I just saw this video and I do have some thoughts. I am a bit concerned in 3different areas. First, since the sponges hold water and it is dark in the pots, this could be a prime setup for mold to grow. Second, as the plants grow their roots will be entwined in the sponges and when it is time for the plants to be repotted into larger containers it will be necessary to remove the sponges from in and around the roots and could further shock the plants that are being slightly traumatized by being replanted to begin with. And lastly, this would not be good for plants that need to dry out between watering, such as geraniums (and many others). It could ultimately cause root rot and the demise of the plant.
I disagree most soils dont hold water well, so by doing this you hold a bit extra water that the plant will drink, you have holes in the bottom so mold shouldn't be an issue unless you over water.
Plants that thrive with wet media such as "lucky bamboo" Dracaena, water lettuce or Horsetail probably wouldn't mind this method as long as the rest of the soil was free draining. If the soil is compacted, the resulting anaerobic bacteria would rot the roots of most other plants. The ideology of this method is similar to the moisture control soils that are currently on the market(Miracle Gro), they are great for outdoor plants in the heat of the summer but detrimental for a regular houseplant in the long term. The key for healthy roots is appropriate soil drainage.
@@badboybullterriers4104 I hear what you are saying… however rather than putting something non-organic in the soil for moisture control, I would use something that will breakdown like peat moss. Also, mold can always be an issue when dealing with damp and dark… unless using perhaps a clay pot… buy even then there’s a risk. And… at some point you will need to deal with those now nasty sponges due to having to repot.
Sponge is made from polyester or polyurethane. Introducing plastics like this into the soil means that any plants grown there will have trace amounts of micro plastics absorbed into them for decades. The effects of this are still unknown but have been linked to different forms of long term illnesses in humans and animals. Some form of micro plastic exposure is inevitable these days but making sure your plant roots grow directly into plastic is probably not the best idea.
Grow Luffa! I have a Luffa Farm. On my Farm I grow Luffa for the Bees. The Flower supplies pollen which is the protein for the baby bees. The flower also makes an excellent honey. So I use Luffa to scrub dishes. I use Luffa at the bottom of my plant pots instead of rocks. Luffa composts into soil. You can feed Luffa leaves and gourds to your petstock/livestock. I wrap plants in Luffa and string and call the horticultural practice ChiDamaLuffa. Hell no to plastics. Grow or buy Luffa and help out the environment in so many ways. Deb Terrell of Luv A Luffa, Nature’s Circle
Just watched this video about repurposing used sponges. I would like to share a couple tips. Instead of soaking the sponge for an hour with soapy water, add a little soap and water to the sponge and squeeze most of it out then place it on your plate in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds and it will kill the bacterias in it. I do not recommend using the sponges with edible plants as some contain PCBs which can break down in the soils and get absorbed by the plant. Also you can cause root rot in plants that don't need much like Rosemary and succulents. The person doing this needs to know what their plant's watering needs are. Doing this with plants like zygocactus, also known as Christmas or Easter cactus, the added moisture can prevent them from blooming. There are many plants that need to go through a dry spell, even orchids, in order to bloom. I'm a Master Gardener and we've discussed this subject numerous times at meetings and find there are more cons than pros. Best to use perlite or vermiculite. For typical houseplants that people buy, grow a while and toss or replace, sure, go ahead. For this who want their plants to mature and grow healthy, who value the time invested in the plant , so we can divide and share our plant children, stick to perlite and vermiculite. There's a reason, many reasons why gardening supply stores don't sell sponges for this purpose.
is this actually a thing that some gardeners do then? does this actually help retain water at all? surely by putting soil on top of the sponge compresses the sponge so it wouldn't actually be able to soak any water up?
I would be very careful not to use this in anything you plan to eat, like herbs and things because of the plastic from the sponges getting into the food. As that's usually why people grow their own veg/fruit/herbs is to avoid the nasties like microplastics and pesticides etc. But looks like a good idea for normal house plants. I just put a layer of stones like gravel in the bottom of the pot. I think it works well for drainage, as well as stopping the soil coming out the holes in the bottom of the pot.
How does microplastics get in plants?on it from water well hell guess if in water can be absorbed through z roots.?friggin microplastics in z rainwater.
@@waynemartin8925 in the plastic sponges you fool. Not the rainwater. Edit- You know as the plastic starts to degrade it will be absorbed by the plants. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to work that out.
@@Awake-Free-CT well u rude dude.there is micro plastics in z rain along with roundup. Just never thought about plants ingesting micro plastics through their roots dude...they,plastics,are freaking everywhere. We all are livening in an experiment...
@@waynemartin8925 sorry I misunderstood what you were saying. I thought you were trying to say that I was wrong about the sponges. And yes I agree with you that we are living in an experiment. Again sorry. Yes there are microplastics in the rainwater. I don't know why I just thought you were trying to belittle what I was saying. Again sorry! That's the problem with the internet. Things get misunderstood sometimes in the comments. Edit..I don't know why but when I read your comment it seemed as if you were trying to make a joke about it. I actually agree with you that the microplastics are everywhere. Including in the rainwater. People are apparently full of these plastics too. So the only was to safely grow food to eat would be to grow indoors and use filtered water to water them! One thing we can both agree on is this planet is f***ed unfortunately thanks to certain people.
The thought that crossed my mind is you are putting more plastics into the environment. Some people might say that what with micro plastics, and even nano plastics, circulating already it's already too late, but there are other natural products like coco coir, a by product from coconuts, or compost.
This morning I had 8 Eggo buttermilk waffles. I toasted them in medium and used a real maple syrup on top. The best I’ve had in a long time! Of course I had to go back to bed and take an hour nap, but I slept so good and feel great.
A trick I use when potting a plant is to use the original pot to make a space in the new pot. Put a layer of soil in the new pot. Take the plant and root ball out of the original pot. Place the old pot inside the new pot and fill round with soil. Take out the old pot and you now have a perfect space to replant the root ball, after a bit of teasing out. Firm in the plant and water.
@@tinacaraco1893 🙂 Yes it appears to be nonsense but essentially when you are repotting a plant into a bigger pot you use the original pot to form a perfect size hole in the soil in the new pot for the plant. It just makes life easier.
