroponic substrates. The benefits of Leca are :

Intact Granules

• Higher insulation (more closed pores)
• Better drainage (bigger gaps between granules)

 Fragmented Granules

• Better moisture retention (more open pores)
• Better soil aeration (promotes healthy bacterias)
• Increases root biomass (sharp edges split and induce exponential root development)

 Manufactured to relevant ISO standards, Leca® is consistent in nature:

• pH neutral
• stable & durable
• anti-fungal
• resistant to insects

Coco Peat is also known as coir, coco fiber or coir peat. It comes from the mesocarp of the coconut and is intended for hydroponics and/or substrate.  It is a consistent media for long term growing. Coco Peat Bricks have excellent water retention ability and can be used multiple times. 

Uses

Coco peat finest particles can be used in their pure form or blended with other substrates for hydroponic purposes: Vegetables Landscaping: coco peat is 100% natural, totally organic and a removable source, eco-friendly.

Advantages

• Coco peat has a high water holding capacity (eight times its weight) combined with high
• porosity (95%) allows an excellent root aeration oxygenation, producing more functional
• roots therefore improving plant nutrition and healthier plants.
• Excellent re-wetting.
• Light weight, easy handling.
• Homogenous and stable structure; long lasting, superior to peat.
• Totally organic, 100% natural, renewable source.
• pH slightly acid: 5,5-6,5, suitable for most plants species.
• Lightweight material ideal for reducing transport costs.

Coco peat generally has an acidity in the range of pH – 5.5 to 6.5. It is a little on the acidic side for some plants, but many popular plants can tolerate this pH range. Coco peat can be re-used up to three times with little loss of yield. Coco peat from diseased plants should not be re-used.

Cocopeat, pressed into Coco peat bricks, has a negatively charged complex, surrounded by a couple of positively charged ions: sodium and potassium. Because these elements stick to the complex, like iron to a magnet, there is no danger to the plant root initially. The problem starts when fertilizing with calcium. The calcium will push the potassium and sodium aside and take their position. Consequently, the calcium that is connected to the complex won’t be available to the plant, while sodium and potassium that are released into the water will be available.

To avoid this problem, the Cocopeat needs to be  buffered with Calcium Magnesium Nitrate (Cal Mag) and then flush/rinse before using.

A 5kg compressed brick expands to 50 litres of growing media when 25 litres of water is added to it.

Please note that due to the manufacturing process of the bricks that each brick weighs between 4.2kg and 5.5kgs.

Please note that this product is only available for delivery to customers within South Africa.

Freedom Farms Craft Soils are complete, handcrafted* living soils, formulated* for optimal plant growth and performance. Optimising our soils for root health is fundamental in achieving this. Perfectly aerated for optimum oxygen exposure to roots, whilst benefiting from the high water holding capacity of coconut coir pith. A base mineral blend is aded to all our soils to ensure long term Calcium and trace element availability as well as pH stability. Our Craft Soils are inoculated with probiotics and together with the naturally high diversity of microbes in worm castings, our soils are teeming with beneficial soil and plant microorganisms. This optimises nutrient cycling (organic nutrients) and suppresses soil pathogens, keeping the root zone healthy. Some soils are also supplemented with organic plant macro- and micro- nutrients for growers that want to depend less on additional inputs, whilst still reaping the full benefits. We take meticulous care in sourcing, formulating, preparing and blending the components of our Craft Soils.

*Handcrafted – We blend in small batches and have a hands-on approach every step of the way to ensure product consistency.

*Formulated – Both the physical and nutritional aspects of our soils are based on specific recipes which apply to specific requirements of different plant types or nutrient management systems. All ingredients in our Craft Soils are 100% Natural.

Ingredients: Prepared Coco Coir, Fine Vermiculite, Fine Perlite, Premium Earthworn castings, Volcanic Rock Dust, Bone Meal, Gypsum, Freedom Farms Bokashi, Bacillus thuringiensis (fungus gnat larvae prevention), Trichoderma harzianum (soil borne pathogen prevention).

Application:

– A fine matrix specifically formulated for seed germination

– Free from pathogens and weeds

– Excellent for all varieties of seeds

– Suitable for both inorganic and organic fertilizer amendments

The Seedstarter is a premium germination medium formulated to create the ideal conditions for seed germination. The finer soil matrix, excellent aeration, seedling specific nutrient levels and inoculation with beneficial microorganisms, are the main reasons for the high success rate of the Seedstarter. Directions of use: Add germination soil to seedling tray and water thoroughly the first time. Plant seeds and water again lightly for seeds to settle. After the first drying cycle, keep the soil moist..

