That said .. most garden supply stores have the dry water crystals for helping to hold moisture in your plants. They are a bit jagged looking when fully rehydrated. These are not cheap but I am going to tell you of something you CAN do with them fun and wonderfully smelly!!

Moisture Crystals can be found in small packets and pricey big containers. Start small and if you have fun then go big.

When rehydrating the crystals add food coloring & Essential Oils/Fragrance to a small tablespoon or 2 and let sit to soak for several hours. One small spoon full will grow ALOT so start very small and let them fully hydrate!!!! I adjust the scent after draining and before I drop them into the mason jars.

Put the now “Smelly Jelly” into small (I use pint) mason jars. Cover with lace and the ring cover so the scent can come out. Use the mason jar lid to seal it when not in use and add water when it starts to dry out. Paint & decorate as you want.

These were popular gifts back in the 70′s and 80′s .. I really don’t know anyone making them often now.

Will work as an air freshener for quite awhile. Make nice gifts. Will last for 6-12 months and then just make new ones. Note: Cinnamon Essential Oil (EO) actually dissolves the jellies into mush fairly quickly(ugly sticky mess!) so I wouldn’t use it again but I have used many other types of EOs and they work nicely. I am allergic to chemical fragrances personally but most of you can use any scent that is a pleasure to you. Smelly Jellies are quick, easy, and fun to watch grow.

When used up/old I usually rinse/wash the crystals very good hoping I can toss into garden compost for continued usage. But remember to check on whatever scent/EO you used before reusing in your garden area! Be smart and be safe.

Hope that gives you a science experiment which will be fun and a nice gift too!! The Granny Geek – Laurie