Have you ever watered a thirsty plant only to watch the water rush through the soil without soaking in? The crunchy soil not only leaves your plants thirsty, it also damages the roots. This common issue is caused by hydrophobic soil, which repels water instead of absorbing it.

When soil gets too dry—whether in a potted plant or your garden—it loses its ability to retain moisture. The water beads up and drains away, leaving your plants struggling to get the water they need.

The fix? If your indoor plants have hydrophobic soil, try to water from the bottom. Place a saucer of water beneath the pot and let the soil slowly wick up moisture through capillary action—a natural force that helps water move from wet areas to dry ones, even against gravity.

It’s not just houseplants that suffer from dry soil. In your garden, bare soil loses moisture quickly, especially after a dry winter or fall. Mulch and leaf cover will drastically improve water retention in the soil. By leaving last season’s leaves or adding a fresh layer of mulch, you help the soil retain moisture, prevent runoff, and keep your plants healthy through the growing season.