What I learned about Pro Mix

15 years ago

If you can't find Pro Mix where you used to, call Premiere's 800 number in Pennsylvania and ask to be connected with the regional sales rep. The sales rep can tell you much more than the automated, incomplete store locator on their website. In some cases, like Oklahoma, they can help you. In others, like Alabama, you are out of luck. (Actually if you are in Oklahoma email me and save yourself and the rep a couple of phone calls).

Before I tell the tale, please note I will not be naming the Big Box stores because not all reflects well on them. Figure it out. If you must drop names, please start another thread.

The big box where I used to buy my Pro Mix realized that 40% of the cost of getting the product in the stores was transportation. They said that was unacceptable and dropped the product without discussion. There was no opportunity to adjust cost, raise price, reformulate or anything else that might have kept this very popular product in the stores. I don't use the word stupid very often, but I think it applies here.

Sadly, it gets better. Another big box store, one which carries a very wide variety of general merchandise in addition to having a garden center, broke the stupid-o-meter. They demanded that Pro Mix be outsourced to China! Just in case you're not picking up on the stupidity here, the main ingredient in Pro Mix is sphagnum peat moss, a natural resource which is mined in Canadian peat bogs.

The people I talked to were very inquisitive about why I would want so much Pro Mix so badly, and inquired as to whether I was a grower or a nursery. When I sheepishly explained I was trying to cover 2 acres in perennials, one milk jug at a time, they were fascinated. And intrigued by a market segment previously unknown to them. I told them there were winter sowers all over America who wanted Pro Mix and wanted it now. If you are one of them, you now have a game plan. Go get it.

Featured Answer

agirlsgirl

15 years ago

Thanks seedmama! :) I was lucky to find Pro Mix at a local nursery/feed store,it was $10 for the 1.8 cubic foot! I paid $15 for a 2 cubic foot bag last season at the orange box store...lol..I also try to support independents as much as possible! :)

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Comments (58)

mmqchdygg
15 years ago
I can guess which possibly Orange and Blue Boxes you're talking about- HA! Cuz that's the exact same responses I get.

For the record, though, while "Pro Mix" BRAND might not be available, there are other 'professional growers mixes' available. I happen to have Lambert's Brand where I live. It's a Canadian product, and supplied by my local feed store. They get all my 'dirt' business.

So you might find a 'professional growers mix,' only a diff't brand where you live.
ajpa
15 years ago
I called the nursery nearby listed as a Pro-Mix retailer,and the guy who answered said they don't have it right now, but it comes in big sizes (for greenhouse growers etc). But he said they do have Premiere seed starting mixes and potting soil -- would either of these be good?
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molanic
15 years ago
Last year was my first year ws'ing and I had a really hard time finding the Pro-mix. I bought a pretty pricey mix from a garden center instead that was really good, but $$$.

Around March I found two pallets of Pro-Mix at the Home Depot that they must have pulled off a high shelf somewhere because they were still wrapped up tight and frozen solid with snow still on the ground. They were not too happy when I said I wanted some :) They were the big compressed bales so I was expecting to pay like $15-20. When they rang up $4 I bought as much as would fit in the car, 2 of the regular, 2 of the container mix. I really should have gone back to get more, but having never wintersown or used Pro-mix I didn't want to get stuck with stuff I might never use. Now I realize they were probably so cheap because they were unloading old stuff before the season started and weren't going to carry it anymore! Oh, crap. Hindsight is 20/20!
agirlsgirl
15 years ago
Yep! That is what happened the 15 dollar bails got marked down to 7.50 the last I seen and were gone and never seen again!
seedmama
Original Author
15 years ago
Bonnie,
I'll try to clarify a couple of things I perhaps did not explain well. One is that the decision not to carry was made solely by the big box stores. Premiere would be happy to have their product sold there if only they had the chance. The one box store cut them out cold and the other is the one who said outsource to China. Incidentally I filed a customer complaint with the first one this time last year, explaining that they had cut a very important product. Apparently a waste of time.

Second,there is a store locator feature on the Premiere website, but it doesn't have much depth of coverage. In order to qualify as a listed store, a retailer must meet certain requirements, one of which is volume. This is why I suggest you call Premiere and ask to be connected to your region's sales rep. The small chain and the independent in my area who have Pro Mix do not meet the criteria to show up on the store locator, so I would not know about them if I hadn't contacted the sales rep.

