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| I made the mistake of buying eight bags of organic Miracle Grow GARDEN SOIL for containers I'd like to use for planting tomatoes. These are large pots, not Earth Boxes. (Organic Miracle Grow is probably an oxymoron.)
I didn't pick up the bags at the store, or at home, until I brought them back to the containers with a hand truck. If I had I would have known they were not the right choice. They are extremely heavy. If I had READ the directions on the bags, I would have known: "Where Not to Use
I've planted a few tomatoes mixing some other potting soil in with this muck. Should I dump it out around the garden and start from scratch or add things to lighten the load? If so, what to add? Carol B. feeling dumb as all heck in Sarasota |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by pawsnplants (My Page) on Wed, Feb 1, 12 at 12:21
| Carol, Having made the same mistake myself and seeing the results, I would say you should dump it and start over. If you haven't opened all the bags you could take them back of course. The tomato roots will not get enough air and will probably die or at least not thrive. It's easy to make that mistake and lots of people do it. |
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| I'll raise my hand to doing the same last year! I've noticed though that even the soil marked for containers tends to compact and not drain well, or at least it does for me. I've had slightly better luck with the Jungle Growth. Will adding perlite help as to not waste the expense? *I'm no expert. |
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| I have some seeds in MiracleGro potting soil now. Debating on whether to go get the starter kit from Tractor Supply. I have grown tomatoes before, but it was always from plants that I got from a commercial grower. Just like any thing else on the internet, so many variables and contradictions, it leaves me confused. What da ya think experts? Mike |
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| Hi Carol, you'll be fighting a losing battle with that stuff in a container. I know you're not wild about fine based mixes but if you'll give them a try and want a premix go to Wally World and get a few bags of Expert Growers mix, if they still carry it. I think it's a fairly good fine based product and 33% cheaper the MG potting mix. Tom |
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| I can take back a bunch and will replace what I've used. The sand in our yards will be happy for some of the heavy stuff! Thanks, Guys. Carol B. Sarasota |
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| Go back to Walmart and pick up the Pine mulch in the purple bags. Make sure it is the small size should be appx 1/4-1/2 size. Mix it 2:1 pine fines to potting soil. Just make sure it drains Quickly and you will have excellent soil for your pots at 1/2 the price. |
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- Posted by PawPurrsGarden 9 (My Page) on Thu, Feb 2, 12 at 9:49
| I have to say, I've always had pretty good success with the Jungle Growth potting soil. It's dark and chunky and drains well. |
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| M.G. potting mix the best, tried them all. mixed my own, if your doing cuttings it's the best. if you have a year or more to wait and see, use the cheap stuff. thirty one gallon pots per one 2.5 cu. ft. bag at depot. ya get what ya pay for.... |
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