Soil which has been exposed to the hot, dry conditions that have been experienced recently in much of Australia can become resistant to water. Even after heavy falls of rain or deep watering, soil that is water resistant will remain dry just below the surface. Both naturally occurring soils and those imported from a landscape supplier are at risk of water resistance.

If you are watering or have experienced some recent rains but notice that plants still appear to be dry or wilting it is important to check your soil. To do this scrape back the surface layers to see if water is penetrating the soil. If the soil is remaining dry you need to apply a soil wetting agent to rectify the problem.

Soil wetting agents are available at garden centres and some hardware stores and include:

Wettasoil: a liquid that is mixed with water via a hose dispenser or watering can and watered over the soil. The Wettasoil 2 litre hose applicator costs around $23 while a 500mL concentrate costs around $10. 

Debco Saturaid: a powdered product that is sprinkled over the soil surface or mixed with potting mix and then watered in. The 50g packet costs $1.95, the 300g packet costs $5.95, the 750g packet costs about $12 and the 4kg box costs about $20.

It may be necessary to repeat the application after 12 months.