And by the way, Premiere makes many blends suited for different purposes. I had used Pro Mix for years because it was a good all purpose blend I could tweak with amendments if I needed. For example, when I used it for container growing (not WS) I mixed in a couple of new diapers for moisture retention. When I used it for succulents I mixed in sand.

The blend now available through my local independent which most closely resembles Pro Mix is called BX.

"Why don't you want anyone to know which big box stores rank high on the stupid-o-meter. Names have been changed to protect the guilty???"

Because I'd like to keep this thread On Topic to solve the issue of how we can get Pro Mix. If we start naming names it can very quickly drive to the ditch with the stories we all have about crappy customer service and Big Box mentality. Honestly, I could lead the pack on that, but ranting here won't solve the problem. The better answer is to write often to the buyers, until they give in to our demands. Even better than that is to take our business to locals who still focus on customer service. I hoped by initiating this thread I could provide a starting point for those who would like to secure Pro Mix, but need a tool on where to start.
highalttransplant
15 years ago
Their store locater says that there is no one within 50 miles of my home that carries it : (

I sent them an email.

I bought Miracle Grow last week, because it was all I could find, but it is very heavy. At the end of the summer last year, the small local nursery near me sold me an open bag of Fafard seed germinating mix, which they had leftover. It was light and fluffy, but it was only enough to do about a dozen containers.

Maybe I'll call them and see if they have already ordered their seed germinating mix, since they usually only order it once a year, maybe they'll order an extra bag for me.

Bonnie
nancy_drew
15 years ago
ajpa, all I use is Miracle Grow Potting Mix. I love it, and wouldn't change even if I could find Pro Mix. I know, I know.... everybody raves on about Pro Mix, but I have such good results with Miracle Grow Potting Mix, I figure why switch now?
ajpa
15 years ago
If you have a local Agway you can try calling ... there's two in my area I just called. One has them by the bale ($35) and the other doesn't yet but offered to order a bag in (around $11-$12 per 1.8 cu ft).
ajpa
15 years ago
Oh, thanks nancy! That's a relief! I guess I will use the Miracle Grow I bought already. (I am rather lazy to cart the 1 cu ft back to Wally world to get my $6 back).
I'll try Pro Mix next winter, or keep an eye out if I see it on sale somewhere.
mmqchdygg
15 years ago
Holy crap- $35 a bale at Agway?!! They were $23 last year (when my local feed store was $18.50).

I go to Agway often for certain things, but not because the prices are better; most often they aren't.
catsnflwrs
15 years ago
Newbie here. Thanks for all the info about Pro Mix. I just picked up 3.2 cubic ft at Agway for $27. One problem though...I can't lift it. I had to roll it into the garage to thaw :) This new obsession isn't helping with my resolution to kick the diet soda habit either.
playintheyard
15 years ago
I also use miracle grow had great results last year. Ive never seen pro mix around here.
soonergrandmom
15 years ago
The closest place I could find today to buy a bale was in Bentleville AR and it was $32.
dorisl
15 years ago
I dont get it. They still have bales of peat moss available. I would think that would have just as much "transportation" cost as pro mix.

Thanks for the update. I got two bags of pro mix, which seems ok, I dont think i found any sticks or anything and If I did find one, im pretty sure it fell into the tub off my bench.
jspeachyn5
15 years ago
I just sent them an email, b/c according to them there is not a place that sells that brand near here. I have been watch most of the places I frequent an have never seen any mix of that type in a bale . only mg an in bags.
Even the farm stores I go to don't have the big bales. Cost wise an convince, I would rather have the large bale.
Bonnie
soonergrandmom
15 years ago
I used the locator to find the source and I went to the right place, but I think what I bought is different. It is still in my car, but I think it is Berger BM1, not ProMix. Sorry that I got that mixed up.
moonphase
15 years ago
nancy drew,
Thank you.I agree.I love miracle gro potting mix and wouldn't change for any thing.I can gro anything with it and it never has failed me.I have never tried pro mix so I can't be pro or con for it,but when something works as good as miracle gro mix,well...I use the mix for wsing and the soil for my containers in summer.Just like diet coke-i love it,some hate it but it all is ok.Use what works for you.use search and ogggle eye my 600 containers from last yr-the proof is in the pudding,lol
moonphase
tiffy_z5_6_can
15 years ago
Although I haven't tried Miracle Grow (prices here in Canada are ridiculous on this product), I have to stand by the Promix. I do go to an independant supplier although it is available at one of our box stores but it's a Canadian big box store. It is a slightly higher price where I get it, but I do get the service. They put it right in my little car. None of me having to put it in the cart at the store or even getting looks from the employees because they have to go out in the 'yard' to get it. They also know what I'm talking about when I ask for the product. At the box store some of the employees look at me as though I don't know what I'm talking about.