@@loripatterson7882 depends on your climate. In hot tropical places, damn soil saves the plants. I would not use those sponges in soil for food but anyt sponge like it works for non edible plants.
I am so happy to watch this video and it will be a great help for my plants if ever I will be away and won't worry they dried if not watered for few days.
Even without the sponge, if you overwater the plant and soak up the soil with water for a day or two, you will have fungal infection and root rot. The idea of incorporating pieces of sponge is to improve soil aeration, water retention and drainage, just like what the sponge rock, perlite or vermiculite does in the soil mix.
When I use decorative pots without drainage holes, I put these sponges at the bottom of them, and place the pot with the plant in, on top. That helps to avoid accidental overwatering.
Interesting topic. Yes plants love an airy medium to grow in. But should we all be throwing old sponge into soil like it's a landfill site? I don't think so lol, those chemicals could slowly breakdown and poisen you.
I heartily endorse this method - I've been doing it for a few years!!!! My great great great grandfather showed it to me and I don't have to buy any sponges anymore. My plants fruit regularly and the harvest is amazing. Up to 30 new sponges at a time. Think of the money that saves me - absolutely pure gold. Here's a great tip for everyone. If you like doing mosaics but can't afford tiles (they are expensive), simply use broken egg shells (remove the eggs first and use them for omelettes (yum) or fried eggs or scrambled but not boiled) and break into mosaic sized pieces. Have fun!!!!! UPDATE 10th Jan Harvested 27 sponges today with a few more ready to fruit soon!
@user-te7nz2ek9u Your gran speaks a lot of truth as Sponges are the devils work but hey the devil has the best music so they say, so it makes sense that the devil knows a thing or two about washing up. As for gooses don't get me started on them. Ate one for Christmas day at my great great great grandfathers house and he only went and overcooked it. Shame because the rest of the meal was nice. He certainly puts on a good spread for everyone. There were 27 of us round his table and none of us were hungry.
@user-te7nz2ek9u Wow that is really cool. Does that mean if I plant the sponges in a pot I'll get potatos or geese sprouting. Or both or some weird goose potato hybrid. I've got to try that, must get a large pot those geese might be a bit cramped as they grow. Here's another great tip for everyone. When you cook some eggs, put all the shells aside and when you have say 83, grind them up and use as a facial exfoliator. Saves millions of pounds a year!!!!!!!!!!
@user-te7nz2ek9u Our ancestors really did have some great methods, it's good to see that these traditions are being kept alive. Here's a great recipe for all the family that my great great great grandfather who is 57 has cooked every day for the last seven decades. It only uses one ingredient and is ready in 10 minutes - your family will be so surprised when they taste it. Best cake ever. Slice an apple and put it in a frying pan with some peeled oranges. Pour over boiling water and cook away for 20 minutes. Pour off water and add a tin of condensed milk, some sifted flour, an unspecified amount of cinnamon, 2 jars of saffron, 1kg of plain yoghurt, and simmer carefully for 1 hour 24 minutes. Then add some melted chocolate over the top, put a lid on and boil for 18 minutes 36 seconds. Immediately remove from heat and cool. Then pour over 17 eggs you have whisked the day before. Pour on top and whisper gently to it. Then put in the oven for 33 minutes 19 seconds at a reasonable temperature. Take out of oven, cool and throw onto serving plate decoratively. Throw over some icing sugar and yoi have the best cake ever. Good for breakfast, dinner, supper (not lunch). I eat it twice a day and my family and friends are quite used to it.
Your great great great grandfather came to you in your dreams? Or was he a vampire? Or does your women in your family constantly give birth when they are aroun 12-13 yo? The method seems nice but migh be hard to understand if your soil is dry or it has tones of water soaked by the sponges on the roots so it may cause root decay me thinks.
Hi! Jeannie from Lakeport California here. I love tips like this, have always been a recycle nut, just ask my elderly clients!! I started in the 1970's, after a commercial showing an Indian brave crying, looking at garbage everywhere. I am 60 now. I woke up a lot of people to, if you do nothing else, just recycle. Some, refused, so I kept going thru their garbage myself. They started eventually. Some of their neighbors even started leaving me bags of recycling, cuz their apartments did not have cans, yet. They started bugging the manager to get big cans!! It took time, no one likes change, but it did happen! Please, everyone, at least recycle, cleaning of our rivers is starting, let's all help, by just recycling....
I have been doing this for years.I just put a piece of sponge over the base of the pot. I am an addicted gardener and this has never caused any problems..😊
Its a really good idea for trying to keep your plants moisture levels up, but, its going to introduce all opportunities for mold and fungus, and toxins from the decomposing plastic. I would like to recommend growing a couple of luffa plants. The luffas when dried become sponges for cleaning everything, and the used sponges can be used in your plants (please bleach the sponge to kill any bacteria). Great idea, just needs a few tweeks.
🤠 it's a breakthrough which holds and controls water without wasting or spilling out. It also retains the moisture of the manure used for long time without drying. The spong never interacts to atmospheric changes.
Amazing idea Defiantly I will try it this summer I live in NJ USA I plant a lot of flowers and vegetables and I don’t go on vacation because of my garden It is huge and no body wants to come and water them for me I hope it’s going to work for me Thanks again
I'd be careful about doing this with vegetables as they could absorb the plastic that those sponges are made out of. And you don't want to be eating plastic. We have enough of that with all the plastic they put in our food!
@@hayatthompson5618 No worries. I don't want to sound negative as in theory it's a good idea, but I had to say something as I wouldn't want anyone who had gone to the trouble of growing their own veg to still end up with microplastics in your food.
Thank U ~going to give it a try and check how my plants grow ~it's always good to learn how to use stuff we throw away and put them to good use. Durban South Africa
I think that if you don't want to mix the sponge into the soil, you could let the sponge pieces sit on the surface of the soil mixed with a layer of woodchips to help keep the soil from losing water so rapidly in hotter weather.
Actually, you can lay down a piece of black plastic garbage bag on your soil, cut a hole and to let your plant grow through it. It prevents the soil moisture from evaporating, maintains the warm temperature in the soil, and prevents weed from spouting.
