I'm not a total expert when it comes to growing mediums, but I've experienced that kind of total desiccation more than once when I first used a mix suggested on another website that was a mostly peat-based mix. What I've done is submerged the plants into a plastic storage bin, or somehow plugged the holes if the containers were too large, and added a lot of water. After letting it soak for 20 minutes to an hour, if all the water was gone, I'd keep coming back and adding more until the soil stopped absorbing it. Then I'd let it drain. I think what happens is peat, and to a lesser extent wood mulch, becomes hydrophobic if it's allowed to totally dry out.

I'm sure someone else could chime in with a better suggestion, but one way to avoid this is to soak the medium before planting, and have a regular watering schedule, maybe even mulching the top to slow the evaporation.

Thanks! I was actually considering doing that but this is just way too heavy for me to lift full of water. Glad to hear it is not my imagination it has become hydrophobic. Maybe I should just plug the bottom when I water and let it soak for a bit then let it drain? I've taken to watering lightly for short periods (say every 5 mins) until the pot gets heavier but I still find huge dry areas afterwards.

You have to soak it. Otherwise the water will never get to the center. I have had to soak aloes planted in a brick of dry peat overnight in order to wet the entire root ball.

You could also purchase a wetting agent, like Coco-wet. Try poking a pin hole in a gallon of water, or another appropriate size container, so water barely drips out of the hole. onto the top of the soil. You might need to move it several times to get the entire soil mass wet, but a slow drip irrigation will also work. Avoid any soaps or detergents as a wetting agent, in case that is suggested.

Al

Thanks! This is all very helpful.

I think the slow drip jug might be my best option, that sounds more convenient than trying to plug the bottom. Luckily the plants seem to be hanging in there and growing, just not as fast as my ones in the ground.