skip to main content

Caution: Don't Dump Soil

17 years ago

In cleaning out containers where nothing appeared to have germinated, I came across MANY cotyledons, with very long roots, that were in containers as old as three years. I repotted some and planted others. I know some were Sol. Seal but have no clue as to the others...labels missing or washed off. (Any suggestions as to plants that can look like Sol. seal??)

So, double check your soil before giving up. These natives can take a long time.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

razorback33
17 years ago
Good advise!
I have had fresh, cleaned Arisaema seed to require up to 5 years to germinate.
I usually wait at least 3 years for seed germination and if some germinate during that time, the remaining ones are left for another 2-3 years.

Some plants that resemble SS are False SS or Solomon's Plume, Maianthemum racemosum (Smilacina racemosa) and some species of Disporum.

Good luck!
Rb
kwoods
17 years ago
I was stratifying blue flag (Iris versicolor) seeds and forgot them in a tiny ziplock in the crisper. Decided to leave it there for the next spring... and forgot it again. Two years in the fridge... well I figured I'd take the bag out and try them this spring... forgot them in the potting shed in late March this time.

Just found a bulging little ziplock bag on the floor of the potting shed full off soilless mix with blue flag seedlings popping out the top of it. I'm wondering if I should actually plant them properly or continue to abuse them seeing as they have responded so well to it?
Related Discussions
If seeds don't germinate
Q
Comments (8)
If it's something that I really wanted, I will plant the soil from my dud pot in the ground. I have gotten a couple of plants this way (the following year). Sometimes I use the soil to top dress a bed or mark where I planted seedlings (I use MG). I have also reused my soil for the following year. Not so much to save on the cost but to save myself from lugging a heavy bag of new soil from the store lol! The only thing I have noticed is sometimes I'll get a different flower sprout than what is written on the tag! I'm sure the seed survived from a previous years dump. It doesn't bother me, I treat it as a bonus. If the pot has been left uncovered, it is also subjected to weed seeds that may have flown in. If you are using deep enough containers, you can line just the bottoms with the reused soil to try to prevent unwanted sprouts. I've read that boiling water poured over the soil also kills everything off.
...See More
Don't dump that container!
Q
Comments (2)
No, never give up! I have a container from *last year* that sprouted this week! Great Solomon Seal!!! Now if only the Dictamnus Alba would sprout! Maggie
...See More
C...tco potting soil - a word of caution
Q
Comments (7)
Well this is interesting.....I wonder whats in the costco soil........I bought a bag of that many years ago and my plants did NOT do well in it......so I never bought soil there again......that must of been about 8 years ago. I use pro-mix. Ya I know its more expensive but I know it works well for my plants, and it doesn't smell. I usually us a starter mix from the nursery, but this year they didn't have it out when I needed to start some things and I didn't have any left from last year.....so I tried some from walmart.....what I found was that damp off was a problem with it.....and also it dried out fast and packed down.......So I finished off a bag of promix #4 and then bought another pro mix #1 for starting things. I also fill all my planters with this except for the half barrels. As for finding glass in it....Take it back and demand a refund...even if its a credit. That is terrible and dangerous. As for the names why would it matter...we are just sharing our finds, we arn't selling anything. Candles are cheap at walmart. LOL!!! Sierra :-))
...See More
Tomato Fungus - Lots of soil and don't want to toss
Q
Comments (7)
Of course it all depends on exactly what disease your plants had as there are a couple of exceptions, but most fungus and bacteria diseases don't overwinter in soil depending on where you live and your winter weather. Most require some sort of living tissue to survive on. A common practice with containers is in the spring, prior to planting, dump the container out on a tarp and mix it up well with some fresh mix ( about 1/4-1/3 new) - you are using a soil-less potting mix right? Recharge it with some fresh fertilizer, toss any root balls or root masses left in the soil, refill the containers and plant. Dave
...See More
Iris GW
17 years ago
I got a bunch of persimmon seeds from some scat in my yard (yuck, I know). I potted them up and nothing happened. I emptied all the containers into a pile of dirt and used that to pot up other things. You guessed it - I have persimmons sprouting in all those containers now! Love it.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

GARDENING GUIDES Houzz TV: Make a Worm Bin for Rich Soil and Happy Plants

By Annie Thornton

A worm-powered compost bin that can fit under a sink turns food scraps into a powerful amendment for your garden. Here’s how to make one

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Solutions for Soggy Soil

By Steve Asbell

If a too-wet garden is raining on your parade, try these water-loving plants and other ideas for handling all of that H2O

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Shape a Rain Garden and Create the Right Soil for It

By Falon Mihalic

Learn how to grade, lay out and amend the soil in your rain garden to support your plants

FUN HOUZZ Don’t Be a Stickybeak — and Other Home-Related Lingo From Abroad

By Mitchell Parker

Need to hire a contractor or buy a certain piece of furniture in the U.K. or Australia? Keep this guide at hand

GARDENING GUIDES Get on a Composting Kick (Hello, Free Fertilizer!)

By Matt Kilburn

Quit shelling out for pricey substitutes that aren’t even as good. Here’s how to give your soil the best while lightening your trash load

DECORATING GUIDES The Dumbest Decorating Decisions I’ve Ever Made

Caution: Do not try these at home

DECORATING GUIDES Meet a Houseplant That Doesn't Mind Neglect

By creative jewish mom.com

Got better things to do than remember to water your houseplants on schedule? Schefflera will forgive and forget

HOUSEKEEPING Don't Touch Another Stain Before You Read This

By Mitchell Parker

Even an innocent swipe with water may cause permanent damage. Here's what to know about how rugs and fabrics react

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Bright, Cheerful Coastal Garden Flowers

By Genevieve Schmidt

Sandy soil and salty air don't have to mean a dry and dull garden — these 5 flowering plants are beautiful, vivid and remarkably sturdy

Sponsored

More Discussions

cold stratification?

1