Reuse is great but this is also how microplastics get into our environment. Doing this with potted plants is one thing but in the garden, it will introduce microplastics into the water table. Of course, there's already miçroplastics everywhere, even in Antarctica...
@@bizbizley Sigh, what a little mind. Advocating a use is not about the use of just a half sponge but many. It seems that you're the one in need of a life if that's the only ad-hominem argument you could conceive of.
I was wondering the same about the micro plastics as have thought of doing this but not tried it for that reason. I wonder if any research has been done that would have info?
I don't know how many sponges I threw away, I like this idea. My name is Kefilwe from South Africa Gauteng. I recently grew love for gardening, vegetables. Thank you for this video
Most stupid and silly idea of using that crap in your flower pots. Absolutely shocking. Never ever anyone do that. It will cause rot and the roots will grow through this crap.Get rotten 99%
Most people would rather hear talking and not have to read an explanation of something. It’s still a good idea for house plants. Maybe short term because sponges smell when they don’t dry out properly.
Great video. Had no idea those sponges were so helpful. I have several I saved for clean ups in garage. I will start doing this Greetings from Los Angeles 👌🏻😀
Seems like a brilliant idea. However, how long have you been doing this? I ask that because of the possibility of the elephant in the room the possibility of root rot by the sponges holding the moisture. So if you have been doing it for months with no problems on all types of plants then it is all good!
@@lindasands1433 I'm sure he doesn't and my hypothesis is that's because he hasn't done this, it's just something he saw somewhere else or a not practiced idea of his done for likes and content
Thank you it’s my first time growing I have nearly 20 plants and Iv been incorporating loads of techniques Iv found online.. copper and bamboo electro culture ext and my plants are growing like crazy! Weirdly enough I just repotted a few plants and I have a few more to do I said to my dad… “we should put stones and or sticks at the bottom to help with draining and he was like meh never done that before… and I was right! I have a few more to repot now and ima use my old sponges thanks Edit: sponges = plastic and we get enough of that second hand theu everything we touch in gonna use a few sticks
Love this idea so so much!!!! I am always throwing out those exact sponges when they get greasy. I’m going to try this on another hack. Growing roses from rose hips. Thanks from australia.
Very useful materia, but the problem the toxic side and the micro plastic. :( pls use luffa pumpkin or hemp fiber, maybe the rockwool in too better from plastic(not the glass fibert)
I live in a dry area. I have been mulching and composing heavily for the past year. The soil texture and nutrient profile has improved a lot. This hack will take it even further with moisture retention, especially since there are rules in place preventing us from using municipal water for gardening. Thank you very much for sharing this.
actually the filter floss and sponges that I kept inside my pond filter outside without a cover occasionally promotes a free place for some wild plants to grow in it. I was surprised at first since I have no idea that a plant can grow in a sponge or filter without any soil, but the plants that was growing are not the same thing as my aquatic plants.
I have read some of the comments, but one that concerns me and you even touch on the topic. Sponges are made of chemicals and plastics, not environmentally safe and semi safe in small doses could be acceptable, but how safe do you feel eating the fruits and vegetables after they have absorbed the chemicals from the Sponges right into the root system and into the plant. It's a great idea, but have you looked at how safe it is. I grow because it's cheaper and safer to eat if we don't grow with commercial practice.... that's adding chemicals to our plants
If the plants are edible, wouldn’t micro-filaments of plastic be absorbed by the plant? Would the micro-filaments negatively impact non-edible plants in any way?
@@devanshsumariya I am not sure of your meaning. Surely you do not suggest one justifies the other? I would appreciate your clarification. Thank you for your reply. -sjb
We injest microplastics as it is. The plant will take the microplasic particles. It will go in the food. I wouldn't use old sponges for edible plants. I don't understand why the ignorance is coming back at you for your valid point. Otherwise, it's a great idea for non edible plants.
Hello respected, I am from Hisar, Haryana, India watching your video download by you about save the environment and re use of sponge,in our garden pots, take best wishes and regards.
@@paulr7028 roots hate being soaking wet. The sponges will retain too much water and rot the roots. It’s best to let the soil dry a bit between each watering. Also could introduce mold.
@@OkiDingoand if you are usyplastic potss you need to be very careful when watering, it’s takes the soil longer to dry out between watering and if you have sponges in the pots it will take even longer.
I actually did this with an herb garden. A layer sponge, rocks and soil. However, the sponge I used deteriorated. I was shocked because I didn't think it was biodegradable. However, it wasn't the kind that you used. It was a cheap version of the scotch brite kind. So perhaps there's something about that kind of sponge. Idk.
@@rustic35 all your food is wrapped and packaged in plastic, your milk and drinks as well. Unless you live on a actual farm to no ingest plastics daily is impossible. However I agree that if you are growing herbs or even some of your own food the last thing you want to add is decomposing plastics to it. You remember that experiment In elementary school where you take the celery and place in water with food coloring? And watch them take on the different colors?
@@brianfitch5469 no, all my food is not wrapped in plastic and definitely not dish sponges. I'm guessing you're from the US? No we don't have elementary school, whatever that is and no we didn't do any celery/colour test in school. The plastic used for milk and whatnot is bpa free and classed as food safe and is nothing like dish sponge. I'm in Australia and we have great food standards plus, I grow, produce and catch most of my food. 🤷♂️ The only things going into my garden and compost are plants, seeds and organic material.
You are using a brand new one, that's hardly recycling. Question is one can safely use an old one when it may have acquired grease and cleaning products
Root rot is a worry that even I had while watching this and was surprised that others picked on it too. However reading others comments and their successes with it I think that as long as you don’t totally cover the base with sponge it should work fine as you have effectively made pools of water here and there and not an entire water logged base level. Just note how much sponge is used in the demonstration and how much of the base was covered by it.
Root rot would only happen if you over watered. like watering while you still have run off in the base tray. if you only water when its dry root rot or mould shouldn't be an issue.
Yes, rot is an issue! Also, providing too much moisture to plants that need drying process in order to bloom like zygocactus (aka Christmas cactus), crown of thorns, orchids and more. Rosemary and succulents who prefer drier, would definitely get root rot. And with PCBs found in some sponges, not good for edible plants.
