Question
Hello. My house plants repel water... A few weeks after transplanting into new Miracle Grow Potting Soil my plants repel water. The top of the soil seems hard and crusty. When I water no water goes into the soil. It takes the easiest route which is usually right down the inside of the pot. Can I use a wetting agent or have you any ideas for me? I am using untreated well water. Thanks for your time, Susan

Answer
Susan,

The soil you purchased has mostly peat moss in it. When it dries out too much it has to be soaked to rehydrate it. You will need to set the plant in a sink or tub full of water up to the rim of the pot and let it soak until it soaks up enough water to rehydrate the soil. In the future you need to not let the soil dry out quite that much. They need to get dry but not totally dry and crusty. Otherwise at that point you need to soak the plant whenever it is dry and crusty.  Good luck.

Darlene