Starting seeds late... in cactus mix?

12 years ago

I put off starting our tomatoes indoors and here it is almost April and still no seeds started! I'm planning to do this tomorrow using materials we already have.

We have some OSH Cactus mix, and also some good potting mix, perlite, and peat moss. I would like to use the Cactus mix because it's already mixed; it contains perlite, compost, and some other ingredients.

Is that a suitable mix to start tomatoes? Or should I mix some of the potting mix with a lot of perlite? Which is best, and why?

Thank you!

Comment (1)

digdirt2
12 years ago
Not enough info to give you a good answer. Given the info I have to say use the "good potting mix" but without knowing exactly what brand it is and how old and how it has been stored there is no way to know for sure.

Most all approved seed starting mixes are sterile and contain nothing more than peat, perlite or vermiculite, a wetting agent, and a bit of lime to balance the pH. "Other ingredients" and especially compost or soil are NOT recommended for seed starting because they have decreased germination, poor drainage, increase the odds of damp-off, algae development, and other potential pests and diseases.

You'll find more info on this over on the Growing from Seed forum here.

Dave
Related Professionals
San Juan Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Davidson Landscape Contractors · National City Landscape Contractors · Stallings Landscape Contractors · The Villages Landscape Contractors · Broadview Heights General Contractors · Claremont General Contractors · Dothan General Contractors · Fridley General Contractors · Lakewood General Contractors · Vincennes General Contractors · Warren General Contractors · Watertown General Contractors · Clermont Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Harrisburg Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures