How and Why to Use Water-Storing Capillary Mats

One end of the fabric dips down into a water reservoir, while the other side of the fabric provides a flat surface. The pots that sit atop the mat then draw water up from the reservoir below, keeping the soil consistently moist, instead of allowing it to swing between the extremes of dry and wet.

How do you use water retaining matting?
How do you use capillary matting on holidays?
What are capillary mats?
How long does capillary matting last?
Which way up does capillary matting go?
Can you wash capillary matting?
Can you cut capillary matting?
How high can capillary matting lift water?
Can you put capillary matting in a propagator?
What do you do when you leave your plants for a week?

How do you use water retaining matting?

How to Use

Soak matting in water well before use to ensure maximum water retention.
Sow seeds in pots or trays and stand on matting to keep the compost moist and aid germination.
After prolonged use, rinse the matting in clean warm water to remove any dirt and fungai spores.

How do you use capillary matting on holidays?

This method is useful for large single pot plants. Use a large container to hold water, and a piece of capillary matting as a wick. Insert one end of the wick into the reservoir and tuck the other end into the plant pot. This will enable the plant to draw on the water reserves in the reservoir.

What are capillary mats?

The Capillary Mat is a lightweight, mildew-resistant fabric designed to first absorb, then deliver water to the plants placed on the mat. Water is wicked quickly to plant roots, providing a more efficient and effective means of watering.

How long does capillary matting last?

The mats themselves will generally last for around 2 years.

Which way up does capillary matting go?

Use the matting either way up - its' dark side is useful for hiding unsightly soil spillage and help discourage algae growth while its' white side will reflect more light which can be beneficial when growing light sensitive plants.

Can you wash capillary matting?

Also, capillary mats become dirty over time and algae may even start to grow on them. You can easily fix this by washing your mat in the washing machine using laundry detergent and a bit of bleach. You can use capillary mats over and over if you wash them every few months.

Can you cut capillary matting?

Capillary matting can be used either in the greenhouse or when plants are being hardened off indoors. It will help make sure pots don't dry out and will keep a humid atmosphere around leaves. You can cover an entire bench with the matting. Or it can be cut to line seed trays in which small pots are to stand.

How high can capillary matting lift water?

A capillary lift of about 4" (10cm), means it can draw water up out of a reservoir. Water the matting by hand or for a more constant watering, from a Water Reservoir attached to your bench or shelves.

Can you put capillary matting in a propagator?

Rather than watering from above, some gardeners prefer to place a wet capillary mat below their plants, allowing them to absorb the water from below. This can be done with the Vitopod propagator, however keep an eye out for any humidity issues and be careful not to over-water your plants.

What do you do when you leave your plants for a week?

Trim foliage of mature plants the day before leaving so they will require less water during your absence. 2. Water all mature plants and seedlings thoroughly the night before leaving. Use a hydrogen peroxide mixture to kill any potential fungus gnat eggs lurking beneath the soil.