Size of Pack - 15DM / 15 Liters

Mycorrhizas are a commercially available soil amendment product containing indigenous AM fungal species. Their presence results in :

• increased uptake of nutrients and water,
• increased soil biological activity,
• improved soil structure and aeration,
• reduced effects from drought,
• reduced effects from root pathogens,
• reduced chemical inputs and environmental damage.

These beneficial fungi are nature’s own way of boosting plant growth and providing an intimate link with a more healthy soil environment.

Size of Pack - 200 grams

An organic composting agent, which contains all main compost bacteria together with enzymes and fungus cultures.

Added nutrients provide an easily digested nutritional medium for the micro-organisms and thus facilitate rapid, optimum rotting, even for materials with low levels of nutrients such as autumn leaves and chopped tree cuttings.

APPLICATION RATES: Sprinkle lightly between every 30 cm layer of material.

For further info on this product and other Biogrow products please see the Biogrow website for details.

 This sale is for 1 pack of 1kg of Biogrow Radivit.

Please note that this product is only available for delivery to customers within South Africa.

Orgasoilux is a premium organic artisan hand crafted living potting soil, tested by labs both nationally and internationally.

The mix of compost, cocopeat, sphagnum peat moss (sustainably harvested), perlite and earthworm compost/castings gives an excellent soil texture which drains perfectly while still holding the correct amount of water.

The compost, castings, raw nutrients, and minerals mixed into the soil will provide enough food for the plant and soil microbes for 3 - 6 months depending on the plant.

Orgasoilux has also been designed to be reused, by simply adding a top dressing of the Elemental Blend mineral and nutrient pack.

Orgasoilux Ingredients: Compost, Vermicompost, Coco peat, Sphagnum peat moss (sustainably harvested), perlite, Alfalfa meal, Aloe meal, Basalt Rock Dust, Bio-Char (preloaded with microbes), Canna-Kashi, Calcitic Lime, Copper Powder, Dolomite Lime, Guano (seabird), Gypsum, Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, Frass, Kelp Meal, Malted Barley, Manganese Oxide, Montmorillonite Clay, Soft Rock Phosphate & Zeolite.

Applications:

• Ideal for Container growing
• Growing heavy feeding annuals, vegetables, fruits or flowers
• Fast growth in indoor, greenhouse and outdoor environments
• Maximum terpene and cannabinoid production in Cannabis
• Heavy yields
• Pest resistance
• Microbial biodiversity
• Continuous use

Size of Pack - 30DM / 30 Liters

Freedom Farms Craft Soils are complete, handcrafted* living soils, formulated* for optimal plant growth and performance. Optimising our soils for root health is fundamental in achieving this. Perfectly aerated for optimum oxygen exposure to roots, whilst benefiting from the high water holding capacity of coconut coir pith. A base mineral blend is aded to all our soils to ensure long term Calcium and trace element availability as well as pH stability. Our Craft Soils are inoculated with probiotics and together with the naturally high diversity of microbes in worm castings, our soils are teeming with beneficial soil and plant microorganisms. This optimises nutrient cycling (organic nutrients) and suppresses soil pathogens, keeping the root zone healthy. Some soils are also supplemented with organic plant macro- and micro- nutrients for growers that want to depend less on additional inputs, whilst still reaping the full benefits. We take meticulous care in sourcing, formulating, preparing and blending the components of our Craft Soils.

*Handcrafted – We blend in small batches and have a hands-on approach every step of the way to ensure product consistency.

*Formulated – Both the physical and nutritional aspects of our soils are based on specific recipes which apply to specific requirements of different plant types or nutrient management systems. All ingredients in our Craft Soils are 100% Natural.

Premium Classic Ingredients: Coco Coir, Worm Castings, Compost, Perlite (10%), Vermiculite, Volcanic Rock Dust, Bone Meal, Gypsum, Fermented probiotic bran, Organic nutrients

Application:

– Ideal for container growing

– Indoor, Greenhouse or Outdoor cultivation

– Quality organic potting soil for vegetables, herbs and general plants

– Raised bed system re-planted over multiple cycles (No-till, covercrop)

– Cultivation of organic medicinal grade CBD plants

The Organic Classic blend is formulated mainly for organic growing practices and organic nutrients. Compared to the Formula 1 mix, the Classic has a greater Cation exchange capacity (CEC), higher active organic matter content, as well as a balanced semi-slow release organic nutrient component. It will also hold water longer than the Formula1 mix. Substrate pH 6.5. First watering can either be clean water or for hungrier plants add a single recommended dosage of organic nutrients. The nutrients in the soil should be adequate for approximately 2-6 weeks before additional nutrient applications are required.

Size of Pack - 30DM / 30 Liters

The Elemental Blend - Mineral and Nutrient pack is what goes into the Orgasoilux living soil, and is comprised of the products listed below.

