What is it?
Hydrohog is solely made from a natural product which is grown on our farm in the UK; It is grown predominantly as a carbon-neutral energy crop for power stations to burn as an alternative to fossil fuels.
What are the benefits?
Hydrohog blocks retain a huge amount of water when fully hydrated. This allows the soil/compost to remain moist to benefit plant growth even through the driest of weather conditions. The Hydrohog Mulch slowly composts, releasing goodness into the plant. These benefits have been monitored for up to three years.
Can it be used for edible plants in human consumption.?
The Hydrohog blocks are a completely natural organic product containing no chemicals/additives or pesticides so are ideal for assisting in the growth of edible vegetables/fruits.
How often should I water when using the product?
Outdoor plants will need moisture checking in the soil occasionally in extremely dry (drought) weather; high water consumption plants like potatoes may need occasional watering if on the exposed ground but only after checking soil moisture.
Indoor plants depending on size and type will just need monitoring over time to become accustomed to their requirements of watering.
Lawns will keep hydrated from the dew each day which will top up the Hydrohogs moisture; only when there is no dew and prolonged dry conditions will it need watering. Whatever you grow, the time spent watering plants will be reduced to an absolute minimum, and the Hydrohog will also be feeding goodness into the plant.
Are there any plants it doesn’t suit?
Being a product to retain high levels of moisture it would not be suitable for plants which grow in dry arid conditions like cactus and also of no benefit to succulent plants.
How long does it benefit plant growth once added to the soil or compost.?
Testing has proven that it still benefits the plants after three years; moisture retention starts to diminish after three years as it composts away.
How long can I store the Hydrofeed blocks?
The blocks can be stored indefinitely if kept in dry storage. They are so absorbent they will absorb moisture in the atmosphere over time if kept in a slightly damp environment and may swell up or split, but this will not compromise their use.
Once I’ve added water, if I don’t use it all, how long before I have to use the leftover material?
The material once fully hydrated doesn’t have to be used straight away, it can be just left in a bucket or tipped on the garden in a heap to use at a later date, it will start to compost slowly over time and will eventually turn into a black humorous mulch after around a year but still very useable for retaining absorbency.
What happens if I don’t add enough water?
It is essential to add the recommended amount of water, 1 block/7 litres of water.
If not enough water is absorbed by the block it could draw moisture from the soil/compost that it is mixed with compromising the growth of the plant.
What happens if I add to much water?
It’s not a problem to add too much water with the Hydrofeed block; it will only absorb what it can, but over-watering may need to be drained off to prevent the soil from turning too wet.
Are there any chemicals/additives added to Hydrofeed?
No, it’s a natural eco-friendly carbon neutral product.
Can I put it in the soil and water after?
We highly recommend not putting the block into the soil and adding water after, the block is so absorbent it would pull the moisture out of the soil, compromising any plants nearby even if watered heavily after; once buried, it’s hard to know if it has become fully hydrated.
Is it harmful to pets?
There is nothing in the product that could be of harm to a pet unless it consumes a large amount of the product. Miscanthus is unpalatable to most animals, even including goats; pigs may chew at them through boredom. If you have a pet that chews anything, it would be best to keep it out of reach.
Is it flammable?
Yes, it’s made of dry matter, so it will burn if put on a fire; they do burn well and can be put on a log burner or used in a Rayburn-type cooker. Although its uses in horticulture are far more beneficial.
Does it alter the PH of the soil?
Hydrohog is PH neautral