best mix to up pot?

[pointer80]

Hello all, Just wondering what is the best mix to use when up potting my seedlings? Also should I add anything? Thanks

[PaulF]

Since I use a regular soilless mix potting soil to start seeds, when it is time to re-pot or pot-up I use the same mix. This year it was Miracle-Gro with fertilizer added. The fertilizer is very small amount and does not damage seedlings. When the regular without fertilizer soilless mix is used I add a little plant food, (the blue powder that mixes into water) in a weak solution, to the water once or twice after pot-up. If everything looks healthy omit the plant food in the water.

[kayjay]

Hi. The last few years, I've used Miracle Gro seed starting mix like PaulF, and my results were fine. I'm using a similar one this year, Jiffy brand. Same idea - seed starting mix with just tiny amounts of fertilizer. I'm doing tomatoes and peppers so I added some more fertilizer after the second set of true leaves appeared (before up-potting). Just a weak amount - not as strong as what's on the label. The plants look good and healthy after up-potting.

(ETA) After up-potting, I try to leave them alone for a while. No light for 8 hrs, just some water, and let them get over the shock. I'd wait until they bounce back before fertilizing.

[digitS']

If you would like to mix your own, the National Center for Appropriate Technology has a good number of recipes (scroll down more than half way for the recipes):

Potting Mixes, Organic

I use one of these for perennials each year so as to make good use of my compost and left-over peat moss from storing dahlias through the winter.

Steve

[jal_ut]

Potting mixes use such things as: aged bark (or composted forest products. sawdust, shavings), perlite, vermiculite, lime, sphagnum peat moss. Guess you can buy a bag of something at Wally World or mix up something on your own? Have fun!

[applestar]

This year, I’m trying Coast of Maine Bar Harbor blend, 2 cu.ft. bags ordered shipped to store from TruValue. So far very good results, though it seemed a bit heavy for initial starts/seedlings — compensated with vermiculite on top, then sand grain DE for first uppot.

I’d love to try the Penobscot blend, but haven’t found good price for those.

[pointer80]

Thanks a lot guy's. Very helpful as always