A formulation for preparing a hydrogel for watering plants includes carboxymethyl cellulose and a dispersant. The dispersant disperses the carboxymethyl cellulose on addition of water thereby preventing formation of aggregates. The dispersant can be vermiculite, perlite, pectin, maltodextrin, guar gum, xanthan gum, or seaweed extract. A hydrogel for watering plants can be prepared by adding water to the formulation and mixing, and a method of forming the hydrogel is described. A pouch for watering plants contains the formulation and, when opened, water is added to form the hydrogel. A pot containing a plant in a plant-supporting matrix is placed in the pouch.
