Question about my container garden soil
5 years ago
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I'm blind- have question about self-watering container gardening
Comments (11)To answer the replies to my original post so far: I am thinking self-watering containers to reduce potential problems with insects and other pests (which I can't see) -- a potential problem with in-ground planting, because these containers seem easier to maintain (ie. fertilizer strips), and to lessen the likelihood of me over or under watering. Thank you for telling me about the Florida forum. I will definitely check it out. I also love the cork/wire suggestion for monitoring the water level as well as the suggestion to use bamboo poles to rig up sun shades. My husband, who is also blind, is quite handy with his hands, so he will be able to fashion all these things for me. There is a little bit of an overhang, but it won't offer much shade. Regarding the proper potting mix, I am confused. the earthbox website seems to suggest all you need is their potting mix, dolimite, and fertilizer strip and you are ready to go. Yet on this forum, I keep reading about all kinds of "recipes" for creating the best growing environment and drainage. Mixing up my own stuff is pretty much out of the question, so is there anything that is ready-made that you recommend for the earthbox? And finally, what about mosquitoes? Are they able to breed in the water reservoirs of the earthbox for instance? Linda...See Morenew gardener question about soil
Comments (3)Potting "soils" do not really contain any soil, they are most often simply peat moss and either perlite or vermiculite. Garden soils can be anything but for optimal plant growth the should be about 45 percent mineral (the stuff that makes a soil a clay, sand, or loam), 5 percent organic matter, 25 percent air, and 25 percent water. Garden soils are too heavy and do not drain well enough to be used in containers and that often results in root rot because the plants roots do not get enough air. As a general rule of thumb it is simply too expensive to buy soil for your garden in a store. I recently did buy a bag of "topsoil" to fill in a small area the turkeys excavated where the bird feeder used to be and that 2 cubic foot bag of "topsoil" cost $40.00 per yard, and before I could get it fenced in the turkeys excavated that really expensive "topsoil", again....See MoreQuestion about citrus container soil mix for HOT climate
Comments (6)Well, my mom's two citrus trees in the ground do get a lot of sun so and a lot less watering once established. I use Roottrapper bags that has white covering that would keep media cool from sun exposure. They also have knitted fabric at the bottom that would let fine roots escape into the ground. Yeah, I've had to water dozens of containers once a day in the summer but I get good growth out of it. It doesn't really take much of your time if you only grow a couple trees. Maybe just a few minutes each day. I know what you mean. I went through the same thing wondering about it when I started it years ago....See MoreQuestion about too much dryness in my container garden
Comments (14)I understand what you are saying tapla. Some of the concerns I have are using things that might be a bit toxic, or that are ruining certain areas where they are mined. My aged compost seems pretty good. Everything grew well in my stock tank containers last year. I will turn it and add more this spring. What I was trying to figure out was the nature of it drying out so easily and wondered if something more locally obtained might help with that...........or if I had just drilled too many holes in the bottom of it. I have the stock tanks raised up on cement blocks, so it's very easy to deal with stirring the soil up and refreshing it every year. My reasons for not wanting to buy certain things is a philosophical thing. I'm trying to do things more simply and consume less. I really think I can grow decent veggies in the soil I'm using. And even if they're not County Fair-winning veggies, the trade-off is something I can sleep better with. Thanks halocline for posting that previous discussion. I'll check it out....See More- 5 years ago
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