From the picture, Nance, it looks like an insignificant amount of sand. The product looks good. If you're really worried, spread it out to dry & then shake/screen it over insect screen.

Al

Oh, that's good news Al...I was hoping I didn't have to buy another bag. I will do as you suggested. Luckily I don't need a lot right now, so I can do small amounts at a time. Thanks so much!

Puglvr1,
What's the NAME of the product in your pic? It looks wonderfully like what we've been searching for!!!

Hi, Al!
I'm still hanging in there on the all-illusive PFB quest!

Linda

Al,
This soil conditioner looks promising as the pine bark fines component to my 5:1:1 mix. Would it need to be screened?

Linda

Here is a link that might be useful: Evergreen Organic Soil Conditioner

Hi, Linda.

She scores! Looks good. Available? No need to screen it, by the looks of it. I feel better already!

You've been here since April and you're just now getting around to visiting the container forum?! Tsk tsk. ;o)

Al

Al!

You KNOW where my first-love garden website is!!!
Actually, I've been lurking here reading all the container soils posts discussion PBF. Today, I read enough to identify some potential leads and, don't you know, I FOUND A SOURCE for the product in the picture. Our local Lowe's carries the stuff (and they have 168 2 cu.ft. bags available TODAY!!!!) for $2.90/bag.

So, now I get to begin from the beginning will redoing all my eBuckets with your 5:1:1 mix! I am sooooooo excited.

And, not only that, but Calalily over in you-know-where has posted her method for pre-germinating seeds in the FRIDGE, which will get me started without having to spend the $$$ on seedlings. I can plant out until December 21st or so, so I'm just about good to go.

Outta pocket at a retreat this weekend, so will gather the 5:1:1 mat'ls during next week and will try some seeds shortly thereafter. eBuckets 1st, THEN the seedlings!

Did I mention how EXCITED I now am????!!!!!

Hugs!

P.S. Since this product has passed the TPF test, I'll go post a link over in you-know-where for the other desperate Houstonians!!!!

Linda

Super. You know I'm rooting for you! (no pun) ;o) Keep us posted as to how you're faring ... or at least keep ME posted!

Remember too, the ratio is different for SWCs. You'll need more peat - maybe something like 5:2-3:1.

Al

Hi Linda, I'm so sorry. I've already thrown the bag away, and I can't remember who mad it? I just dumped the whole bag in a large storage container and will sift some when I need to use it. I did buy it at Walmart in the garden center, so I'm sure its whatever brand Mulch they carry in the nursery section. They just this year started carrying the "fines". They usually only carry the bigger mulch only, so imagine my surprise when I found this by accident. Now I just have to hope they don't discontinue it for next Spring :o)

Good luck...it looks like you might have found something you can use!

T,
You know I've been using the eBucket that Gessieviolet designed with the overturned colander that forms the built-in, one-bucket reservoir. The soil packed around the edges of the colander are in constant contact with the water underneath the colander, and creates a wick to the soil in the top of the bucket. The plant draws water up as needed. There's an overflow hole to create an airspace between the soilbed and the top of the colander.

I have several questions.

1. Since your 5:1:1 is designed for aeration and drainage, I'm thinking I won't need the colander/reservoir, especially since at some point I'll be hooking all the eBuckets up to an auto drip system. I could do an experiment and keep 1/2 as is and do 1/2 with a full bucket of 5:1:1. LMK.

2. What would happen if I used the 5:1:1 recipe in the eBuckets with the colander design as is?

3. If I don't go with the built in reservoir, should I drill additional drainage holes?

4. The "fines" part of the pine bark is the crumbly, soil looking part, right? Should I sift this out to ONLY get the dime-size flakes or use it all together? I see that there needs to be careful regulation of the MG potting mix (peat component) if you keep the "fines", since that's a smaller fraction than the dime-size pine bark. Too much of the "fines" & MG could set up a PWT, correct?

5. How do I determine when I've reached "good" drainage? What IS good drainage?

6. Finally, how much moisture retention should I be shooting for in the 5:1:1, or is this relative to the particular plant's needs? My cabbages are heavy feeders and WATER HOGS, which is probably why they do so well with the built-in reservoir. They can drink at will.

Thanks in advance for addressing these questions.

Linda