Meyer lemon and store bought soil mixes

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Alright, let’s
talk about soil and Meyer lemon trees. I am sorry to say, after researching it most of my morning, I am not up to making
my own potting mix. I know many of you Gardenweb veterans will frown at me for
this and close this post in disgust, but I’m just being honest. I don’t have
the containers, the strength or quite frankly the desire to go and mix 3 back
breaking bags of ingredients I don’t have a hope of finishing.

Now that we
got that part out of the way, and for those of you who haven’t shied away in
disgust shaking your head, I still need to re-pot my 2 Meyer lemon trees, and I’ve
been doing some serious digging on the web to try and find every potting mix
known to man that could be a viable option. To be clear, this is for potted
Meyer Lemon trees that are going to be mainly living indoors, with a few months
of reprieve on the Patio during the summer.

Here are all
the choices that seemed worthy of mentioning to the newbie that I am. I’ve
numbered them for easy reference. I tried to keep in mind I needed a soil that
drained well. I’ve added a few rose blends, since I’ve read somewhere that rose
mixes work well for citrus trees. I’ve also added a few Cactus blends, thinking
it would drain well. But again, I’m very new, so I might be completely off
course, here.

1) 1 Gallon Citrus Potting Mix (that one looked promising)

Our
1 Gallon Citrus potting mix comes in a Large plastic Ziplock bag. We use this
citrus potting mix inhouse for all of our citrus plants. This 1 Gallon Citrus
potting mix is made up by LarrysOrchids as we found this is the best ratio of
mix to use for citrus: 57% Soil , 19% Coarse Fir (Orchid) Bark , 9.5% Perlite ,
9.5% Vermiculite , 5% Sphagnum Moss

Our
citrus pottting mix is well draining and can be used for any plant that needs
well draining soil (except for cactus potting mix).

http://www.amazon.com/Gallon-Citrus-Potting-Mix-PM030/dp/B00MU0ANF0/ref=sr_1_21?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1430276562&sr=1-21&keywords=citrus+soil

2) Lucky Dog® K-9 KUBE®

This light airy blend of peat moss and
perlite is the answer to every gardener’s success. How do you get good water
retention as well as good drainage? The K-9 Kube® has it all: pedigree
ingredients, mycorrhizal fungi and crazy wicked earthworm castings. Our
ultra-premium Growers Blend is formulated to optimize nutrient availability to
plants.

CONTAINER GARDENS, HOUSEPLANTS, TREES,
SHRUBS AND ROSES

http://foxfarmfertilizer.com/index.php/item/lucky-dog-k-9-kube.html

Happy Frog® Potting Soil

Your potted plants deserve the best.
Their roots can’t seek out nutrients in the ground, so you have to bring it to
them. That’s why Happy Frog® Potting Soil is alive with beneficial microbes and
fungi that help break down organic matter and feed the plant roots.

Garden tip: Happy Frog®
Potting Soil is perfect for container gardens. Whether you’re growing a ficus
in the dining room, a geranium on the patio, or a lemon tree on the deck, use
our Potting Soil full strength in your containers. For a spectacular harvest,
add our Happy Frog® Fruit & Flower Fertilizer. Then sit back and enjoy the
results.

http://foxfarmfertilizer.com/index.php/item/happy-frog-174-potting-soil.html

4) Ocean Forest® Potting Soil

The ultimate potting soil—everything
your plants need, in one bag. Ocean Forest® is a powerhouse blend of premium
earthworm castings, bat guano, and sea-going fish and crab meal.

Composted forest humus, sandy loam, and
sphagnum peat moss give Ocean Forest® its light, aerated texture. Start with
Ocean Forest® and watch your plants come alive! Perfect for containers and
ready to use right out of the bag. Ocean Forest® is pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8
to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake.

http://foxfarmfertilizer.com/index.php/item/ocean-forest-potting-soil.html

5) Dr. Earth Home
Grown Potting Soil

Ideal for Container planting

Perking up existing soil: May be added to existing soil in
containers or pots to improve or enhance soil health, nutrient availability and
physical properties.
Containers: Pot and container planting
Transplanting: Ideal mix to use at time of transplanting.
Houseplants: Provides abundant nutrients; ideal drainage.
http://drearth.net/products/organic-soils/home-grown-potting-soil/

6) Dr. Earth House
Plant Potting Soil

Ideal for: All Indoor house plants,
pothos, philodendron, palms, ferns, herbs and vegetables.

Containers: Excellent for use in all container sizes including Patio
Containers and Hanging Baskets.