I also discovered Promix HP (High Porosity) which has worked wonders for my winter sowing in the last couple of years. We get the wettest springs/early summers and this product drains quickly and well. I did used the regular stuff for 5 years and as most of you know, that product worked well too. :O)

Nicole... who is waiting for a break in the weather so the 3 inches of ice will melt from her deck so she can safely winter sow and place them out there without killing herself. It's been a long real winter and I could use some SPRING!!
just1morehosta
15 years ago
Thank you seedmama for that information,you are so right,Stupid,is not a nice word,but it sure has it's place many a time,this being one.

I was going to add a comment,but then thought better of it,since you are trying to make a point here,i will save mine for another topic.

cAROL
ncgardengirl
15 years ago
I can't find it in my area either. I contacted the company as well, maybe I will get a response soon and find there is actually a small or large nursery in my area that carries it and I can get some too.
I have been mixing my own but it is such a pain, I like the convenience of opening a package and start using it straight out. Mixing is hard, especially when doing it in large batches like I have been doing...saves time in the long run but much harder to manage in the beginning.

Thanks seedmama for getting me motivated enough to actaully contact them, I had looked at the site before and decided I would contact them later...thanks for making later be today! LoL.

:) Fran
anewgarden
15 years ago
Oh Seedmama and others!! Help!!
Will all my WSing be in vain? I am new.
Last week, my first first time, used my own garden soil! Should I have used Pro Mix OR Miracle Grow? And Pro Mix or Miracle Grow what? Which? Today I mixed my own garden soil from containers I'd dragged in to thaw a week ago with some Miracle Grow Peat Moss and a bit of coffee grounds.

Will that be OK?
Audrey
seedmama
Original Author
15 years ago
So sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Garden soil is not a good choice for many reasons. Have you had a chance to read the FAQs? Take a peek, and you'll understand better.

If you need more seeds, there's no shortage around here, lots of people, including bakemom and wintersown.org will send you more for postage. I would but I just sent my extras to the two above.

Welcome to the forum,
Seedmama
Belgianpup
15 years ago
No one in western WA seems to sell ProMix that I can find.

I bought two bags of MiracleGro for the first time. WHAT GARBAGE! By the time I sifted out the chunks of bark and rocks, I had about two-thirds of a bag, so that means I paid over $10 for one lousy cubic foot.

I went to ProMix's website and while I was looking for their store locator (just in case I had missed some place that carried it), I ran across the Components list. I'll make my own, and it can even be organic!

Components (from ProMix site):

Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss (75-85 % / vol.)
Perlite Â horticultural grade
Vermiculite
Dolomitic & Calcitic Limestone (pH adjuster)
Macronutrients
Micronutrients
Wetting agent

All this stuff is available individually, including an organic wetting agent (Therm X 70 -- OMRI certified organic). Use an organic fertilizer mix.

Why pay for them to mix it and bag it?

Sue
nancy_drew
15 years ago
Sue, your dissappointment in Miracle Grow has me wondering.... did you get potting soil or potting mix? I have never had that experience before. I would contact them and explain what happened. You'll probably at least get a free bag. Like I said, I never had that problem and I've been using it for years!

