Soil not absorbing water

Dear GC amateur experts,

I have inherited a few large pots from a friend filled with a peculiar slightly sandy soil. My friend said it was a branded topsoil. I watered, but noticed the water wasnt draining well, then after a few minutes when it had drained I stuck my finger in to see what its consistency was like, only to find the soil below 1mm was completely bone dry and even looked hydrophobic! Soil that doesnt absorb water? Im suprised the plants in them arent dessicated I really soaked them and it didnt make a difference.
Whats going on here? How to fix!!
- Adam

 

Many commercial composts have a wetting agent added. When a soil or potting medium is bone dry water will often run straight through. Stand the pots in a tray or large plant saucer, water again, it will run through but then given time it should absorb in from the tray. Otherwise add a few drops of washing up liquid to your water, this will act as a wetting agent.

 

I didnt know that. Interesting, I hope those wetting chemicals are friendly

Its about 50 litres of soil, I dont think ill be able to dunk them. Maybe if I haul them to a nearby river Lets see if soap does anything.

 

Just a small amount of washing up liquid is what I have done in the past.

Can you get a saucer under the pot so that it can catch what runs through and let it sit for a while.

 

The tiny amount of washing up liquid needed - literally just 3-4 drops in 10L will dilute any harsh chemicals.
I use shower gel on the very rare occasions I've needed a wetting agent - it contains fewer harsh chemicals - but you still only need a miniscule amount.
Don't use a shower gel that contains moisturiser though.