Planting: Provides abundant
nutrients; ideal drainage.
Transplanting: Ideal mix to use at time of transplanting.

http://drearth.net/products/organic-soils/house-plant-potting-soil/

7) Dr. Earth Natural
Wonder Fruit Tree Planting Mix

Ideal for allfruit trees, (including
peaches, citrus, apples) grapes, all nut trees, all berries, avocados and all
vines.

Planting: Mix with existing garden soil
for direct planting or to amend soil conditions.

Perk up Existing Soil: May be added to
existing soil in containers or pots to improve or enhance soil health, nutrient
availability and physical properties.

Mulch: Excellent mulch for moisture
retention and weed control.

Clay Soil: Improves soil drainage and
aeration.

Containers: Plant directly into large
(5-gallon or larger) outdoor containers

http://drearth.net/products/organic-soils/natural-wonder-fruit-tree-planting-mix/

8) Lady Bug Natural
Brand Rose Magic Soil

Hghly recommended for roses and
perennials. It contains an equal blend of 5 superior composts: glittering
greensand, decomposed granite, composted topsoil, and super natural expanded
shale. Rose Magic can be used as a soil amendment or as a planting medium for
large containers. In addition, you can also plant directly into the Rose Magic.
This soil blend encourages stronger root system growth, helping your roses
achieve maximum growth.

For use in: Rose, Perennials

Application: Can plant directly into the soil blend

Material/Construction: Five superior compost, Glittering Greensand,
Super Natural Expanded Shale, Composted topsoil, Decomposed Granite

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/lady-bug-natural-brand-rose-magic-soil-blend-p-9934.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwgoKqBRDt_IfLr8y1iMUBEiQA8Ua7XYscExt24WWBJVCSdc3946vwDzwQ07kTcggpfNjuZS0aAlEQ8P8HAQ

9) Lady Bug Natural
Brand Vortex Potting Soil

Contains a blend of mineral sand,
beneficial compost, perlite and expanded shale. It also features biozome, which
further increases microbial activity in plants. This potting soil is beneficial
for all types of container gardening needs. This product is a compost based
potting soil that produces a leachate of compost tea. The Vortex potting soil
can help in growing plants, annuals, herbs, perennials, citrus, vegetables,
cacti and even succulents.

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/lady-bug-natural-brand-vortex-potting-soil-p-9932.html

10) Conrad Fafard
Cact/Succulent Mix

A High Organic Soil That Contains
Granite Sand Which Results In A Mix That Does Not Pack, But Is Heavy Enough To
Prevent Top Heavy Cacti & Succulents From Tipping Over, Use For Cacti &
Succulents.

http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/Conrad-Fafard-6520809-RDC03-8QT-Cact-Succulent-Mix-p/147139.htm

11) Growstone
650CCM33CF 9 Liters, GS-3 Coco Mix Potting Mix

Perfectly Balanced For Indoor &
Outdoor Plants, Carefully Blended From The Finest Coco Fiber, Grow Stones,
Redwood Fiber & Mycorrhizae, Ready To Use Right Outdoor or Outer Of The Bag
Providing An Ideal Habitat For Plants & Roots, Complete With Beneficial
Microbes, Prevents Over Watering & Root Rot.

http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/650CCM33CF-GS-3-Coco-Potting-Mix-9-Liters-p/187314.htm

12) Hydrofarm-Foxfarm
FX14101 Foxfarm, 2 CUFT, Coco Loco Potting Mix

Has Ability To Hold More Than Its
Weight In Water While Still Draining Well, Coir In Potting Mix Behaves Like
Little Sponges Offering Nutrients & Water As Needed By The Plants, Lower
Humidity Reduces The Possibility Of Attracting Mold & Root Rot, As Well As
Leaving Insects Less Likely To Bother Potted Plants.

http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/FX14101-Coco-Loco-Potting-Mix-2-cu-Ft-p/186667.htm

Part II follows under...

Comments (5)

Atheen - 7a - in Maryland, USA
Original Author
8 years ago
Meyer lemon and store bought soil mixes

Part II

13) Scotts Organic Group 72078500 Miracle-Gro, 8 QT Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix

Fast Draining Formula Contains A Mixture Of Sphagnum Peat Moss, Composted Forest Products, Sand & Perlite That Is Excellent For Growing Cactus, Palm, Citrus & Other Succulents Helps Prevent Soil Compaction And Improves Drainage, Feeds For Up To 6 Months With Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food.

http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/72078500-Cactus-Palm-Citrus-Potting-Mix-8-Qt-p/690493.htm

14) ORGANIC MECHANICS Container Blend Potting Soil

Our all-purpose organic potting soil, perfect for repotting plants, fast growing annuals, outdoor containers, and more!

