This is my first post ~ well anywhere, actually. So forgive me if I'm in the wrong place. There seemed such wisdom here and I didn't think I should start a new topic just for my issue. But feel free to tell me ~ where to go ~ as necessary ;) I've searched the net, thinking the exact conversion must be out there, but alas, not... I'm starting new raised cedar plank organic beds for vegetables (5 -4x4, 12" deep and have 50+ bags of the following: Butterfield Farms Organic Planting Soil "Specially Formulated Blend for Growing All In-Ground Vegetables, Herbs and Flowers. The bag says it contains "a blend of 100% organic ingredients composted manure, composted wood fiber, sphagnum and sedge peat, plus coarse silica sand and Dolomitic limestone. Excellent for blending with native soils to add all important organic matter nutrient holding capacity and soil tilth. I've emailed the source to get more specifics of this composition and their recommendations for add in's but have not heard back yet. Yes, I'm pretty committed to doing these as raised beds. The in ground one I did in the past was a nightmare to maintain due to nearby weed fields, and the new area has the outer root system of nearby pines. Also for weed control and ease. (Sorry if that's tmi, been reading around this site and defending the raised bed system seems part of the forum process, lol?) Anyway, the bottom will be open, though, and the area de-foliaged (grass pulled up) at least 20" around the perimeter of beds with a weed-blocked, mulched path. Even considering deep edge boarders at that 20" perimeter in addition? So, kind, wise folks (Honestly see you like that ~ forgive if too corny) >> my actual question is IF each bag of "In-Ground Organic Planting Soil" is 1 cubic foot and each bed demands 16 cubic feet, what are your recommendations for me to add to this "in ground" mix, and what ratios, to make it "raised bed" friendly? My big fear that something's in here that shouldn't be (though I can't think what) so I can't just add stuff, and I've flubbed this already :(? It is essential to me that it be kept as organic as possible. My plants are such, and hope the mix in's are such? Please know your time is appreciated. I'm sure you all would much rather be outside this time of year, or resting/researching to do so THANKS! ~ Rose

I can't tell about the roots -- the Sans plants are so dense I really can't see much soil surface, but I don't see roots in the parts I can see (I didn't dig down though). It seems to have regular Miracle-Gro style potting soil mixed with small bits of pine bark. The plant doesn't seem to be suffering otherwise, but I don't have the experience with this plant to notice more subtle signs. It remains green, upright, and with no consistent dead spots. The top layer of soil is dry, but not dried out. The bottom layer (when I feel it through the drain holes) feels like it could have been watered a day ago. I could get a photo tomorrow. I'd prefer to wait until spring to repot because I haven't been able to gather the ingredients for gritty mix yet, but I wouldn't want to lose the plant before I get a chance. Thanks for your help!

The green on the soil is algae. The algae won't hurt anything but it is a sign of soil being too moist for too long. I don't grow dragon fruit plants except as a rootstock for a grafted cactus and I don't have a London climate so my suggestions might be a bit off. However, I would improve the drainage of the soil mix. Dragon fruit cacti seem more tolerant of moisture but I've seen them rot from the soil up because of over watering.

Your west facing window may turn out to be too bright for it -- especially once the longer, hotter days of summer arrive. (Do keep in mind that I don't know how warm your area gets , just gong by seasonal conditions in my part of the world.). In any event, no direct sun. Because many of the jewel orchids desire high humidity at all times, you might consider trying a terrarium of some sort. Doesn't have to be a complicated setup. A largish open topped globe like some folks will use for keeping a goldfish, or a tall,, clear, wide-bottomed vase may suffice. A substrate of sphagnum moss should do fine. I wouldn't recommend soil.