Here is a link that might be useful: Miracle Grow
ajpa
15 years ago
I am sad to report that my $6 dollar bag of Miracle Gro from Walmart does have a lot of bark & twigs in it. :(

On the bright side, I complained on their website and they said that they will mail me a refund. I like that they have a good company policy about that. I hope they get their quality control fixed.
ellenr22 - NJ - Zone 6b/7a
15 years ago
a note on Miracle-gro-
you might not know [at least I didn't] that it is owned by Monsanto, the company which is trying to control the food supply of the world, the company that sues small farmers if some of their (Monsanto's) genetically-modified seed blows into the farmer's field.
I knew there was a reason I didn't buy Miracle-Gro! :)
kqcrna
15 years ago
Just thought I'd mention this. Bark is a common ingredient in some potting mixes, i.e. it's supposed to be there. It provides good drainage and air to roots, holds moisture, and is commonly mixed with other materials- might be peat, perlite, vermiculite, wetting agents. It's not necessarily a bad thing. It is one of the ingredients in Al's famous mix. You can find the recipe by scrolling down in the link.

Karen

Here is a link that might be useful: Al's potting mix
just1morehosta
15 years ago
ellener,
Are you kidding?Really?Monsato owens Mircale Gro!

Well,that is reason enough for me to stop using it.How do you know this?I hate Monsato,have you seen the documentery about that company?

Thank you for letting us know this,i am done with that mix.
cAROL
remy_gw
15 years ago
If you can't get Pro Mix, but you know your local independent retailer carries Garden Magic/Michigan Peat Company Products, ask for the Baccto Professional Planting Mix. It is very much like Pro Mix and works great.
Remy

Here is a link that might be useful: Baccto
ellenr22 - NJ - Zone 6b/7a
15 years ago
Carol,
You can look it up and see.
Also owns Scott.
I haven't seen the documentary. What is the name, or can you link?
I've read enough about it to be scared of it. Below is a link to a campaign to prevent Monsanto' world domination. Not a good sign the new Ag Sec'y is a friend of Monsanto.

ellen

Here is a link that might be useful: Monsanto
northforker
15 years ago
In case this is helpful to anyone....

I have been keeping track and on one 3.8 cu. ft bale of pro-mix I have filled 121 containers. Moving on to my second bale now. What I filled: About 50% gallon milk jugs and the other 50% larger capacity plastic boxes (salad, spinach, cookies and baked goods) I'd say an average of 3" - 4" soil depth, but more towards 3".

Nancy
jspeachyn5
15 years ago
Thanks Nancy, that was very helpful at least to me.
I did a few small bags last year an didn't seem to go very far. Plus I had just decided to "try" ws to see if it worked for me.
Then in the summer I ordered a bale online. That stretched all the way into the late fall for me.
So Thanks I think since I have started doing so much more than before. A bale is the way for me to go.
Bonnie
just1morehosta
15 years ago
Hi Ellen,
Thank you for that link.I knew a lot of this--BUT-- I did not know about the sugar.

I hope some here do not think this is OT,being that our lives pretty much all ravolve around seeds,this is a very important issue,especially our veggie seeds,and,butterflies are in great danger becasue of GM food.

The name of the doucomentry is "King Corn"

Than you for this timely information.
cAROL
ellenr22 - NJ - Zone 6b/7a
15 years ago
U welcome Carol,
I'm glad nobody jumped on you or me for bringing this up.
[People here are nice, some forums they rip your head off.lol]

I do think even when we are obsessed with seeds, we need to stay aware of the big picture. If Monsanto has its way the only seeds available will be sold by them.

enjoy your sowing and growing.
ellen
kiddo_1
15 years ago
All,

YouÂve got me all revved up now. I have learned so much just reading this thread. I have used Miracle Gro Potting Mix for years, mostly because it's all the local box stores stock. What I've read here are really good points: that mainly cheap/available/easy does not always translate into sound choices environmentally/economically/ethically.

Thanks for the info on Monsanto. I will take it into consideration next time IÂm buying bagged mix before I just grab whatÂs on sale. Might cost me a little more, but nobody ever said anything worthwhile would be a cakewalk.

I've always suspected that the last thing most manufacturers, etc. really want is informed consumers, especially with principles. ;-) Or those that step up to the plate, as it were, regarding issues. After all, ultimately it is we consumers who choose what is allowed in our markets. And it is conversations and info shared on blogs and forums like these that raise our awareness and stimulate us into action.

