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Growing Tomatoes

EarthTainer potting mix question

14 years ago

Ray, I have a question regarding the soil mix in your v2.0 EarthTainer guide.

In the detailed instructions, potting mix and perlite are scooped at a ratio of 4:1. However, the amount called for in the materials list is 2.5 cu ft of potting mix and 0.8 cu ft of perlite. This is closer to a 3:1 ratio. I curious if there is a typo there.

But my bigger question is for the 3:2:1 mix. For each EarthTainer I am planning on using 1.65 cu ft of potting mix, 1.1 cu ft of bark, and 0.55 cu ft of perlite; for a total volume of 3.3 cu ft.

Can you confirm this is correct?

This is my first year using EarthTainers and I'm looking forward to great results. Thanks for all your work in developing them and the improved mix ratio.

-Dave

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Comments (9)

rnewste
14 years ago
Dave,

Good eye!!

Yes, it is my poor math regarding the 0.8 cu. ft. Perlite. But confirming the 3:2:1 ratio of Potting Mix, Bark Fines, and Perlite. I acually use a flour scoop and do the "3 scoops Potting Mix, then 2 scoops Bark Fines, then 1 scoop Perlite" thing without worrying about the total amounts.

Raybo
organicislandfarmer
14 years ago
Can you post the link to the earthtainer think, also does it describe construction better, My self watering containers have a hole where dirt fills and act as a siphon into the water resevoir I am wondering if the same principle applies to these? I am going to use them.
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Lots of work and great results, Raybo! You definitely deserve some time in the hot tub! I am envious; so far the spring here has been so cold and wet here that I haven't planted out any vegetables; I'll stop by your place to stock up later in the summer. :-D Holly
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keski, The EarthTainer design will work anywhere in the World. The key element is well draining Grow Media, which in the Guide I have recommended a Combo Mix of 3 parts Potting Mix, 2 parts Microbark, and one part Perlite. This will give the plant's root system the necessary aeration, while at the same time facilitate the wicking action to keep a steady-state supply of moisture for the plant's needs. Itzy, Yeah, I've learned in life that you need to be able to step back - - and laugh at yourself once in a while..... Raybo
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daveinco
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for replying, I just wanted to double check. I haven't assembled them yet, but I do have all the materials. I wanted to make sure I wasn't short one of the ingredients.

I have attached the link to Raybo's thread introducing the v2.0 instructions.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: link
organicislandfarmer
14 years ago
That is the most fantastic thing I have ever seen! Yeah I don't get out much! My project this summer is to make a bunch for my fall garden!
rnewste
14 years ago
Holler if you need any help, or if the Guide is not clear. I highly recommend the 3:2:1 mix over just the 4:1 potting mix / Perlite combo, but I needed to keep the planting instructions as basic as possible. However, anyone on GardenWeb is already a tomato fanatic, so you should start with the 3:2:1 Mix, then experiment for your own climate.

Raybo
greygoat100
14 years ago
this might help

organic potting mixes-horticulter technical notes
organicislandfarmer
14 years ago
yeah, I already use my own variation of the mels mix from square foot gardnn. so far it has proven to be the right combination of drainage, moisture retention and nutrients. The instructions couldnt be any clearer on the construction. very similar to the earth boxes I am using, only much larger!
geeboss
14 years ago
Hey Ray, I snagged an old 25lb bag of Tree Tone 9-5-4 with the old micros to try and have an eye out for more. My experminet with Tree Fertilizers is going well and this might be another way to extend the old Tomato Tone further.

George
rnewste
14 years ago
Hey George,

Great!

Hopefully, you will now have a multi-year of the "good stuff".

I am still waiting to hear from a single individual that the New Tomato-tone performs as well as the Old Tomato-tone.

Anyone.....Anyone.....Anyone???

Raybo

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