Excellent drainage properties, yet holds moisture well

Perennials, Woody Plants and Herbs love it! Great for large containers (up to 250 gallons) or any plant that needs well-drained soil

Contains: compost, pine bark, coir, worm castings and rice hulls.

http://www.organicmechanicsoil.com/products-catalog-organic-potting-soil.html

15) Miracle-Gro Cactus Palm and Citrus Potting Mix, 8-Quart

Fast-draining formula, Enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food

Beautiful, colorful results. Feeds up to six months

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-Gro-Cactus-Palm-and-Citrus-Soil-72078500/204502296

16) Down To Earth 5-Pound Citrus Mix 6-3-3 7863

Designed to nourish citrus trees in home orchards and containers, our Citrus Mix is formulated with primary and secondary plant nutrients plus selected micronutrients that promote lush new growth, abundant green foliage, fragrant blossoms and bountiful fruit. It may also be used to feed other fruit trees, vines and ornamentals for equally enjoyable results. Ingredients: Feather Meal, Fish Bone Meal, Alfalfa Meal, Greensand, Langbeinite, Basalt, Sulfate of Potash, Zinc Sulfate and Kelp Meal.

http://www.amazon.com/Down-Earth-5-Pound-Citrus-6-3-3/dp/B00KJ0IIZK/ref=sr_1_6?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1430276562&sr=1-6&keywords=citrus+soil

17) Hoffman 10410 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix

Organic cactus and succulent soil mix, professionally formulated for use with both jungle and desert cacti. Provides the drainage cacti need to flourish; ready to use; pH balanced. Complete package directions provide useful growing information. This product weighs 10 quarts.

http://www.amazon.com/Hoffman-10410-Organic-Cactus-Succulent/dp/B0030UQLIM/ref=sr_1_5?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1430276562&sr=1-5&keywords=citrus+soil

That's the best I could find that seemed remotely deserving to be in the conversation.

Atheen
limeinqueens
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I just want to address a possible misconception about 5-1-1. Its not made of obscure ingredients that only come in 20 lb sacks. (that is true of the "gritty mix" though).

Reptibark is presorted small pine bark bits that are just the right size, sold at Pet stores (Petco has it) in various sized bags down to a few quarts.

Perlite you can get a standard 8qt bag at Home Depot

8 qt spagnum moss is also at Home Depot, if they dont have it use cactus soil .

