Soil Mixes

[Sea Mac]

Everything Jupe posted has proved true.

But I have learned some interesting things in the 9 months since I posted my last comments.

I have Switched BACK to Miracle-Gro Potting soil because Several of my plants I potted in N'Rich (a "No Peat Moss" mix) have DIED from being root bound! Low peat moss mixes are better in Humid Areas: but for a Desert grower like ME SOME Peat Moss seem essential to protect plants from the deleterious effects of being root bound long term!

I have plants root bound over a year in tiny pots: They were potted in straight Miracle-Gro potting soil. Several Plants potted last year in N'Rich show chronic wilting of branch ends as soon as they become root bound: and one 8 foot tree has already DIED.

In Drier desert conditions amended Miracle-Gro potting soil IS Better than a "No Peat Moss" mix! I use what serves me best long term: and I've stopped buying N'Rich and Switched BACK to Miracle-Gro! But I'm throwing in 1/4 by volume of fine Orchid Bark (for Drainage) and adding Beneficial Bacteria and Mycorrhizae to the soil mix.

You east coast growers: buy Miracle-Gro and amend it. To help reduce the long term degradation into peat bog let your soils DRY Out between waterings. I have 3 year old plants in Miracle-Gro that are still growing happily: I have 9 month old plants in a peat moss less mix that are root bound and SUFFERING!

For my desert conditions: I have discovered that SOME peat moss is needed for the long term health of my plants. Very humid Conditions should be sparing with it: peat moss kept wet all the time eventually does turn to peat bog. If you can dry your plants out between waterings go ahead and BUY it!

I've been growing 4 1/3 years now and I'm going to stick with what works best for ME: and my long term observations show me that peat moss in moderation CAN'T be as bad as I thought it was! In fact: my plants are asking for it by name!

[rbautz]

This was a big help i plan on transplanted my plant tomorrow and i finally have my answer.  I will use Miracle Grow potting soil and i will be adding more perlite to the mix

[Sk Unk]

Well hopefully soon i will be gettin my 2 plants and i plan to grow my plants in a differnt way then most post i seen on these fourms anyways my Question is actully 2 Questions

First: im not using soil to grow my plants im using Hydrotron which is just Clay pebbles(used for hydro grow system) expanded by heat which help get air get to the roots helps with root growth the only reason wanted to ask this Question was im not sure if this will work well becuse the roots of Salvia look wierd to me or atleast from most plants roots and becuse i havent read any post of someone using somthing like this

And my sencond question probly dont go hear but what the hell i bought my products but do i get a email when they ship it? you know like a confirm of shipment

[rbautz]

i grow indoors and i planted my plant in miracle grow potting mix (not the moister control) and added some more perlite for drainage.  Two weeks later the soil was still wet and i noticed Gnat flies flying around and when i moved some the soil i saw a worm like thing in the soil.  I threw away the soil and replanted her.  Does anyone have any suggentions about the drying issue and also about Gnat flies?

[cleazenby]

You should try neem oil! Here is a collection of pictures of the soil I use currently... U use 2/3 of the potting mix on the right which is really airy and then 1/3 of the orchid mix.