trying out a new soil

[Ruffsta]

it may be cheap, but it's sterilized and organic... and it is really rich - no junk in it like the hyponex.. I wasn't pleased with miracle-gro seed starter either as far as appearence and water absorbency (water just sat on top for awhile)..

so, trying this out as of today.. I think I'll like it - I haven't used any potting so clean and fluffy/light such as this before. this absorbed the water the way I wanted it to.

[img]https://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7312/tytkn.jpg[/img]

[DoubleDogFarm]

Ruffsta,

Let use know how it's working. I googled and the one complaint, it becomes muddy. May need perlite


Eric

[Ruffsta]

hmm.. I have never used that before, so I'll have to look into it unles you can tell me more about perlite a lil.

[DoubleDogFarm]

Take a look at this thread.
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18177

and here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perlite


Eric

[wordwiz]

The warning bell is that it is potting soil, not potting mix. I like the latter much better to start seeds in. Potting soil tends to hold moisture longer as well as compact. I hope it works out great for you.

I needed some potting mix, was short on time, another snow storm was coming so I ended up buying a 16 quart bag at Family Dollar. $3.50. I filled a tray with it and sowed peas, broccoli, Chard and spinach. So far, it is working great - as good as Ferti-lome which is >$20 for 60 quarts.

Mike

[Ruffsta]

The dry dust of either product can be hazardous to your health.

then why would we want to use it? I think it's safer to just use potting soil as is lol

quick question tho.. say you have a styrofoam cup, how much perlite to you add/mix with the soil? just for example purposes...

[DoubleDogFarm]

ruffsta,

My seed starting mix is 1 cubic foot sphagnum peat moss and 4 quarts perlite.

so about 30 quarts to 4 quarts

120 cups to 16 cups ( 8oz. measuring cup )

Eric

[Ruffsta]

I once tried a potting mix, the plants started to sprout, but later had mini mushrooms and lil flying bugs... so I went back to potting soil.

[Ruffsta]

Ruffsta,

Let use know how it's working. I googled and the one complaint, it becomes muddy. May need perlite


Eric

UPDATE: ok, I am using the "Country Farms" and "Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix"

the way I do it is this (test cup):
3 large table spoons of "Country Farms"
1 med table spoon of "Micracle-gro Seed Starting Potting Mix"

mix well, pour into cup, plant seed and water


it does not become muddy, holds water well. I have transplanted existing plants into this exact 3 to 1 mix of mine and they handled it well and are doing just fine. new seeds have sprouted much better and faster versus the normal potting soil. the mix has a nice color too.

I think I will continue this method..

[GardenRN]

I'm more interested (no offense) in how the plants like it, vs. how the gardener likes it.

[DoubleDogFarm]

I'm more interested (no offense) in how the plants like it, vs. how the gardener likes it.

[Ruffsta]

I have transplanted existing plants into this exact 3 to 1 mix of mine and they handled it well and are doing just fine. new seeds have sprouted much better and faster versus the normal potting soil.

[DoubleDogFarm]