5:1:1 mix comment and question
Lopey
7 years ago
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Comments (25)
Ohiofem 6a/5b Southwest Ohio
7 years agoDave
7 years agoRelated Discussions
question on using perlite in the 5-1-1 mix
Comments (4)I would agree with Josh. I, myself, use a mixture of fir bark, coarse perlite, and granite chips. It's more along the lines of the Gritty Mix than the 511, but the concept is still just about the same with regard to aeration and drainage, and us being more in control of the feeding and watering needs of the containerized planting. Size of materials being fairly comparable is what I go for... unless it's a planting that requires more moisture retained for longer, at which point I add a bit of high quality potting mix or something similar, still keeping the majority of materials used of larger size than fine silt/peat. Don't let me confuse you, though... keep in mind that growing in containers differs greatly from growing in the ground... and that we each have our own individual environment to consider when planting anything. There's really a lot of great material to read here in the forum... and I think you'll find that it's the concept, the how and why of it, that's really important....See MoreQuestion on "transferring" plants into 5-1-1 mix
Comments (19)In my experience, a high % of the growers looking at your plant will be saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"; and if I had a nickel for every time I heard the advice given, I'd be a lot closer to a comfortable retirement. Do you ever hear, "If your car still starts, forget about changing the oil" or "Why bother having the brakes fixed if you haven't had an accident yet?" You know best what the original root mass is like. If it's badly congested, it will affect the plant as long as it remains that way, but it's not a decision I can make ..... whether to go for the whole repot now, or wait until early summer next year. I suppose I would weigh the likelihood that I could get the plant through the winter in decent shape and use that as the issue on which the decision balances. If you're confident you can, then what harm in waiting? If you're concerned, then maybe best to don your gloves and git 'er done. I don't think you need to spray the roots with neem oil .... I've never done it, so can't share how the plant might or might not react. Any idea what the active ingredient was in the insecticide you were given to use on the soil's inhabitants? Keep us posted? More questions I might help with? Observations? Al...See MoreA lighter gritty mix and a 5-1-1 question
Comments (10)Hey Rina. Thanks so much. I am in Boston, so the Agway i go to is basically in the suburbs. The demand for chicken growing products is certainly lower around here, probably leading to higher cost. However, the weight issues is really the bigger problem. If you find a thread that i haven't seen, by all means forward. Always love to nerd out on my favorite nerd topic of soil science!!! Laura, there are a few (many) posts that Al has put together that sums things up in a very succinct way. This one is more basic. While this one speaks directly to soil and water retention. The latter has some great links at the bottom as well. There is one last one on growing trees in containers i can't put my finger on right now, but i am sure you will find it. I think that is about a books worth of knowledge!...See MoreQuestion for Al: watering/fertilizing 5-1-1 mix with a twist...
Comments (2)Any way to delete this post? I was able to read all the re-posts of Al's (Tapla) Container soils and water retention originals and comments and questions (lots of free time! he he) and I believe I have found the answers in there. If there is a way to delete this post. please let me know. Thanks, Robert...See MoreLopey
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoEHH824
7 years agoMiss Dory
7 years agoEHH824
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoEHH824
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoEHH824
7 years agoLopey
7 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
7 years agoEHH824
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoLopey
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoLopey
7 years agoAnthony
7 years agoAnthony
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoLopey
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoLopey
7 years ago
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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)