As the UK swelters in the midst of a heatwave, now is the perfect time to take back some control over water management on the nursery with H2Gro – says ICL area technical sales manager, Steve Chapman.

Marking the launch of its new water management website, ICL is giving away 1litre sample bottles of H2Gro liquid. To request a sample, visit https://lp.icl-sf.com/uk-en/H2Gro (stocks are limited).

‘You never miss the water until the well runs dry’ seems particularly apt given the current extremely hot and dry weather and the industry’s need to conserve water resources from a cost and availability perspective,” says Steve.

“Many growers are facing a range of watering conundrums which are set to get worse over the coming weeks. However, many of these challenges can be alleviated, or rectified, using our advanced wetting and water conservation agent. H2Gro helps guard against plant stress while saving growers time, money and precious water resources.  In this heatwave, some growers with limited water supplies are already using it daily, at rates as low as 5ml per 1000litres, and getting great results.”   

Employing the latest technologies, H2Gro contains a unique blend of surfactants formulated into an advanced wetting agent to aid water management in growing media. Available in a granular or liquid formulation, it has a 3-in-1 mode of action improving wetting and spreading, penetration and rewetting – even in water repellent material.  

“H2Gro is a reliable and handy solution for plants growing at the edges of bed, or along the sides of tunnels – where pots tend to dry out faster,” says Steve. “Also, in crops growing quicker than those surrounding them. H2Gro provides a simple, proven solution – helping reduce rewetting time and the volume of water required.”

H2Gro granules are routinely incorporated into Levington Advance sustainable mixes to improve water management and, depending on the rate, can deliver full-season benefits. This is particularly important as growers reduce reliance on peat and adopt higher percentages of wood-based products which are naturally less hydrophilic (water-loving).

“H2Gro liquid goes hand in hand with water-soluble fertilizer programmes,” says Steve.  “Even at the lowest recommended rate, 5ml per 1000L of water, it helps ensure the feed penetrates the growing media and gets exactly where you want it - in the pot, where roots can take it up, and certainly not running away down the drain.”

Last, but not least, H2Gro has a role to play at dispatch.  “Plants can sit for long periods without being irrigated - over a weekend or on a lorry in hot weather,” says Steve. “Adding H2Gro to the water pre-dispatch helps ensure every bit of the growing media is fully wetted up before leaving the nursery - ultimately helping to improve the shelf life.”