Can't find Pine Bark Fines in Central Florida :(

15 years ago

Hi guys. I'm trying to make Al's container mix and I'm having the worst time finding pine bark of the right size.

I've been to Home Depot, Lowes in Casselberry and Sanford, Ace Hardware, and Lukas Nursery. No luck finding small pieces of pine bark. Anything that's small enough is cypress pulp, eucalyptus or rubber, and the pine bark that's available is all nuggets.

Any advice for picking this up in the Altamonte/Winter Springs/Sanford area? Sometimes it's called Soil Conditioner. Thanks for any advice, and thanks to Tomcanth for suggesting I post this here!

-Piri

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Comments (18)

katkin_gw
15 years ago
I am pretty sure Bushel Stop carries it, do you have one close to you?
an_ill-mannered_ache
15 years ago
walmart here in deland carries it as pine MULCH, over in th esoil and mulch section. it used to be labeled "soil conditioner," but i guess no one bought it. $3 for a cubic yard. it does, indeed, make a really nice mulch. but an even better soil conditioner.
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Thanks Al!I thought that hardwood fines were a no-go, but wanted to be sure. I think I might have actually found something that will work. It's called shredded pine mulch and I found it at a locally owned hardware store/garden center. The man even took time to look up the DynaGro Foilage Pro online since he didn't know anything about it! Turns out only one place in Indiana sells it...so I guess I'll be ordering it online...that way I won't have to figure out micro-nutrients, proper ratios, etc! This second picture shows their mini pine bark nuggets. Both samples were set out yesterday, it rained last night and they were overcast then sun today. I was amazed how much more moisture was in the first one, but it wasn't wet. So does that look like the right stuff? Thanks, Suz
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Can't help you with the bark, but for Turface you can call them at (800) 207-6457 and they will help you find a distributor. Also, be aware there are others who sell it repackaged such as Schultz Soil Conditioner. It is in small bags and higher priced this way, but works if you need just a small amount. John Deere also a reseller if you have any of those.
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esox07: Just went on the computer and read your posting. I hope that you found what you need. Please let us know if this bark product can be used to make the quick-draining, gritty-planting medium....the '"bark-fines" part. I guess the price is not that high considering the Repti-Bark is $20.00 a bag... and you can always use the leftovers in the future if you make too much potting mix. Just a bit more information....There's a product called: "Micro Bark" made by GreenAll but it's mainly found only on the West-Coast, and a few other states. This might help others who live in these locations. No distributors/retailers in NYC area! Why???? Who knows? Bruce,...Good luck with the peppers. I hope I helped you and others. In addition: Some posters on this thread chose to misquote and misrepresent some of the information which I posted ... especially about the subject regarding the gritty-mix, potting mediums. The purpose of these forums is to openly exchange opinions, information, and ideas... and to do so without invective, and snide recommendations, if you happen to disagree with that posted information.
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Bark does not hold up well in Florida heat and humidity. I would not use 'fines' as they will break down quickly. If you don't mind repotting yearly, its okay. You would be better off going with straight gritty mix which will hold up. I'm in Sarasota and grow orchids and some dirt plants. I use orchid bark for the orchids and inexpensive Timberlane (Walmart) pine bark pieces with dirt plants. I only use about 1/3 to perlite and miracle gro potting mix. I've had no problem with this as most of the dirt plants outgrow their pots after about a year or two. I find orchid bark holds up the best (good orchid bark, not the cheap stuff) but most of my orchids are getting moved to rock because I can't afford to repot hundreds of plants each year using bark. Just my experience and opinion. Jane
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ariel73
15 years ago
Yes, I agree pine bark fines is hard to find.

I finally picked some up at Kerby's in Seffner/Brandon. But it wasn't cheap. I paid $5 for a small bag.

