You did not mention what you used for a potting medium, but I never use the gel or moisture soil. If you need to water daily why not install a watering system? Many are available for containers, and quite reasonable. Al

You have to be careful or you get awful little kernals that will dry the heck out of you medium because they weren't wetted before adding them to the soil. Put some granules in a cup of water and see just how big they get and how much water they absorb. I don't use them in pots at all. I have used them before and you really need to make sure to hydrate them completely before use and then never let them dry out.

I would just return them.

Well, I guess according to your remarks, it will have to be the old watering method. In self-defense, need to add that I used to be able to do all you suggest, but times have changed and in order to do a little, I was looking for a way of help. I would love to be able to put in a watering system, but it is not possible. Barb