I’ve seen those water absorbing crystals that you can add to containers to help them retain moisture. Can I also use these crystals in regular beds of annuals? (I travel a lot and it’s tough to keep them watered on a regular basis).

Many gardeners have discovered that adding moisture-absorbing polymers to their planting mixes reduces watering frequently during the hot summer months…a big help with hanging baskets and outdoor pots.

These crystals look a lot like grains of salt when dry. They absorb many times their weight in water and swell into something that looks like a bite size piece of jello. In the soil, these crystals capture and store water, releasing it as needed to thirsty plants.

Their use need not be restricted only to containers. These polymers can make your summer watering chores much easier…especially if you have a fast-drying, sandy soil type. In general, about six pounds of polymer crystals should be added per 1000 square feet. One application lasts several months.

I have a large pot in which I planted petunias last summer. Can I reuse the soil in the pot to plant again this summer?

It is not recommended to reuse soil for more than one season if you use a heavy topsoil type mix. However, many “soiless” types of potting mixes, which are made up of Canadian peat, perlite and vermiculite can be partially reused if you follow these easy steps. Empty the soil from the containers into a large wheelbarrow. Break up any clumps of soil and gently turn mix with your hands. Let the soil air out in a dry place for 12 hours. Add the equivalent amount of fresh potting soil to your old mix to replenish nutrients that were lost over the season.

When planting annuals, I have seen and read that you should pinch off the flowers when you plant them. This supposedly prevents the flowers from going to seed so that the annual can spend its energy creating more and fuller blooms. Is this true? If so, are there any annuals that shouldn’t be pinched back?

Removing the flowers at the time of planting lets annuals concentrate their efforts on establishing healthy roots and vegetative growth. This procedure also helps pave the way for an abundance of flowers. Basically, all annuals will benefit from removing the blooms, including flower types such as snapdragons, salvia and zinnias.