Good luck
nativemel
15 years ago
Pine bark fines can be found at Halls Feed and Seed in Apopka. Take State Rd 436 West toward Apopka, merge onto US 441 where SR 436 ends, turn left on Park Avenue, go one block and turn right, store is immediately on your right. The owner is an organic gardener. He usually has a few bags, but one call or visit to him and he will order it in whatever quantity you need. He's usually there at 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
nativemel
15 years ago
Oh yeah, and do not get lost or venture off from the directions I gave. That is not the nicest neighborhood to be cruising around in.
greentfinger
15 years ago
Here is an add from St Petersburg Times this morning: Mulch, free 15 yard delivery, For St Petersburg area, call 727-433-1461. I hope this can help you. Our neighbor got a load from them a few months ago. No problems either.
beachlily z9a
15 years ago
BWI in Apopka stocks pinebark fine under the name organic soil conditioner.

I'm going to check my Walmart this afternoon! No one close to Daytona stocks the stuff except for a small nursery in New Smyrna Beach.
naplesgardener
15 years ago
the wholesaler for pine bark fines in central FL is floridamulchonline.com
you can call their toll free # (on their website) and they'll tell you what retailer is in your area.
they did it for me.
tomncath
15 years ago
Piri,

See what I mean since you moved this question from the Container forum over here? If you want to buy a pickup truck load and are willing to come to Tampa two places here sell it by the yard (27CF), for $21. Mulch Express also has pine straw for top mulch...check out the thread below.

Tom

Here is a link that might be useful: Pine fines in Tampa
piri
Original Author
15 years ago
WOW! Thanks for all the GREAT info everyone!
I guess I'll be heading to Apopka in the morning.
I had never thought to use reptile bark. I guess I could always have that as an emergency backup since it appears to be a bit expensive by volume.
Thanks again!
naomilovesflipflops
15 years ago
Hi Piri,

Bolling Forest Products also carries the fines. May be closer to you than Apopka. It's in Longwood off of Markahm Woods Road. I'll link their site below. Good luck! :-)

Naomi

Here is a link that might be useful: Bolling Forest
solstice98
15 years ago
I got mine from Bolling Forest last year. They delivered a yard of it and I used it everywhere! It's my favorite soil amendment and I also use it as orchid medium. In a 50/50 mix with potting soil I use it in all container plantings.

Kate
piri
Original Author
15 years ago
Oh, thanks guys. Longwood is in fact MUCH closer. I have so many options now. You guys rock!
piri
Original Author
15 years ago
I went by Bolling Forest this morning. The rain was so bad I wasn't sure I was going to make it!
I got two big bags for $2 and some change each. I told him he had better never leave Longwood! He said everyone who buys the stuff tell him he's the only one who carries it.

Thanks again for everyone's help. I'm excited toget to repotting!
garyfla_gw
15 years ago
Hi
Speaking of Al's mix . I can find PBF at bushel stop but I'm having trouble with "Turface" I can't even find a place that knows what the heck it is lol I did try "Oil Dri" but not sure if it's the same thing . Did well on the water test though. Anybody know where to find some in P.Beach county?/ gary
junkyardgirl
15 years ago
I bought some garden soil from Wal-Mart recently that is 55-65% pine fines. Can't find my glasses, so can't read the ingredients to you right now, but it's made in Georgia, where they grow a lot of timber pine, so probably mostly loblolly fines. It's less than $5 a bag here, and comes with or without fertilizer. I've been using it with great success as a potting soil. The name is "Expert Gardener". This might work for you.
an_ill-mannered_ache
15 years ago
gary, i use with great success al's mix, but all without the extras -- just fines, peat, vermiculite. then, correct the ph and add some micronutrients. fertilize regularly, per al's recommendations. (the iron is key!)
garyfla_gw
15 years ago
Hi
I've had great success with the formula you mention also.
That's why I wanted to try some of the others.lol
Particularly interested in the container grown Roses..The main ingrediant is "Turface" . Whatever that is lol gary

Can't find Pine Bark Fines in Central Florida :(

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