Thanks for starting this thread, seedmama! You guys rock! :-)

Kris (heading for the Pro-Mix site right nowÂ. ;-) )
highalttransplant
15 years ago
Well, I received an email back from the Colorado Pro-Mix representative asking which product I was interested, but that was several days ago, and I haven't heard back from him.

The good news is I finally got a hold of the owner of our tiny town's only nursery, and she is driving to Denver next week (if the mountain passes are clear, it's over 200 miles away!) to pick up her supply of Fafard seed germinating mix for the year, so she is going to pick up an extra bag for me. That's what I love about a local company. They are willing to go the extra mile for a loyal customer!

Now I just hope that bag of Miracle Grow I bought will last another week : )

Karen, I believe that Al's potting mix recipe is for container grown plants, and not specifically designed for seed starting. Just a thought.

Bonnie
seedmama
Original Author
15 years ago
I just arrived back from my new source for Pro Mix, bale in trunk. I feel so much better now.
just1morehosta
15 years ago
Good for all of you,i will be searching out a place to buy Pro Mix tomorrow,no more Miracal Mix for this girl.
cAROL
MLcom
15 years ago
As I figured it the feedstore had pro mix, and they gave me a broken bag of it for free. Yahoo, the catch was to plant them pepper and tomato seedlings. Oh no problem they even gave me seeds to plant for them. :)

Think drive them bonkers in feb for seeds. But guys really need them now. "When are you putting out the bulk seeds?"

"What about last years seeds? " Poor guys know I am a seed addict. " What ya mean all the spinach seeds some one bought. "

But seems they have a mountain of Pro Mix still so will buy it from them from now on.

They aslo will put it in my car or truck bed.

ML
marthacr
15 years ago
Most of the greenhouses/nurseries that sell annuals and perennials in my area use promix themselves and have stacks of them in their yard. I was really surprised to hear that you have trouble finding it. Have you looked at the nurseries that actually do their own potting up?
Martha
mrmulcher
15 years ago
I will not use anything but Pro Mix i love this stuff i buy it in 3.8 compressed bails it is expensive to get where i live but after your plants get up and growing it is worth it's weight in gold to me I LOVE PRO-MIX !!!!I found some on ebay but it was pick up only ....HMMMMM wonder if there is a Pro-Mix conspiracy ?!?!?!?!?!?!?
morz8 - Washington Coast
15 years ago
Can't be found here either, I've never seen it...checking various zipcodes (including Seattle areas 100 miles away) for a retailer on the Pro-Mix website shows none within 200 miles of my home.
MissMyGardens
15 years ago
Last year was my first year and I waited too long to buy soilless mix.

I went online, ordered compressed bale of ProMix with biofungicide (don't ask)....cost more to ship it than the actual cost of the mix.

Wasn't able to find it anywhere this year and didn't want to wait too long again so had Agway order me a case and more of MG germinating mix.

Just looked on Agway site to find pelletized limestone for Al's previously mentioned container mix and see that they NOW have the ProMix. Bummer. On a very good note, their 40 lb. bags of pelletized lime cost less than $5. while the garden center I saw it at yesterday was charging $40. for a 40 lb. bag!

These plants better do their best thing in the MG mix or I'm gonna have one giant hissy fit...LOL.

I'm starting some things indoors this year because I'm trying for first year bloom on a few perennials so the fungicide available in one of the ProMix varieties would have set my mind at ease but I'll go with what I've got.

Really torn this year when parting with a dollar the way things are but I figure these plants (and all that goes along to start & keep them alive) are one thing that truly makes me happy. When I see those blooms and color I smile...and the butterflies & hummers are happy as well.
jessewo
15 years ago
Had a happy day yesterday-went to the local Agway & picked up 2 bales of Pro-Mix-more expensive than last year, but what isn't? My favorite moment was in line (busy day at the feed store!) behind someone that asked if they had (OMG!)MANURE! She said that she didn't "want to ask for it!" Hopefully she'll get over it & stand up & buy dirt & **** with the dignity it should have!
retiredprof
15 years ago
I wandered into our local Southern States this week and saw Pro Mix Ultimate (28 liters) for $7.00 a bag. Had no clue as to whether or not it was overpriced--just went on the name. Bought a bag.

