[sandra]

I'm with Mike on this boxerfan. Not all barks are created equal. Also, I think soaking time depends on where you live. If you're in hot, humid climate (like I am), moisture retention is never a big issue. I soak my bark around 3-4 hours and after I'm done soaking, I take the already wet bark, put it back in the bag and seal it tight. I don't know if you've read the threads here on "sphag. in a bag" but that theory applies to what I have successfully accomplished with the bark. Keeping it tightly sealed after it's soaked for a few hours, keeps my bark moisture retentive.