Questions for Al

16 years ago

Ok, remember me? I posted about my organic container pepper grows, microlife, worms, etc. and all I got was that my practices wouldn't work, sustain, wheres the pics, etc. I am not posting to cause problems or to troll, yet am wondering about my transplanted peppers I held over from last year. One was in a 5 gallon bucket and I transplanted it into a 12 gallon black plastic container today. This was out last year, all year, in the hot sun, without any other fertilizers, save a tea once every couple of weeks. The root mass was/is intense. The entire inside of the bucket was encased in healthy roots, pulled out in a single clump, and was full, in my opinion, of worms. I could see 8 on the outside of the ball. I transplanted this into the same mix, in the 12 gallon container for this years growth. The pepper in the 12 gallon, I transplanted into a 20 gallon meant for tree shipping. The roots were thick, but hadn't encapsulated the entire area. Worms, nightcrawlers, abundant. What gives?? I am not close minded, and have purchased enough of the required mix to pull off 1/3 of my peppers and container tomatoes in your mix this year for side to side comparisons to see how I may increase my pleasure in my hobby. There was some settling of the mix in my containers, but a gallon of water poured in, still gave back 1 quart, and this is after the soil was not all the way dry. The areas in the mix where I had layered my organic nutes, and the "tunnels" were entirely encapsulated by roots as well. I don't think that the peppers would have done as well this year as last - I'll give you that, but they were obviously healthy, robust, and in order for me to grow them larger they needed the transplant. Any comments or pointers you can give me would be appreciated. TiMo the old skool organic guy

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Comments (2)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
16 years ago
Sure I remember you. You visited the 'Water Movement/Container Soil thread & posted a soil recipe with around 18 ingredients in it. I think I pointed out some likely problems with growing in a mix like you suggested. Soon after that, you posted the mix again on another thread, and I believe that JaG took even more time than I to scrutinize your offerings and offer additional comments that pretty much paralleled mine. You also volunteered the information that several of the nurseries in your area suggested that your soil would likely end in disaster.

No one is here to tell an admitted 'old school kind of guy' that he can't or shouldn't grow in any particular fashion or that his soil won't work. In fact, if you're happy with how things are going, so am I, and I would venture the rest of the forum, too.

Since you have questions for me, I'll offer opinions. If you are having good results with the soil recipe you posted, I think it's more likely that success is in spite of, rather than because of the soil. My interest really is not in getting you to change anything, or getting you to see things 'my way'. My interest is in supplying information, supported by both science and experience, that illustrates to others that might consider adopting a soil like you referred to, that there is a high likelihood that for a very high % of growers the soil comes with inherent problems built into it; and they should look for something simpler and easier to grow in until they are able to decide on their own what is best for them.

I'm going to point out that your own previous words seem to bind you to a certain degree of fairness that really isn't proffered in this post. This: "I do keep the pots buried between 8" and 12" in the soil, this was for heat protection. The worms were free to travel into and out of through the drainage holes. The ground the plants were on and in, used to be a huge elm tree that is full of decomposed roots. You can't hardly walk around it without sinking into the ground." clearly illustrates that even though the plants are in containers, because they are in the ground they are technically in raised beds and are far closer to being a part of gardening in the earth than they are to container culture. Apples and oranges.

You asked about comments and pointers. I've offered comments, and I'll refrain from any pointers or suggestions except to say that growing is about achieving desired results/goals, and/or about enjoyment. If you're happy with how things are going for you, and your success is keeping you smiling, then by all means stay the course; but at least allow that in the face of so many suggesting there may be better alternatives, there may be.

Take good care - good luck.

Al
rootdoctor
Original Author
16 years ago
Well, since I am always looking to increase my yields, have healthier plants and enjoy my hobby more as I said, I am trying your suggestions as well. I may just keep doing what I am doing to add the remaining mix at the end of the year to the garden along with the compost I make - the garden enjoys the OM. I am sure I will enjoy using your mix and ideas as well, new challenges and routines keep me busy, are challenging and I like that! I will keep you posted and if I pick up a didital camera this year I will send pics as well. Thanks for your suggestions and comments. TiMo
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Questions for Al

Comments (2)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

rootdoctor
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Questions for Al

Comments (2)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

rootdoctorOriginal Author

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rootdoctor
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