Gardening Basics : How to Increase Moisture Retention of Garden Soil

One way to increase moisture retention in your soil is by adding compost. You can mix about 25-30 percent wood-based compost with 75-75 percent native soil. Make sure to mix them well together to avoid pockets of pure compost. Another option is to use peat moss, which is an excellent additive for moisture retention. It can absorb and hold onto water for a long time. However, be cautious when adding peat moss to clay soil, as it may hold too much water and drown your plants. Additionally, there are artificial means such as polymer crystals that can soak up water and hold up to 400 times their weight. These are best for pots, hanging baskets, or small areas. Just make sure to incorporate them well into the soil.