It is designed to treat 100L of growing medium.

Elemental Blend Ingredients: Alfalfa meal, Aloe meal, Basalt Rock Dust, Bio-Char (inoculated with Cannabis Microbial Consortium), Canna-Kashi, Calcitic Lime, Diatomaceous Earth, Dolomite Lime, Fulvic Acid, Frass, Guano (seabird), Gypsum, Humic Acid, Kelp Meal, Malted Barley, Manganese Oxide, Montmorillonite Clay, Soft Rock Phosphate & Zeolite.

How to use :

• Virgin Soils or substrates – mix in 100ml / liter of soil or substrate

•  

  To amend depleted potting mixes – mix in 10 to 30ml / liter of potting mix

•  

  For plant beds or turf – top dress 10 liters per square meter

•  

  Fungi may be found growing inside Dirty Hands Inc Elemental Blend – these are beneficial and part of the living mix.

Size of Pack - 10DM / 10 Liters

Freedom Farms Craft Soils are complete, handcrafted* living soils, formulated* for optimal plant growth and performance. Optimising our soils for root health is fundamental in achieving this. Perfectly aerated for optimum oxygen exposure to roots, whilst benefiting from the high water holding capacity of coconut coir pith. A base mineral blend is aded to all our soils to ensure long term Calcium and trace element availability as well as pH stability. Our Craft Soils are inoculated with probiotics and together with the naturally high diversity of microbes in worm castings, our soils are teeming with beneficial soil and plant microorganisms. This optimises nutrient cycling (organic nutrients) and suppresses soil pathogens, keeping the root zone healthy. Some soils are also supplemented with organic plant macro- and micro- nutrients for growers that want to depend less on additional inputs, whilst still reaping the full benefits. We take meticulous care in sourcing, formulating, preparing and blending the components of our Craft Soils.

*Handcrafted – We blend in small batches and have a hands-on approach every step of the way to ensure product consistency.

*Formulated – Both the physical and nutritional aspects of our soils are based on specific recipes which apply to specific requirements of different plant types or nutrient management systems. All ingredients in our Craft Soils are 100% Natural.

Formula 1 Ingredients: Coco Coir, Worm Castings, Perlite (30%), Volcanic Rock Dust, Bone meal, Gypsum, Fermented probiotic bran.

Application:

– Ideal for container growing

– Indoor or Greenhouse cultivation

– High intensity production with automated fertigation

– Balanced nutrient solution input essential

Formula 1 allows more control over the nutrient profile in the substrate than with the fortified Classic blend. With the correct fertilisation regime Formula1 produces faster plant growth than our other blends, due to its physical properties and type of fertiliser used. The ideal fertiliser for this soil is water soluble inorganic mineral nutrients. This blend has no additional nutrients apart from our base amendment mixture. The performance of the Formula 1 blend depends on the application of available nutrients in the form of a balanced inorganic nutrient formulation. Application is required with the first watering and subsequent additions according to the plant’s requirement. A leaching requirement or runoff is necessary with every other nutrient application to avoid salt build-up. Water scheduling for this soil will require more regular watering when opting for fast growth.

Size of Pack - 30DM / 30 Liters

Bi Grow Mix is a high quality substrate. Its composition is well balanced for optimum development of a wide variety of plants. Bi Grow Mix is a mix of many types of high quality peat and coco fibres.

An important feature of Bi Grow Mix is its air/water ratio. The gaps present in Bi Grow Mix may be filled with water and air. Thanks to the coco fibres, gaps filled with air take in a higher volume, which means more oxygen benefits for the plant. Bi Grow Mix does not retract and easily absorbs water. Nutrients are gradually released and are thus constantly available for the plant. The presence of coco fibres facilitates root development.

Bi Grow Mix is pre-fertilised you don’t need to add any nutrients during the first weeks of the cultivation, depending on how many plants and pot size. After this starting period Atami advises to add liquid fertiliser to the nutrient water for optimal results.

Bi Grow Mix contains 40% coco fiber, 10% white peat and 50% black peat. The coco ensures an open structure so the roots can grow optimally which is especially important for the uptake of nutrients for a stronger and more resilient plant.

• Pre-fertilised
• Open structure
• No need to add any nutrients during the first weeks

Cocos Substrate is a high quality compost comprised of coco fibres extracted from the mesocarp of the coconut. It is a 100% natural product and designed so that it can be used immediately.

The Cocos Substrate contains a basic plant fertiliser. Because of the structure of coco, it can store nutrients that are continually available for the plant.

Cocos Substrate is produced under controlled conditions, which is an assurance of quality and offers the ability to use it over and over again after each growing cycle. It can absorb plenty of water in a short period of time and can also deliver water rapidly and abundantly.

