Air-pot and 511 mix, anyone try?
JerryVentura Jordan
9 years ago
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drew51 SE MI Z5b/6a
9 years agoJay Part Shade (Zone 10B, S21, Los Angeles)
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Potting Mix - making 5-1-1 (video)
Comments (19)Well, it's a different mix completely. Both work nicely for Citrus. I prefer the 5-1-1 because it is easy to make, economical, lighter in weight, plenty durable, and retains more moisture during the hot Summer months (that said, both this recipe and the Gritty Mix can be adjusted to offer more or less moisture retention). Using uncomposted fir bark, as I do, will also allow this mix to last much longer. Josh...See MorePros and Cons of 511/ Gritty mix and peat based potting soil
Comments (86)The thread is over 2 years old but the subject is still fresh and interesting. With respect to pros and cons of 5-1-1 , there are several issues: 1) Its effectiveness, as far as plants are concerned. An I am considering annual plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants. NOT house plants. 2) Cost Effectiveness: 3) Growers' convenience. I am a pro on (1) and (2) but con on (3). Since 5--1-1 does not come in ready to use form, it requires some efforts to procure the ingredients, quality check, mix, add calcium/magnesium (Lime), store your mix ... In this respect, it is not for everyone. On number (2) , cost effectiveness, It all depends where you are, what your sources are. Currently I make my own mix for under $3.00 per cf. Even if ready mixed potting soils like MG or Pro Mix cost about the same (which is unlikely) , I still prefer my own 5-1-1 mix for its EFFECTIVENESS in drainage and correct moisture retention. I have to mentioned that, I have been studying container media for the last 4 months of my gardening winter break. And with my past experience with media like MG, I have come to the belief that the bark based 5-1-1 is a better option. I might even try to modify it to some extent to better suit my application and climate. But it will remain basically BARK-BASED....See MoreNeed help with 5-1-1 potting mix choice
Comments (10)Adrian, thank you so much for your helpful post. Your plants look so healthy and happy! Do I understand you to say that the bark fines is for moisture retention in the potting mix? If so, I have a huge pile of rotted oak leaf mold. I wonder if that would work as a replacement for the bark fines? I stuck a few collard seedlings on one side of this pile of leaf mold last fall and the plants are about 4 ft high, with no amendments added. They're just growing in the leaf mold so I guess it is draining well yet retaining enough moisture to keep the plants growing. I have read and read the various threads about the potting mix but I'm still not sure what each of the ingredients do. I've never grown tomatoes, actually never grown any veggies. My experience is with native plants. The collard plants were my first venture into veggie gardening and that went well so thought I'd like to try growing some fresh tomatoes. I guess, if my potting mix turns out to be bad, I've not lost much other than a growing season. I don't really have room for in ground veggie gardening so I must try some type of container gardening. I use ProMix for my seedlings but I can't justify the cost to use it to fill a lot of 20 gal pots. I will check with the nurseries and see what they have in bulk. As you suggest, perhaps they would sell some material if the right size and I do the work of filling the bags for transport. My thanks again for taking the time to reply. Mary...See Moreair pruning with 5:1:1 mix
Comments (0)He everyone, I just watched a video on air pruning in containers...whereby you drill 3 inch holes in the sides of the pot and put landscape fabric in the pot and then your soil mixture and the plant...in my case...a rose. Here is the video. It's 6 minutes or so long. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptgJn15TmRM So my question is...will this method lead to more rapid repotting or less rapid repotting of the 5:1:1 mix. This is a stumper for me. Thanks! Carol...See Moregreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
9 years agoDLEverette_NC_Zone7b
4 months agoJerryVentura Jordan
4 months ago
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