wetting dry soil

Can you suggest any soil wetting agents? I've found many on the internet but would like some input from unbiased DGers. Last year I added worm poop to my potting soil for containers. In the fall I repotted many of them because they were staying quite moist and I read the thread on soils for containers. I also have hydrophobic soil in my yard/ landscape and while I am watering my new trees thoroughly, the soil is still dry around the ones that are not doing well. I tried adding soap around the tree but I'm not sure it helped.

Thanks,

Maggie

IMHO, a few drops of dishwashing soapis probably your most effective and safest wetting agent....and it's hard to beat the price.