Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating sand or soil to condition it so as to improve its water retention for the germination of seeds, the method comprising applying to the sand or soil a polymer composition in a sufficient amount to provide from about 0.01 to about 0.5 parts of polymer to 100 parts of sand or soil, the amount being determined to ensure that the individual particles or groups of particles of the sand or soil are rendered non-wetting and that the particles retain the non-wetting properties even when they are not aggregated but are free-flowing.