Should You Try TikTok's Orbeez Hack In Your Garden?

One of the challenging aspects of gardening is regulating the amount of moisture you need to give your plants. Water requirements vary between plant species and, even if you follow expert advice to the letter, you can still mess it up. Some people make the mistake of watering their gardens in strict routines without taking the soil conditions into consideration. Others are a little lazy, and — let's face it — we've all been there. In its usual fashion, social media has tried to mitigate this issue. In a bid to curb every single watering dilemma, TikTok users are suggesting using Orbeez water beads. Because of the beads' chemical makeup, they can retain water and release it efficiently, making them a useful tool in the garden.

Orbeez beads are made of super absorbent polymers that swell up when activated with water and also release the water when placed in a container. Because the water bonds with the structure of the beads instead of being engulfed by it, it is increasingly being considered to be a potential garden asset. Orbeez can grow up to a diameter of 14 millimeters, which means more water for your garden. When the soil is dry, the beads instinctively respond by releasing some of that moisture. Naturally, there are some concerns about the nature of the beads, as some other types of water beads are known to be quite toxic.

Orbeez leaves no room for debate when it comes to the question of the safety of its products. The water bead company boasts of being a non-toxic brand whose beads are composed of biodegradable material. It is not likely to pose any threat to the health of your garden and you can eat what you harvest.

The procedure is simple enough. TikTok outdoors enthusiast @thesophisticatedcaveman mixes activated Orbeez beads into his garden soil for water regulation. When it's time to water your plants, you can check if the soil is dry by sticking your finger into the ground. If it's cool and moist and the beads are still swollen, you don't need to water. If the ground is dry and warm and the beads have reduced in size, it may be time for a little drink.

While Orbeez are environmentally friendly, they still come with their hazards. Orbeez are at risk of developing mold growth if not kept fresh. Also, due to their bright colors, local wildlife may mistake them for food and try to gobble them down. Your kids or pets could do the same. While Orbeez beads break down in the digestive system, they can still constitute a choking hazard. They can also swell up internally, causing severe damage. Currently, per Consumer Reports, the manufacturer of Orbeez is part of a class action lawsuit because of the dangers they pose to children. Many big box retailers are reported to have discontinued sales of water bead products as a result of the safety risk they pose (via ABC 7 KRCR). If you choose to use water beads, you can bury the balls deep enough so they are no longer accessible. If you have an outdoor pet or wildlife around that loves digging up treasure, keep them away from the garden.