This is why the ReptiBark is such a good bet for my application... because it breaks down less quickly, I can go 2 or 3 years without having to re-pot... or with adding a top-dressing only. I don't have to worry that the ReptiBark will decompose right away. I find that if I soak the ReptiBark overnight before using any in a mix, it's much less likely to become hydrophobic. Plus, my pots aren't drying out that quickly... they're indoor, out of direct sun and any wind, as opposed to outdoor containers and the conditions there. Honestly, I haven't had any issues with the small bags, as used for my own applications. When I know a pot will spend time outdoors, I use a different bark in a medium closer to the 511. I found a few bags of some pine mulch at Lowe's or somewhere like that... no idea on brand names or anything... but it appeared a little darker in color, smaller in size, and perfect for using in a 511 type mix. This past spring, we actually added a bunch of composted wood chip mulch to our raised beds and even turned a bunch into the garden for aeration and whatnot... so far, so good! The basic concept is working well for us!

Hi Doc!! I am sorry that i haven't been around... My Little Daschund had a terrible accident a few days ago when he was coming up the stairs. He missed a step and hit his little head wrong and instantly began to curl his feet. The Vet said he hurt his neck and to wait and see if he will come around. Well, he was paralyzed and couldn't do much to help himself, so i had to make the decision to let him go and not suffer anymore.. A hard decision because i didnt want him to leave me, but a decision made from the love that i have for him and the true love he always gave back. A true Gentleman for 13 years and he left in my arms a relaxed loved little loyal companion. This is why i have been away.. I'm still bummed and im missing my little garden buddy..But i wanted to come here and tell you why i didnt respond to your email and this post.. Thanks for the email to get me here!!! Sorry to hear about your Peace Lilly. I know how much you loved them and how you worked so hard to get the mix right and the special containers for your loved lilly. Noone could have done more than what you did to make them happy, try again someday and i bet they will be bigger and strongern(healthier) than the others. Puerto Rico sounds lovely right now.. That would probably make me smile seeing those beautitful sunsets and crystal blue water around Luquillo Beach!! Love those Coconut palms all the way down to the water. What a great local spot to visit. So you have a new Rubber Tree eh? ;-) I bet it does love the partial shade in your yard. Plants naturally love being outdside and i understand that you want to bring it inside to your office. You have the right idea to keep it away from drafts and or airconditoning vents. Constant air (chilled) causes problems and i would avoid this if possible. Also, i would keep it close to any natural light that you can, but if it is only artificial light try and see if it adjust. Give it some time because taking it from a natural enviroment to a artifical enviroment will cause any plant an adjustment period. Good Luck Tecnico and i hope all is well with you!! Enjoy that beautiful sunshine down south!! Take Care, Laura

@greenman28, I live in Daly City, ca. I just transplanted my new meyer lemon tree with Dr. earths fruit tree soil and added micro fir bark with perlite to a bigger pot. I wish I would of known about the 5-1-1 or the gritty mix before I bought Dr. earths Soil. I hope it will do good in the mix I put it in (crossing fingers) once it was potted I immediately watered it with vitamin B1 to prevent transplant shock. Have you or Al thought of possibly collaborating and starting you own bagged growing medium business? Your very knowledgeable and I've read Great reviews on the 5-1-1 or gritty mix. Also i poured a capful of osmocote slow release fertilizer. Is it ok that isn't the plus kind? Thank you in advance.

Figure the volume of all the pots, convert to cu ft. You'll get just under 3 cu ft of 5:1:1 ( for every 2 cu ft of PBFs + 4 gallons each of peat and perlite - or about 22 gallons. For every bag of Turface you buy (1-1/3 cu ft) & screen, you'll get just under 1 cu ft of screened Turface. Combine 1 cu ft of Turface with equal volumes of screened pine or fir bark + screened grit, you'll get about 2-3/4 cu ft of gritty mix. There are about 7-1/2 liquid gallons in a cu ft of material, so you'll get about 21 gallons. Since the grit has greater bulk density, you'll need more bags of grit vs Turface and fewer bags of bark at 2 cu ft/bag. Al