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| I am getting ready to transplant by tomato seedlings and need to buy a good commercial potting mix. What do you suggest? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by woodcutter2008 5b (My Page) on Mon, Mar 25, 13 at 21:22
| LOTS to choose from! You are going to get lots of opinions on this, I think. It really depends on how much you want to spend and what specific properties you are most interested in. I've had good results with Miracle-Gro Potting Mix. Generally has enough lager particles in it to drain well. To me drainage is a very important attribute, and some mixes that are very high in Peat don't drain too well. Price certainly is a factor with me since I use 5 or 6 bags every season mostly in my (real) EarthBox containers. I've had poorer results with Schultz, and now only use it as a garden soil amendment. Tried a few "off-brands" with "off-results." |
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| Whats available for you to choose from? Pro-Mix BX is one of the most commonly and highly recommended ones every time this question comes up but it may not be available to you locally. Metro Mix 360 is another good one. Other past post observations include: - The mixes with "Moisture Control" in them often keep the soil too wet when used in containers, especially small ones. - The so-called "organic mixes" can be prone to fungus and mold growths because of all is added to them unless moisture levels are monitored carefully. - The more coarse the mix the better it drains. - Don't count on the nutrients added to some to feed your plants for even half as long as they claim. Dave |
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| Mine go right from starter flats into solo cups then 6" square pots, both pot ups with Fox Farm happy frog and i feed with Organic Gem liquid fish, cal mag and protekt until they are put in the garden in may. I have a flat with 72 seeds poppin right now. first seeds started right at 72hrs. and they all should be up by wed. does anyone else germinate around a full moon? |
This post was edited by pasco on Mon, Mar 25, 13 at 22:30
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| I like Miracle-Gro potting mix. Been using it in containers for years and getting good results. |
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- Posted by gelatodave none (My Page) on Tue, Mar 26, 13 at 0:12
| Is it necessary to use "Organic Gem liquid fish, cal mag and protekt" with organic fertilizers like Fox Farm? |
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| Cal-Mag contains Calcium Nitrate and is therefore not organic. Ca(NO3)2 is an inorganic compound. It's used more often by hydroponic growers who need a water soluble form of minerals. You would be committing organic tomato heresy using this product. Oh, the humanity! On the other hand, Dolomitic limestone is organic, contains (Ca) and (Mg) and costs a fraction of the price of the super-expensive Cal-Mag. Compare each product's "Guaranteed Analysis" with their prices. Consider the guaranteed analysis of Cal-Mag Plus and note its price and quantity: http://www.planetnatural.com/site/cal-mag.html Now look at the guaranteed analysis of Dolomite Lime (50 lb). Note price and quantity (same retailer): http://www.planetnatural.com/site/dolomite-lime.html Note how the Dolomitic limestone has 10 times the (Mg) and 6 times the (Ca) as Cal-Mag at a fraction of the price. Ironically, while the Cal-Mag is inorganic and Dolomitic limestone is organic, continual applications of limestone may lead to a buildup of MgCO3 (insoluble salts) in the soil. -Tim |
This post was edited by uncle_t on Tue, Mar 26, 13 at 5:53
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| "Is it necessary to use "Organic Gem liquid fish, cal mag and protekt" with organic fertilizers like Fox Farm?" the fox farm happy frog is potting soil, not fert. i feed with OG because i grow very stout plants for 8wks indoors before they go outside. They need to eat so with worm castings and OG they get everything they need. |
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| " Cal-Mag contains Calcium Nitrate and is therefore not organic. Ca(NO3)2 is an inorganic compound. It's used more often by hydroponic growers who need a water soluble form of minerals. You would be committing organic tomato heresy using this product. Oh, the humanity!" LOL... Well newman...that's why i laugh at BER with the use of cal mag throughout the season.It's part of my watering regime while indoors and much easier to feed my plants at the desired rate rather then using DOL LIME.
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- Posted by Hudson...WY 3 (My Page) on Wed, Mar 27, 13 at 6:22
| We mix our own - less expensive - small or large quantities - we know what goes into it - different recipes for seeds and transplants - works great !
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