Alors la..BRAVO..BRAVO.. JE NE CONNAISSAIT PAS.. EN PLUS JE VIENS DE CHANGER LA TERRE DE MES PLANTES???? MERCI JE VAIS SUIVRE VOTRE CONSEIL QUI EST EVIDENT MERCI DE ...LYON/FRANCE❤❤❤❤
Too much writing. Is 3:55 and I had enough and I'm very interested in the subject. Why don't you speak for God sake? Is impossible to read all. I've been stopping and playing and stopping and playing and I'm fed up 😵💫
@masterCRISTINA otherwise known as a Karen. If their native tongue wasn't understandable then you'd bitc and suggest it all be written & not spoken Right Karen?
Don't bother with this hack. The sponges break down over watering and doesn't help keep the plant moist or nourished. I tried it, it didn't work. To help a plant water itself, find a UA-cam video showing how to use a rope in a potted plant to make it self-watering. Works very well.
I always did wonder what the point was in using the sponges and now I see how they can help the soil stay moist even when we’re going out of station and worry about our plants drying before we return home. Thank you
Just use red mud bricks. Crackle them into equal halves and place them at the base. Choose a brick size basis the size of your pot. The best Indian way to ensure water doesn’t profusely deep beneath as well as preserves the chemical balance of the soil (plastic microfibres are awful, I agree)
Hello, I am calling from Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire in the UK. What a wonderful channel you have. I am 67 and believe it or not I am new to gardening and I love it. What have I been missing all these years. Great idea to use the sponges like that.well done. I shall be watching your videos from now on. Thank you so much. 🙂👍
Or you could put layers in the base of the plant pot & sit the pot on the sponges in the base with water. I think the plant will grow mould & die. Keep us updated with this method.
I see the pieces of sponge cleaned… good👍 Then they stay among the roots for next repotting. Do you put in another layer next repotting? And for a new pot the green piece in the bottom to keep soul from leaking out the holes when watering👍
I just saw this video and I do have some thoughts. I am a bit concerned in 3different areas. First, since the sponges hold water and it is dark in the pots, this could be a prime setup for mold to grow. Second, as the plants grow their roots will be entwined in the sponges and when it is time for the plants to be repotted into larger containers it will be necessary to remove the sponges from in and around the roots and could further shock the plants that are being slightly traumatized by being replanted to begin with. And lastly, this would not be good for plants that need to dry out between watering, such as geraniums (and many others). It could ultimately cause root rot and the demise of the plant.
These are very good points, totally agree, 👍🏾
I disagree most soils dont hold water well, so by doing this you hold a bit extra water that the plant will drink, you have holes in the bottom so mold shouldn't be an issue unless you over water.
Plants that thrive with wet media such as "lucky bamboo" Dracaena, water lettuce or Horsetail probably wouldn't mind this method as long as the rest of the soil was free draining. If the soil is compacted, the resulting anaerobic bacteria would rot the roots of most other plants. The ideology of this method is similar to the moisture control soils that are currently on the market(Miracle Gro), they are great for outdoor plants in the heat of the summer but detrimental for a regular houseplant in the long term. The key for healthy roots is appropriate soil drainage.
@@badboybullterriers4104 I hear what you are saying… however rather than putting something non-organic in the soil for moisture control, I would use something that will breakdown like peat moss. Also, mold can always be an issue when dealing with damp and dark… unless using perhaps a clay pot… buy even then there’s a risk. And… at some point you will need to deal with those now nasty sponges due to having to repot.
2322
Sponge is made from polyester or polyurethane. Introducing plastics like this into the soil means that any plants grown there will have trace amounts of micro plastics absorbed into them for decades.
The effects of this are still unknown but have been linked to different forms of long term illnesses in humans and animals.
Some form of micro plastic exposure is inevitable these days but making sure your plant roots grow directly into plastic is probably not the best idea.
100% on this... very concerning to be putting plastics into soil. Please dispose of your plastic waste properly - in the trash.
A clever tip would be to use an old natural sea sponge which is an absolutely natural product.
You do realize that plastic is everywhere now… including soil, water, plants, and even inside of us!
@vickie781 Did you read what I said? Of course I realise. Why would you want to add more?
The effects are known. Look hatder.
Grow Luffa! I have a Luffa Farm. On my Farm I grow Luffa for the Bees. The Flower supplies pollen which is the protein for the baby bees. The flower also makes an excellent honey. So I use Luffa to scrub dishes. I use Luffa at the bottom of my plant pots instead of rocks. Luffa composts into soil. You can feed Luffa leaves and gourds to your petstock/livestock. I wrap plants in Luffa and string and call the horticultural practice ChiDamaLuffa. Hell no to plastics. Grow or buy Luffa and help out the environment in so many ways. Deb Terrell of Luv A Luffa, Nature’s Circle
Nice! Thank you for this. I still believe in society so in my small lot I won't grow what I can buy❤
Thanks. This is so good to know. I woud like to grow lufa. I thinks is so important to use natural products instead. I live in the Netherlands.
@@sagatyba Pretty sure luffa can be bought if that can make you happy
Would you donate to someone who doesn't have much money, please? 🙏
Agreed.
Just watched this video about repurposing used sponges. I would like to share a couple tips. Instead of soaking the sponge for an hour with soapy water, add a little soap and water to the sponge and squeeze most of it out then place it on your plate in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds and it will kill the bacterias in it. I do not recommend using the sponges with edible plants as some contain PCBs which can break down in the soils and get absorbed by the plant. Also you can cause root rot in plants that don't need much like Rosemary and succulents. The person doing this needs to know what their plant's watering needs are. Doing this with plants like zygocactus, also known as Christmas or Easter cactus, the added moisture can prevent them from blooming. There are many plants that need to go through a dry spell, even orchids, in order to bloom. I'm a Master Gardener and we've discussed this subject numerous times at meetings and find there are more cons than pros. Best to use perlite or vermiculite. For typical houseplants that people buy, grow a while and toss or replace, sure, go ahead. For this who want their plants to mature and grow healthy, who value the time invested in the plant , so we can divide and share our plant children, stick to perlite and vermiculite. There's a reason, many reasons why gardening supply stores don't sell sponges for this purpose.
