Noob questions re: soil

8 years ago

I'm growing some citrus in the back yard in large 25 gallon pots. One tree is in a smaller 10 gallon pot.

I'm curious what you guys and gals recommend for optimal soil and the best fruit? Could my soil use something else?

Currently, I've been using Nourish BioSoil twice per year and just applied it last week before the spring. http://www.johnandbobs.com/products/nourish

I have also sprinkled Azomite over the soil as well. Watering is consistent and the soil is never dry. Sun is full day Southern California sunshine.

My limes, lemons, oranges are flowering very nicely already. But my tangerine isn't. I wonder if 1) the pot is too small or 2) there's something wrong with the soil?

The tangerine is a 4-5 year old tree.

I also have some longan but it hasn't started flowering yet, although should soon looking at all the buds.

Featured Answer

BarbJP 15-16/9B CA Bay Area

8 years ago

It depends; on what you're using and how much each time. Organics tend to slowly be changed to NPK by the soil micro organisms, (micro-rhizomes) so it doesn't have to be added as often. Standard fertilizers generally are added more often. And since containers are usually watered more often, they generally need fertilizing more often.

So it depends; one needs to follow the instructions of the particular fertilizer used.

But in general, citrus do like to be fed more often than twice a year. Especially in warm weather areas like yours.

For re-potting, most prefer to re-pot with just 5-1-1 mix, but some do mix some of the old soil. It depends on what shape the old soil is in. If it still drains well, smells earthy and not rotten, it's probably OK to mix some in, but myself would probably mix no more than 20-30% of the old soil.

Here's a link to discussion and recipes for the 5-1-1 mix;

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/3070255/recipe-for-5-1-1-mix?n=3

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Comments (17)

poncirusguy6b452xx
8 years ago
I hope you don't have to bring that 25 G pot in every cold season.

Pictures of trees please. I love pictures.
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BarbJP 15-16/9B CA Bay Area
8 years ago
Steve, they said they're in Southern CA, no problem with being outside all year. :)

Kamchap, is the tangerine in the 10 gallon pot? That size is not that small though, so it should be fine if the soil is still draining well.

Has the tangerine ever bloomed, or just not this year? Do you know what variety it is? Some varieties bloom later.

If it does need a re-potting,most here recommend the Gritty Mix or the 5-1-1 mix. In your area, with hot, dry summers and low humidity, I'd say you should go with the 5-1-1. Just put 5-1-1 mix into the search box to find the formula, I don't remember it just now.

I think there's more about these formulas on the Container forum too.

Looks like your feeding regime is fine, though I'm not a fan of organics in container soils, I do know some make it work. I'd recommend getting some soil micro-rhizomes to inoculate any new potting soil if you do stay with organic fertilizers.
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kamchap
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi Barb - thanks for the feedback.

Tangerine is in the 10 gallon pot and it has bloomed before, also produced some fruit but the fruit fell off due to strong winds and the tree just being young.

Only mix 5-1-1 if I am re-potting correct? Otherwise, the BioSoil is sufficient I take it. I have a feeling the tangerine simply needs some fresher (better) soil so I might just re-pot.

I was told the Nourish BioSoil I'm using is one of the best, so this is why I use it. But I'm wondering if something better exists for the plants / location. But it might be too late to fertilize again.
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BarbJP 15-16/9B CA Bay Area
8 years ago
Is Nourish BioSoil a fertilizer/nutrient or a potting mix? The 5-1-1 is a potting mix formula/recipe to make your own potting mix. It's not a fertilizer, just to clarify.
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kamchap
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Nourish is an organic fertilizer (7-2-1)
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kamchap
Original Author
8 years ago
I'm guessing citrus needs to be fertilized only twice / year?

Would I re-pot using the 5-1-1 mix or mix it with existing soil.

I was lucky to get some excellent soil from my local fruit tree grower for my newer plants, however, the tangerine doesn't have this.
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kamchap
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the tips! Very helpful. I'll try and get some 5-1-1 mix going this weekend.

The BioSoil mentions twice per year, but like you said, potted plants that drain well are hungry! And their instructions state that their product won't burn and can't be overdone. I'll add some more post-flowering for some of the plants!
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kamchap
Original Author
8 years ago
Barb - any idea where I can find the ingredients for the 5-1-1 mix in SoCal? The big retailers don't have this stuff. Perhaps just ordering online is the move.
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myermike_1micha
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The 5.1.1 mix is also my best choice...But, if you are planning on letting those containers contact the earth, you run less of a risk of perched water since the ground acts like a wick and pulls moisture from the bottom of your pots...

It is important though to keep the soil open and as porous as much as possible so that good air exchange happens within the root zone every time you water, does not compact quickly and holds no salt deposits, therefore, the reason why we recommend the 5.1.1 or similar..

Depending on your environment, you may have to adjust the mix ratio a bit or add some more or less water retentive material...

Have you tried looking at grain supply, hardware, or landscaping supply stores for bark mulch or crushed bark? Many have the product.
limeinqueens
8 years ago
Reptibark brand reptile bedding is ideal. You can buy it at Petsmart. Perlite and Peat you can buy at any garden store or Home Depot.
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kamchap
Original Author
8 years ago
Hey everyone - I wasn't able to find "pure" perlite or sphagnum today - only "Miracle Grow" infused product at two stores. Will have to source it online...

Will search for the reptile bedding.

Also, what's your choice for fertilizer for fruit (citrus in this case)? Stick with my Nourish BioSoil? Go with something else? Organic?
diveval
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I Apply osmocote plus to the 5-1-1 mix and the apply weekly-ish Foliage Pro after watering.
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BarbJP 15-16/9B CA Bay Area
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Some prefer the "Miracle Grow Garden Soil", this name specifically. You should be able to find it, up here in Norcal Home Depot carries it.

It's an amendment meant to be used in the ground for things like veggie gardens, but it works really well for the 5-1-1.

Idk what the Miracle Grow "infused" product is, but if it's the "moisture control" stay far away. That has an ingredient that holds onto water waaaay too long.

I don't understand you not being able to find sphagnum or perlite. HD and Lowes both carry that here. Or try an independent nursery. They should have it too. Usually it's just the grit or bark folks have problems finding. What part of Socal are you located?
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kamchap
Original Author
8 years ago
Hey Barb - the Miracle Grow sphagnum and perlite was already loaded with Miracle Grow fertilizer. Tried Home Depot and Lowes. But will try another place tomorrow. I'm in Los Angeles.

Will also get the Foliage Pro to feed all the citrus every week per the instructions.

Foliage Pro ok for mangoes, longan, guava, figs as well?
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BarbJP 15-16/9B CA Bay Area
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Yeah, they do that with most all MC products. It just means you don't have to fertilize for at least 3-4 months, I guess.

I'd hold off on the Foliage pro if you use the pre-fertilized MC products until it's gone through all the fertilizer they add. It will most likely tell you on the package how long the food is supposed to last. Just don't use the "moisture control" products, they really induce rot.

Yes, Foliage Pro is very good for most tropical, and sub-tropical fruits and plants in general.
myermike_1micha
8 years ago
I am REALLY surprised that you can not find perlite or peat moss anywhere there..They sell the peat in big bales all the time here in Ma....I am just concerned about the price you will pay for all that repti-bark..It is expensive..Don't they mulch beds down there...?

Mike
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Noob questions re: soil

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