Water crystals are polymer-based crystals that absorb and slowly release water, acting like tiny sponges in the soil. They’re especially useful in containers, raised beds, and sandy soils where water ...

Then you’ll use water stored in the hydrogels to grow new plants. Water-loving hydrogel beads swell when they absorb water and shrink when they release it. Credit: Kathy Ceceri Start your ...

They were created by a team of Brazilian scientists, who started by producing a solid piece of water-soluble ... as an added bonus, the beads may also help plants grow by aerating their roots.