What about soaking sponge in plant food mixture after the microwave procedure?
@@phylis3917 you missed the whole point. Reread the comment.
Thank you for this!💛
Also, the household chemicals we use when cleaning with sponges could be harmful.
is this actually a thing that some gardeners do then? does this actually help retain water at all? surely by putting soil on top of the sponge compresses the sponge so it wouldn't actually be able to soak any water up?
I would be very careful not to use this in anything you plan to eat, like herbs and things because of the plastic from the sponges getting into the food. As that's usually why people grow their own veg/fruit/herbs is to avoid the nasties like microplastics and pesticides etc. But looks like a good idea for normal house plants. I just put a layer of stones like gravel in the bottom of the pot. I think it works well for drainage, as well as stopping the soil coming out the holes in the bottom of the pot.
How does microplastics get in plants?on it from water well hell guess if in water can be absorbed through z roots.?friggin microplastics in z rainwater.
@@waynemartin8925 in the plastic sponges you fool. Not the rainwater. Edit- You know as the plastic starts to degrade it will be absorbed by the plants. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to work that out.
@@Awake-Free-CT well u rude dude.there is micro plastics in z rain along with roundup. Just never thought about plants ingesting micro plastics through their roots dude...they,plastics,are freaking everywhere. We all are livening in an experiment...
@@waynemartin8925 sorry I misunderstood what you were saying. I thought you were trying to say that I was wrong about the sponges. And yes I agree with you that we are living in an experiment. Again sorry. Yes there are microplastics in the rainwater. I don't know why I just thought you were trying to belittle what I was saying. Again sorry! That's the problem with the internet. Things get misunderstood sometimes in the comments. Edit..I don't know why but when I read your comment it seemed as if you were trying to make a joke about it. I actually agree with you that the microplastics are everywhere. Including in the rainwater. People are apparently full of these plastics too. So the only was to safely grow food to eat would be to grow indoors and use filtered water to water them! One thing we can both agree on is this planet is f***ed unfortunately thanks to certain people.
Some sponges are made from vegetable cellulose, find those and avoid the polyester ones.
The thought that crossed my mind is you are putting more plastics into the environment. Some people might say that what with micro plastics, and even nano plastics, circulating already it's already too late, but there are other natural products like coco coir, a by product from coconuts, or compost.
Watching from Jamaica
I totally agree with you.
Watching from US
i think it points out to worn out sponges...not the newly bought one.
.👌
Where else would you put it, it’s not recyclable. HisIS recycling into another use.
This morning I had 8 Eggo buttermilk waffles. I toasted them in medium and used a real maple syrup on top. The best I’ve had in a long time! Of course I had to go back to bed and take an hour nap, but I slept so good and feel great.
😂😂😂😂 🏆
Okay
What ? ... Huh ? ...
Did I miss something here... ? ...
What does THAT have to do with
ANYTHING !!! ???? !!!
@@jeanettedavis-fb6zj
😂😂😂...nothing at all.
@@jeanettedavis-fb6zjRead between the lines Jeanette,there's a very deep and important message for all of mankind in that comment
A trick I use when potting a plant is to use the original pot to make a space in the new pot. Put a layer of soil in the new pot. Take the plant and root ball out of the original pot. Place the old pot inside the new pot and fill round with soil. Take out the old pot and you now have a perfect space to replant the root ball, after a bit of teasing out. Firm in the plant and water.
I do that too
That's a brilliant idea!
@@whoswhoo Me too
somehow i just don’t understand this: original pot, old pot and new pot? Put old pot in new pot fill with soil and then take it out??? what??!
@@tinacaraco1893 🙂 Yes it appears to be nonsense but essentially when you are repotting a plant into a bigger pot you use the original pot to form a perfect size hole in the soil in the new pot for the plant. It just makes life easier.
Hi bro, there is a possibility of water staying too long in the pot which may result in root rot or fungus development.
My thoughts too. Just don't water as often as usual!
@@loripatterson7882 depends on your climate. In hot tropical places, damn soil saves the plants. I would not use those sponges in soil for food but anyt sponge like it works for non edible plants.
I am so happy to watch this video and it will be a great help for my plants if ever I will be away and won't worry they dried if not watered for few days.
Thinking I'll use this idea for hanging baskets in the spring since they are hard to water and dry out fast
This is a great idea for hanging baskets. I'm going to try it. Thanks 👍
The sponge will soak up water and could cause fungal infection and root rot
Even without the sponge, if you overwater the plant and soak up the soil with water for a day or two, you will have fungal infection and root rot. The idea of incorporating pieces of sponge is to improve soil aeration, water retention and drainage, just like what the sponge rock, perlite or vermiculite does in the soil mix.
NO!
When I use decorative pots without drainage holes, I put these sponges at the bottom of them, and place the pot with the plant in, on top. That helps to avoid accidental overwatering.
Now thats a good idea only if u change spo 5:28 nge on regular basis though as that too will go mouldy and put old sponge in recycle bin
Interesting topic. Yes plants love an airy medium to grow in. But should we all be throwing old sponge into soil like it's a landfill site? I don't think so lol, those chemicals could slowly breakdown and poisen you.
I heartily endorse this method - I've been doing it for a few years!!!! My great great great grandfather showed it to me and I don't have to buy any sponges anymore. My plants fruit regularly and the harvest is amazing. Up to 30 new sponges at a time. Think of the money that saves me - absolutely pure gold.
Here's a great tip for everyone. If you like doing mosaics but can't afford tiles (they are expensive), simply use broken egg shells (remove the eggs first and use them for omelettes (yum) or fried eggs or scrambled but not boiled) and break into mosaic sized pieces. Have fun!!!!!
UPDATE 10th Jan
Harvested 27 sponges today with a few more ready to fruit soon!
@user-te7nz2ek9u Your gran speaks a lot of truth as Sponges are the devils work but hey the devil has the best music so they say, so it makes sense that the devil knows a thing or two about washing up. As for gooses don't get me started on them. Ate one for Christmas day at my great great great grandfathers house and he only went and overcooked it. Shame because the rest of the meal was nice. He certainly puts on a good spread for everyone. There were 27 of us round his table and none of us were hungry.