The roots also have plenty of available oxygen, which keeps them active. Despite the absence of residual water, there is always enough humidity for the plant.

• Airy structure
• High quality coco
• Optimal root development

Diatomacous Earth is a mineral based pesticide and its composition is approximately 3% magnesium, 5% sodium, 2% iron, 19% calcium, 33% silicon along with several other elements.

Diatomaceous Earth may be used as a barrier to control pests: adult flea beetles, sawfly, coddling moth, twig borer, thrips, mites, cockroach, slugs, snails, aphids, earwigs, silverfish, and ants. Can be used for bedbugs, cabbage root flies, carrot root flies, fleas, pillbugs, ticks and is helpful in dealing with fungus gnats.

Can be used Indoors and Outdoors

Please note that this is not Food Grade and is not for consumption.

Size of Pack - 1Kg

Hydro Rokz are made of pure and salt-free baked clay. They contain a very low concentration of elements and this makes them ideal as a substrate for hydroculture. The quality of the clay pebbles is largely determined by the pH value.

Clay pebbles are used for various growing methods. Sometimes they are placed at the bottom of the flowerpot when growing on a soil substrate like soil. The Hydro Rokz are also used as an additional drainage.

Hydro Rokz can be mixed with the substrate to make the growing medium airier, so the roots can also branch off better. Another method that is widely used, is growing the plants directly on Hydro Rokz. This is often done in combination with an oxygen pump. This way the roots at the bottom of the pot are constantly immersed in water with liquid fertilisers mixed in, and the oxygen pump provides enough oxygen for the roots.

Growing hydroponically with Hydro Rokz is very successful, because the clay pebbles and the flowing water nutrient solution are a golden duo when it comes to a lavish supply of oxygen. The plants both get oxygen from the top and from below. The flowing water contains many times more oxygen than ordinary still water.

• Easy to use

• Airy structure

• Strong, healthy roots

Horticultural Vermiculite has the excellent property of improving soil aeration while retaining the moisture and nutrients necessary to feed roots, cuttings, and seeds for faster growth. Vermiculite is permanent, clean, odourless, nontoxic and sterile. It will not deteriorate, turn mouldy or rot.The pH of vermiculite is essentially neutral (7.0-9.5) but owing to the presence of associated carbonate compounds, reactions are normally in the alkaline direction. Vermiculite possesses cation exchange properties, thus it can hold and make available to the growing plant ammonium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. When mixed with peat, composted bark, organic compost, or natural soils, vermiculite like perlite helps promote faster root growth, and gives quick anchorage to young roots. These mixes help retain air, plant food, and moisture, and releases them as needed by the plant. Because vermiculite is very light and easy to handle, it easily mixes with soil, peat, composted pine bark and other composted organic materials and fertilizers.

Please note that this product is only available for delivery to customers within South Africa.

This product is the Large Grade - (5mm -20mm) Vermiculite

We also stock Medium Grade Vermiculite (3mm-5mm) which can be seen at this link.

High Porosity Cocos (HPC) combines the properties of ATAMI’s Cocos Substrate with perlite for increased substrate airiness. The coco of Atami is known to be very clean and low in detrimental salts, while also containing a balanced fertilisations. To achieve this, the coco is ripened, washed, buffered and lightly fertilised.

Perlite is volcanic rock that has been formed during volcanic eruptions. It is treated with a high temperature to make it expand. You can compare it to popcorn. When we heat a corn grain, it pops into an airy treat. The same can happen to perlite, which pops into a porous structure of about twenty times its original size. By mixing this perlite through your substrate, the airiness of your substrate is greatly increased.

Due to the addition of perlite to the coco, the product reaches an air-percentage of about 30%. The availability of air is essential for the development of roots. Plants require oxygen to ‘burn’ sugars and use them up for their energy. Through the use of this energy, the root system expands and develops further.

• Airy structure
• Great water management
• Optimal root development

Cultivation on a coco substrate and hydroponic growing are popular cultivation methods. Every grower has his own preference and every substrate has its own characteristics! Why wouldn’t you combine best of both worlds?!

With this in mind Atami has developed Hydro Rokz Cocos 60-40!

The substrate is a well-balanced blend of clay pebbles and top quality coco peat.

Hydro Rokz Cocos 60-40 offers many benefits of growing hydroponically. The clay pebbles provide excellent drainage as they retain nearly no water!
This decreases the risk of over-watering. When the water is drained, fresh air enters the root zone and gives this substrate a high air ratio, for optimal root development!

Adding coco increases the water retention of the substrate. Coco offers a buffer between watering times, as makes sure moisture levels near the roots stay stable. And, it holds on to some nutrients as well!