How to Water Living Soil: Which Water, How Much and How Often

Watering living soil is the one job you still have – so it is worth doing it well. The good news: it is simple. In this guide: which water to use, how much, how often, and the most common watering mistakes.

Which water: chlorine-free

Living soil is full of microorganisms, and chlorine is made to kill microorganisms. So use chlorine-free water:

• rainwater, or
• tap water that has stood for 24 hours in an open container.

No pH adjustment is needed with Monster Soil and you don’t add any nutrients to the water.

How much: evenly moist, never soaking

The goal is soil that is evenly moist all the way through, without standing water. Roots and soil life both need air as well as water. Water slowly and spread it over the whole surface, so the water reaches the entire root zone instead of running straight down one side.

How often: check, don’t schedule

There is no fixed schedule – a small seedling drinks far less than a big plant in full bloom, and a warm room dries out faster than a cool one. Check before you water:

• Finger test: push a finger a few centimetres into the soil. Dry? Time to water. Still moist? Wait.
• Weight test: lift the pot right after watering and again later. You will quickly learn what “needs water” feels like.

How to water living soil in the Monster Soil Pot

The lid of the Monster Soil Pot doubles as a saucer. Use it to catch excess water – and empty it if water is still standing in it, so the bottom of the pot doesn’t stay soaked.

Common watering mistakes

• Overwatering – the most common one. Constantly wet soil pushes out the air that roots and soil life need.
• Letting the soil dry out completely – the soil life needs moisture to stay active.
• Fresh tap water – let it stand first.
• Adding nutrients to the water – not needed with Monster Soil.

New to living soil? Start with Living soil for beginners.

Want to see it in practice? Follow test grower Grünblick growing with Monster Soil on YouTube (videos in German).