@user-te7nz2ek9u Wow that is really cool. Does that mean if I plant the sponges in a pot I'll get potatos or geese sprouting. Or both or some weird goose potato hybrid. I've got to try that, must get a large pot those geese might be a bit cramped as they grow.
Here's another great tip for everyone. When you cook some eggs, put all the shells aside and when you have say 83, grind them up and use as a facial exfoliator. Saves millions of pounds a year!!!!!!!!!!
@user-te7nz2ek9u Our ancestors really did have some great methods, it's good to see that these traditions are being kept alive.
Here's a great recipe for all the family that my great great great grandfather who is 57 has cooked every day for the last seven decades. It only uses one ingredient and is ready in 10 minutes - your family will be so surprised when they taste it. Best cake ever.
Slice an apple and put it in a frying pan with some peeled oranges. Pour over boiling water and cook away for 20 minutes. Pour off water and add a tin of condensed milk, some sifted flour, an unspecified amount of cinnamon, 2 jars of saffron, 1kg of plain yoghurt, and simmer carefully for 1 hour 24 minutes. Then add some melted chocolate over the top, put a lid on and boil for 18 minutes 36 seconds. Immediately remove from heat and cool. Then pour over 17 eggs you have whisked the day before. Pour on top and whisper gently to it. Then put in the oven for 33 minutes 19 seconds at a reasonable temperature. Take out of oven, cool and throw onto serving plate decoratively. Throw over some icing sugar and yoi have the best cake ever. Good for breakfast, dinner, supper (not lunch). I eat it twice a day and my family and friends are quite used to it.
@nealmorse6 lol
Your great great great grandfather came to you in your dreams? Or was he a vampire? Or does your women in your family constantly give birth when they are aroun 12-13 yo? The method seems nice but migh be hard to understand if your soil is dry or it has tones of water soaked by the sponges on the roots so it may cause root decay me thinks.
Hi! Jeannie from Lakeport California here. I love tips like this, have always been a recycle nut, just ask my elderly clients!! I started in the 1970's, after a commercial showing an Indian brave crying, looking at garbage everywhere. I am 60 now. I woke up a lot of people to, if you do nothing else, just recycle. Some, refused, so I kept going thru their garbage myself. They started eventually. Some of their neighbors even started leaving me bags of recycling, cuz their apartments did not have cans, yet. They started bugging the manager to get big cans!! It took time, no one likes change, but it did happen! Please, everyone, at least recycle, cleaning of our rivers is starting, let's all help, by just recycling....
Recycling is a scam perpetuated by the plastics industry. Look into it. Barely anything is recycled, save glass and aluminum.
Recycling is great but do it in a sensible way
I have been doing this for years.I just put a piece of sponge over the base of the pot. I am an addicted gardener and this has never caused any problems..😊
Its a really good idea for trying to keep your plants moisture levels up, but, its going to introduce all opportunities for mold and fungus, and toxins from the decomposing plastic. I would like to recommend growing a couple of luffa plants. The luffas when dried become sponges for cleaning everything, and the used sponges can be used in your plants (please bleach the sponge to kill any bacteria). Great idea, just needs a few tweeks.
Excellent suggestion this. And its natural too.
plastic does not decompose ....
I have been repotting my plants and replacing the heavy rocks at the bottom with another upside down pot but this is brilliant
🤠 it's a breakthrough which holds and controls water without wasting or spilling out. It also retains the moisture of the manure used for long time without drying. The spong never interacts to atmospheric changes.
Thank you so much for a great idea. I always have trouble keeping soil in pots moist and I am always throwing those scourers out. Good on you.
Amazing idea Defiantly I will try it this summer I live in NJ USA I plant a lot of flowers and vegetables and I don’t go on vacation because of my garden It is huge and no body wants to come and water them for me I hope it’s going to work for me Thanks again
I'd be careful about doing this with vegetables as they could absorb the plastic that those sponges are made out of. And you don't want to be eating plastic. We have enough of that with all the plastic they put in our food!
Thank you for sharing I hope people will think before they try it
@@hayatthompson5618 No worries. I don't want to sound negative as in theory it's a good idea, but I had to say something as I wouldn't want anyone who had gone to the trouble of growing their own veg to still end up with microplastics in your food.
No dont
Thank U ~going to give it a try and check how my plants grow ~it's always good to learn how to use stuff we throw away and put them to good use. Durban South Africa
Better not use sponges ...we have just too much plastic in our world...
I think that if you don't want to mix the sponge into the soil, you could let the sponge pieces sit on the surface of the soil mixed with a layer of woodchips to help keep the soil from losing water so rapidly in hotter weather.
or just put them as an unmixed bottom or midway layer, acting as a reservoir for moisture for the soil surrounding the sponge layer.
Actually, you can lay down a piece of black plastic garbage bag on your soil, cut a hole and to let your plant grow through it. It prevents the soil moisture from evaporating, maintains the warm temperature in the soil, and prevents weed from spouting.
I glue these sponges together to make a big one. This big sponge I use to smoothen out my walls after plastering them with cement.
Reuse is great but this is also how microplastics get into our environment. Doing this with potted plants is one thing but in the garden, it will introduce microplastics into the water table. Of course, there's already miçroplastics everywhere, even in Antarctica...
Yes - and microplastics have been found in breast milk and in human blood.
Half a sponge isn’t going to impact anything. Get a life.
@@bizbizley Sigh, what a little mind. Advocating a use is not about the use of just a half sponge but many. It seems that you're the one in need of a life if that's the only ad-hominem argument you could conceive of.
I was wondering the same about the micro plastics as have thought of doing this but not tried it for that reason. I wonder if any research has been done that would have info?