Of the soil listed above, I know some people use and like Fafhard, but not the succulent mix, its a different one.
Atheen - 7a - in Maryland, USA thanked limeinqueens
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Key Limes would be one of the quickest to bear fruits from seeds. There are others trifoliate types which can also bear much fruits even earlier than key limes but they are used as rootstocks or ornamentals but not for palatable fruit use. Fortunella hybrids that include hybrids of kumquats such as Calamondins, limequats, lemonquats, mandarinquats, sunquats would often come true to type from seeds and they also bear fruit early. Perhaps the longest to bear fruit from seeds are the pummelos and their hybrids like the grapefruits. The oranges come intermediate when it comes to bearing fruits from seeds. Grafted or not, but very often, the first few fruits from your citrus tree would be lousy tasting and of poor quality. It usually improves with tree age, with the quality starting to peak and stabilize after about three to four seasons from first fruiting. So don't chop off your tree when the first fruits do not compare with the ones you buy from the stores. The vigorous sour orange most probably came from rootstocks used way back in 1872. Here's short history: Before 1880's, most of California Citrus groves were composed of seedling trees. Most popular are lemons and oranges planted in the missions and haciendas of Southern California. Around 1872, the almost seedless Washington navels became so popular that there were not enough seeds to plant more navel trees, and so rootstocks became a necessity. First rootstock used was sweet orange (C. sinensis) and used until the 1940's. The next more popular rootstock starting around 1890's was the sour orange (C. aurantium) which tolerated phyhtopthora gummoosis and produced high-quality fruit. Then the rough lemon (C. jambhiri) was introduced around 1900's as rootstock for lemons and grapefruits where it achieved high yields even in sandy desert areas, but alas, due to poor fruit quality and susceptibility to cold limited its use. Then Cleopatra mandarin (C. reticulata) was used when trying to find tristeza-tolerant rootstocks. Its value was discovered in saline soils. It produced excellent quality grapefruits, but alas, it is susceptible to foot rot and also lost its popularity. All the above rootstocks were popularly used in commercial citrus industry of California until the 1940's. Around the 1940's a big event happened in California. Tristeza virus was discovered to be causing devastation of most citrus groves on sour orange rootstocks. This has lead to various works on rootstock development and changed the rootstock usage in California todate. Thus it ended the use of sour oranges and the hybrids of Sweet x Trifoliate oranges (Troyer and Carrizo) were introduced. Lately, there is a resurgence Citrus Tristeza Virus in Southern California which could mean that citruses on sour orange rootstocks and the sour oranges themselves would face another bout of devastation. As to the ultimate multi-grafted citrus, I currently have a 61-n-1 citrus tree. Tomorrow, I'm grafting 4 more cultivars unto it. Here's the tree when it was still 50-n-1: Fruits from 50-n-1 citrus tree And here's the best technique to add a cultivar when your tree is already mature. Budding is good for younger trees, but bark grafting have better success rates when multi-grafting to a mature tree. Citrus Bark Grafting Demo Here is a link that might be useful: Citrus Rootstock History
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The weight of a saturated gritty mix is only a small fraction heavier than the weight of a saturated Miracle-Gro (or similar) soil because of the excess water retention of the MG or equal. Rather than simply focusing on an inconvenience to the grower and tossing the notion of using the gritty mix out part and parcel, the grower might better consider the inconvenience of any extra weight against the inherent limitations of more water retentive soils that are a nonissue when using soils like the gritty mix. It doesn't matter to me what a person uses, but there is a loss of potential when using overly water-retentive soils because they're lighter than the gritty mix when dry. I realize what you said isn't a campaign against any particular soil or concept - I just wanted to make the point that the gritty mix IS heavier than most soils, but when plantings are at container capacity (saturated), the difference isn't terribly significant. Al
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Your statement "To help with the coarseness, I bought coarse perlite:" indicates you might want to pay particular attention to the section in container soils about "how much gravel do you have to add to pudding so it drains water?". Bark is great. Adding Perlite is great. However, Don't think in terms of adding them to the Farfard but how much Farfard you can add to the Bark and Perlite. 50% bark, 30% perlite, 20% Farfard perhaps. Probably better to use 70% bark, 20% perlite, 10% Farfard. Other option is to screen the Farfard over insect screen and toss whatever falls through regular 1/16" insect screen. Looks like from the picture, you would be tossing 75% of the Farfard mix.
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Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Don't know where you live, what your climate is like or what is offered in your local stores.

For me (I'm in Virginia), I've been having good luck with Miracle Grow potting soil (NOT 'moisture control') with LOTS of perlite added (like 50%). Perlite is probably the best additive available for many gardeners. If you can find the larger-sized perlite, use that. I've only found one supplier in Northern VA, so it's unusual. Fafard potting soil is better than Miracle Grow, but I can't find it.

If I lived in California, I would add pumice and Redwood bark chips. But those are nowhere to be found here. Ordering online is prohibitive.

And If I can find a bag of Pine Fines, I will add some of those as well.

So, this works for me and I'm all about simplicity. I don't have a lot of time to 'sift' media products or order things online.

Some would say my mix holds too much water, but I'm probably more careful watering than most people, especially in winter.

Everyone has their preference.
Atheen - 7a - in Maryland, USA thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
mksmth zone 7a Tulsa Oklahoma
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Once again I agree with Dave. Like minds I guess. Bagged mixes can be made better and very easily. I am fortunate to have access to a product called hapi-gro landscapers mix. its basically the 5 and a 1 of the 5.1.1 already in a bag. Difference is the fines are pine and not peat. Anyways if i lose access to it I wouldnt hesitate one bit to use miracle grow like Dave does. Just add a bunch of perlite. Farfard is good too.

I would try a 2 or 3 to 1 ratio if amending miracle grow with perlite.

Dave is right. Most people freak out to hear about it holding too much water but the beauty of containers is we control the amount of water they get so it becomes more work for use but it can be controlled. Adding a wick in the bottom that allow perched water to find a way out can help too.

Hey dave. Fafard has store finder on their site. Looks like a couple places close to DC might have some products.

mike
Atheen - 7a - in Maryland, USA thanked mksmth zone 7a Tulsa Oklahoma
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
8 years ago
Thanks Mike. I'll look them up!
Atheen - 7a - in Maryland, USA thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

Meyer lemon and store bought soil mixes

Comments (5)

Atheen - 7a - in Maryland, USA
Original Author

limeinqueens

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Meyer lemon and store bought soil mixes

Comments (5)

Atheen - 7a - in Maryland, USAOriginal Author

limeinqueens

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Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

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Atheen - 7a - in Maryland, USA
Original Author