Was this a good deal or was I ripped off? If good, I'll run myself over there tomorrow and pick up a few more bags.
seedmama
Original Author
15 years ago
I can't tell you. For years I used the all purpose (I think they called it "value") mix from the big box store. I used it for everything gardening. It was $11.50 for 3.8 cubic feet. This year, having located the "BX" version I am paying $14 for 2.8 cubic feet. I nearly choked, but I'm seeing posts on GW where people are paying $25 for the 3.8 bale, so I'm keeping my mouth shut. Everything has gone up and I'm still stunned you can no longer get a sit down lunch in a nice restaurant for $4. I'm a dinosaur and I'm in denial.

That said, I'm more about value than price. Hubs took the conversion calculator with him this weekend, and I'm too lazy to convert liters to cubic feet. Maybe the figures here will give you a place to start.

I like Pro Mix so I'll pay.
retiredprof
15 years ago
Seedmama: what's so funny is that I look at this stuff and try to convert liters to quarts, bales to cubic feet, and wind up totally confused. I don't have a clue. If the package looks big and seems reasonable, I buy it.

I should have been a Math professor rather than English.
cybersal
15 years ago
Baccto with a little perlite, and Medina are the 2 best gardening products I have ever used. Baccto does cost more and is not easy to find in my area, so I save it for "special" things. The peafowl got into my last 2 big bags and scattered it every where. Years ago, I worked for a agri-lawn-garden distributor for ten years(closed now)and we sold Baccto products by the rail-car and truckload. This was when there were many more REAL garden centers in the Houston area and no big box stores. Even the Sage's Red Barn Garden Centers were manned by knowledgeable workers. I think only a few of our old customers, like Teas Nursery, have not been put out of business by Lowes, HD, Walmart, and the corner striped tent plant places.
If you have a plant in poor soil that just sits there hanging on, I promise you a little dose (mixed correctly) of Medina and the thing will take off. It is not fertilizer, but improves the soil microbal action.
I will bite the bullet and try Pro Mix, but I hate sticks, and prefertilized soil.
seedmama
Original Author
15 years ago
I've concluded I was not clear in my orginal post about who, EXACTLY, to contact at ProMix to locate the product.

The best way to find ProMix locally is to talk to your state's FIELD sales representative. Don't get off the phone until you have spoken to that person because he or she is the only one who can tell you ALL the places to find it locally. The phone rep at ProMix should both connect you and give you a direct dial number to your FIELD sales rep.

The computer search function on the ProMix website is incomplete. It only lists retailers who meet certain volume requirements. Likewise, speaking to a PHONE representative at ProMix will not get you the answers you are looking for. They are very courteous, but don't have the retailer names that a FIELD representative does. Your FIELD representative can also give you the names of local greenhouses who use it and may be willing to sell it to you.

I might add that MY field rep was very glad to hear from me, and was intrigued by the idea of Winter Sowing. He was a former greenhouse grower and was pleased to hear that someone felt so strongly about his product, even if it was to sow in milk jugs.

I just happened to do a cost comparison this weekend and will share.

1. ProMix BX, available in Oklahoma City at Estes Chemical. A 2.8 cubic foot bag equals 79 liters equals 83 quarts. At $14 per 2.8 cubic foot bag the price per unit comes to $5 per CF, $0.18 per liter, and $0.168 per quart.

2. Miracle Grow Potting Mix, available in Midwest City, OK at Home Depot. A 2.5 cubic foot bag equals 70 liters equals 74 quarts. At $12.47 per 2.5 cubic foot bag the price per unit comes to $4.99 per cubic foot, $0.178 per liter and $0.168 per quart.

3. Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Mix, available at Sam's Club Oklahoma City. A 1.8 cubic foot bag equals 50 liters equals 55 quarts. At $12.47 per 55 quart bag the price per unit comes to $6.23 per cubic foot, $0.22 per liter and $0.204 per quart. (BTW I would not use this for winter sowing)

For me, the ProMix at Estes and Miracle Grow at HD are the same price per CF. I don't care for sticks and stuff in my mix, so I'll go with ProMix.

I've included a link to convert volumes for comparison.

Here is a link that might be useful: Volume Conversion

What I learned about Pro Mix

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