@@ottochristensen4841 ooo my
I don't know how many sponges I threw away, I like this idea. My name is Kefilwe from South Africa Gauteng. I recently grew love for gardening, vegetables. Thank you for this video
Genius idea! Why on earth didn't I know this before? Thank you. Anna from England
Most stupid and silly idea of using that crap in your flower pots. Absolutely shocking. Never ever anyone do that. It will cause rot and the roots will grow through this crap.Get rotten 99%
Most people would rather hear talking and not have to read an explanation of something. It’s still a good idea for house plants. Maybe short term because sponges smell when they don’t dry out properly.
I bring my Angel wing begonias inside for winter and they tend to dry out fast,if this works for them i will be sold.Thanks for sharing!
Brilliant tip! Thanks for sharing!
Great video. Had no idea those sponges were so helpful. I have several I saved for clean ups in garage. I will start doing this
Greetings from Los Angeles 👌🏻😀
Seems like a brilliant idea. However, how long have you been doing this? I ask that because of the possibility of the elephant in the room the possibility of root rot by the sponges holding the moisture. So if you have been doing it for months with no problems on all types of plants then it is all good!
When I lived in Az in the 90's I did this. Now I live in a different climate I no longer because like you I'm afraid of root rot.
Does this person respond? I haven't seen any responses
@@lindasands1433 I'm sure he doesn't and my hypothesis is that's because he hasn't done this, it's just something he saw somewhere else or a not practiced idea of his done for likes and content
@@edomarpez1840 could be
Thank you it’s my first time growing I have nearly 20 plants and Iv been incorporating loads of techniques Iv found online.. copper and bamboo electro culture ext and my plants are growing like crazy! Weirdly enough I just repotted a few plants and I have a few more to do I said to my dad… “we should put stones and or sticks at the bottom to help with draining and he was like meh never done that before… and I was right! I have a few more to repot now and ima use my old sponges thanks
Edit: sponges = plastic and we get enough of that second hand theu everything we touch in gonna use a few sticks
Makes sense to me! It uses less soil to pot it up and probably makes it easier to transplant the next time also!
Thank you from Twig, MN, USA!
You liar
hi , please read other comments to see why it is actually a Very DUMB idea. maybe sort comments by newest.. xx
Love this idea so so much!!!! I am always throwing out those exact sponges when they get greasy. I’m going to try this on another hack. Growing roses from rose hips. Thanks from australia.
Please don't put petrochemical products in your soil. 🤦♂️It's a stupid idea.
Hi. Thanks for this informative video. Watching from Mauritius.
You forgot to put the green bit at the bottom of the pot to stop soil coming out 😉
Your plants looks pretty & healthy🎉😍💖👍💐
Good for plants that require frequent watering so you would have to water less often . Not for all plants
Interesting I would not have thought of this. Thank you and have a great day
Very useful materia, but the problem the toxic side and the micro plastic. :(
pls use luffa pumpkin or hemp fiber, maybe the rockwool in too better from plastic(not the glass fibert)
Thank you the fantastic tip will pass this in to me dad much love from Liverpool 🇬🇧
I live in a dry area. I have been mulching and composing heavily for the past year. The soil texture and nutrient profile has improved a lot. This hack will take it even further with moisture retention, especially since there are rules in place preventing us from using municipal water for gardening.
Thank you very much for sharing this.
Take more baths, use this water for your plants. The soap wont hurt most plants.
👍🏻👍🏻I’m from Ahmedabad , India , I’m beginner and learned new idea to maintain moisture in plant soil
That makes perfect sense ,I have one question though, can I replant my fern like that as well??
Thank you !!
Hey 👋 thanks for the tips have great day 🎉
actually the filter floss and sponges that I kept inside my pond filter outside without a cover occasionally promotes a free place for some wild plants to grow in it. I was surprised at first since I have no idea that a plant can grow in a sponge or filter without any soil, but the plants that was growing are not the same thing as my aquatic plants.
You can literally just pause it
Growing in water. Isn't that hydro farming?
Water cress does very well without soil
I have read some of the comments, but one that concerns me and you even touch on the topic. Sponges are made of chemicals and plastics, not environmentally safe and semi safe in small doses could be acceptable, but how safe do you feel eating the fruits and vegetables after they have absorbed the chemicals from the Sponges right into the root system and into the plant. It's a great idea, but have you looked at how safe it is. I grow because it's cheaper and safer to eat if we don't grow with commercial practice.... that's adding chemicals to our plants
This could have easily been one-minute video, tops.
Merci! Du Québec au Canada👍👍👍
If the plants are edible, wouldn’t micro-filaments of plastic be absorbed by the plant? Would the micro-filaments negatively impact non-edible plants in any way?
What about cocopeat
@@devanshsumariya
I am not sure of your meaning. Surely you do not suggest one justifies the other? I would appreciate your clarification.
Thank you for your reply.
-sjb
@@stevenjbetohey!
if you are willing to understand, then search for it! 🙂
We injest microplastics as it is. The plant will take the microplasic particles. It will go in the food. I wouldn't use old sponges for edible plants. I don't understand why the ignorance is coming back at you for your valid point. Otherwise, it's a great idea for non edible plants.
Yea we should use cocopeat instead of this
@ Andjelka
HVALA, SUPER IDEJA,
DA , MI BACIMO I UNISTAVAMO PRIRODU.
POZDRAV
And that's how you develop root rot 👍
You should know the causes of root rot .
Valuable information! D sponge has been put 2 multiple use.
Thanks 4 sharing dis tip.
Hope 2 hear more tips. 💐
I wouldn't put this sponge in soil. Mine mildews easily just from staying wet from kitchen use.
Mildews don't grow on sponge. It's the food particles that you lazily don't squeeze and clean out after each use.
Hello respected,
I am from Hisar, Haryana, India watching your video download by you about save the environment and re use of sponge,in our garden pots, take best wishes and regards.
That's not a good idea at all!
Why
I was about to say the same thing.
@@paulr7028 roots hate being soaking wet. The sponges will retain too much water and rot the roots. It’s best to let the soil dry a bit between each watering. Also could introduce mold.
@@OkiDingoand if you are usyplastic potss you need to be very careful when watering, it’s takes the soil longer to dry out between watering and if you have sponges in the pots it will take even longer.
