Water Retention Granules, 25kg Sack, Polymer Gel for Planting

New planting fails most often because it dries out before the roots have spread. Water retention granules tackle that problem at the source. These granules are a polymer gel that soaks up water, stores it in the root zone and releases it to plants as the soil dries. The supplier states that over 95% of the water held is available to the plant and that the granules keep working for up to five years. Supplied in 25kg sacks, they are used by landscape contractors, tree planting teams, nurseries, local authorities and garden centres on bare-root hedging and trees, container planting and hanging baskets.

Why it works

Stores water in the root zone

Each granule swells as it absorbs water, turning into a soft gel held in the soil around the roots. Instead of draining away or evaporating, much of the water from rain or irrigation is held where the plant can reach it.

Over 95% available to plants

The supplier states that more than 95% of the stored water is available to plants. As the surrounding soil dries, roots draw moisture from the gel, which then re-absorbs water at the next rain or watering. That evens out the gap between waterings.

Works for up to five years

The granules keep swelling and releasing water through repeated cycles. The supplier states they work for up to five years, covering the critical establishment period for new hedges and trees.

Low dose per plant

Very little is needed. The supplier recommends 2g per bare-root plant, or 1g per litre of compost for containers. A 25kg sack therefore treats a very large number of plants, which makes it practical for contract planting.

Where it's used

• Bare-root hedging and whip planting
• Tree planting schemes and woodland creation
• Hanging baskets, planters and containers
• Landscaping on free-draining or sandy soils
• Nursery and garden centre potting
• Amenity planting where watering visits are limited

Specifications

Choosing the right option

This listing is a single 25kg sack, sized for contract and trade use. To see how far it goes, divide by the dose. At 2g per bare-root plant, 25kg treats around 12,500 plants. At 1g per litre of compost, it treats around 25,000 litres of compost, enough for hundreds of large planters or thousands of hanging baskets.

For smaller jobs, think about how many seasons of planting you have ahead; stored dry and sealed, the granules keep well between projects. Weigh doses rather than guessing, as too much gel can make compost overly wet.

Installation, use & care

For bare-root planting, sprinkle 2g of dry granules into the planting pit or slit and mix with the soil around the roots, or dip the roots in pre-swollen gel. Firm in and water well. For containers, mix 1g per litre of compost evenly before filling, then water thoroughly so the granules swell. Keep the sack sealed and dry between uses. Granules on hard surfaces become slippery when wet, so sweep up any spills.

FAQ

How much do I use?

2g per bare-root plant, or 1g per litre of compost for containers and baskets.

How long does it work?

The supplier states up to five years.

Does it stop me needing to water?

No, but it stores water from rain and watering in the root zone, so plants cope better between waterings.

How many plants will a sack treat?

At 2g per plant, around 12,500 bare-root plants.

Ordering & delivery

Each unit is one 25kg sack, priced per sack. Order by the number of sacks required for your planting programme. Trade and contract quantities are welcome. Delivery charges and lead times are shown at checkout.