Just put a cocopeat layer
Great recycling tip showing love for Earth. From COlorado USA
To my eyes, that sponge looks brand new
Whow this is brilliant in going to try this when I plant ❤❤❤👍
I actually did this with an herb garden. A layer sponge, rocks and soil. However, the sponge I used deteriorated. I was shocked because I didn't think it was biodegradable. However, it wasn't the kind that you used. It was a cheap version of the scotch brite kind. So perhaps there's something about that kind of sponge. Idk.
You're eating chemicals then...
@@modestoca25Right. That's what I was thinking too. No good.
Foam and plastics have no place in the garden. You'll just have a bunch of micro pollution being absorbed into your veggies. 🤦♂️🤣
@@rustic35 all your food is wrapped and packaged in plastic, your milk and drinks as well. Unless you live on a actual farm to no ingest plastics daily is impossible. However I agree that if you are growing herbs or even some of your own food the last thing you want to add is decomposing plastics to it.
You remember that experiment In elementary school where you take the celery and place in water with food coloring? And watch them take on the different colors?
@@brianfitch5469 no, all my food is not wrapped in plastic and definitely not dish sponges. I'm guessing you're from the US? No we don't have elementary school, whatever that is and no we didn't do any celery/colour test in school.
The plastic used for milk and whatnot is bpa free and classed as food safe and is nothing like dish sponge.
I'm in Australia and we have great food standards plus, I grow, produce and catch most of my food. 🤷♂️
The only things going into my garden and compost are plants, seeds and organic material.
A lot of good information being shared. I will use what I learn and try my best to grow some edible plants.
You are using a brand new one, that's hardly recycling. Question is one can safely use an old one when it may have acquired grease and cleaning products
WOW! That is a wonderful hack that I will use this year.
Root rot is a worry that even I had while watching this and was surprised that others picked on it too. However reading others comments and their successes with it I think that as long as you don’t totally cover the base with sponge it should work fine as you have effectively made pools of water here and there and not an entire water logged base level. Just note how much sponge is used in the demonstration and how much of the base was covered by it.
Root rot would only happen if you over watered. like watering while you still have run off in the base tray. if you only water when its dry root rot or mould shouldn't be an issue.
Yes, rot is an issue! Also, providing too much moisture to plants that need drying process in order to bloom like zygocactus (aka Christmas cactus), crown of thorns, orchids and more. Rosemary and succulents who prefer drier, would definitely get root rot. And with PCBs found in some sponges, not good for edible plants.
Thanks for this great idea from Nova Scotia, Canada 🍁
In settings, under playback speed, you can increase or decrease the speed of an individual video to suit your needs.
I've seen used baby diapers used and they are quite effective they hold water for quite some time great to use in drought stricken areas
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. That's the mantra. You show us how!
MICROPLASTIC NIGHTMARE
Alors la..BRAVO..BRAVO..
JE NE CONNAISSAIT PAS..
EN PLUS JE VIENS DE CHANGER LA TERRE DE MES PLANTES????
MERCI JE VAIS SUIVRE VOTRE CONSEIL QUI EST EVIDENT
MERCI DE ...LYON/FRANCE❤❤❤❤
I try not to use any plastics in the soils I use and remove any I do find so I'll never do as you suggest.
Great information learned something new about sponges. Greetings From Tony in San Jose, California U.S.A.
Cud have finished the video under 2 minutes !
It was at a snails pace I lost interest and read the comments instead 😂
Love this and it made so much sense, especially on the long trips away, thanks for sharing!!!! ♥️🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago!
Too much writing. Is 3:55 and I had enough and I'm very interested in the subject. Why don't you speak for God sake? Is impossible to read all. I've been stopping and playing and stopping and playing and I'm fed up 😵💫
then dont watch bruh
@masterCRISTINA otherwise known as a Karen. If their native tongue wasn't understandable then you'd bitc and suggest it all be written & not spoken Right Karen?
Very nice idea. I did not see before. Tnx. Please show more like this for hanging busket. Save water summer time. Won’t to need every day water need
Don't bother with this hack. The sponges break down over watering and doesn't help keep the plant moist or nourished. I tried it, it didn't work.
To help a plant water itself, find a UA-cam video showing how to use a rope in a potted plant to make it self-watering. Works very well.
You don't clearly get the big idea.
@@juanitosanpedro1906you tell me the 'clear idea'.
Yes!!! Wicking pots are the bomb!
@@thegiftlady1 yes they are, love this watering system.
Thank you from NZ and I love all your tips
I always did wonder what the point was in using the sponges and now I see how they can help the soil stay moist even when we’re going out of station and worry about our plants drying before we return home. Thank you
Good idea. Never thought of this b4. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this i can used the old sponges
Идея интересная, надо попробовать, спасибо.
Cheers, what a great idea, especially for my hanging baskets.
Hi! I'm Mani! Greetings from India! I'll definitely try this in my pot of mint plant
Please don't, then you have microplastic in your tea...🙈
Thanks for sharing your video, keep growing from South Africa🎉✨️
Just use red mud bricks. Crackle them into equal halves and place them at the base. Choose a brick size basis the size of your pot. The best Indian way to ensure water doesn’t profusely deep beneath as well as preserves the chemical balance of the soil (plastic microfibres are awful, I agree)
thanks a million for not adding background music
Great when on holiday during those summer weeks
Hello, I am calling from Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire in the UK. What a wonderful channel you have. I am 67 and believe it or not I am new to gardening and I love it. What have I been missing all these years. Great idea to use the sponges like that.well done. I shall be watching your videos from now on. Thank you so much. 🙂👍
From England good tip 😊xthank you will try this
Or you could put layers in the base of the plant pot & sit the pot on the sponges in the base with water.
I think the plant will grow mould & die. Keep us updated with this method.
I’ll use that idea here in TX Pretty clever
Truly amazing and Thank you for sharing 👍🪴👍🪴👍
Brilliant way to repurpose old sponges!
Good to know! Thank you for your video! Does this work for the winter months also?
I see the pieces of sponge cleaned… good👍 Then they stay among the roots for next repotting. Do you put in another layer next repotting? And for a new pot the green piece in the bottom to keep soul from leaking out the holes when watering👍
Thank you for the very good information i'm about to throw the old sponge
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing from Mexico.