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soil Using the Correct Soil

Phearis

Phearis

I just planted this season's crop but I want to make sure I get the right soil when it's time to plant the seedlings. Last year I just used Miracle-Gro and it worked pretty good but I've seen plants on this forum that make me go "WOW". So I was wondering what would anyone recomend to get the best results.

Thank you :)

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Santa Fe Grande (Red)
Orange Scotch Bonnet
Fresno Red
Trinidad Scorpion Butch T
 
The going mix on here seems to be ProMix some form or another. I made my own soil last year. This year I'm buying a local texas brand. I just keep trying them till I find the best that works for me. A buddy of mine here in west texas used just plain soil out of his alley last year and they did just about as well as mine. Makes me wonder sometimes!
 
I like Fox Farm Soil and Sanctuary Soil.

1. Fox Farm "Light Warrior" for seed starting, transplanting, clones...
2. Fox Farm "Ocean Forest" mature plants or at least 2-4 true leaves. No fertilizers necessary for 3-4 weeks.
3. Sanctuary Soil "Empire Builder" same as 2.

I personally start seeds in 1.5 inch rock-wool cubes, transplant to Light Warrior as soon as cotyledons appear, after month transplant to 3 gallon nursery pot with 50/50mix of Fox farm "Ocean Forest" and Sanctuary Soil "Empire Builder".
 
I like Promix if you can find it locally. The mychorrizhae in it really helps the plants grow. You can also buy mychorrizhae innocculents to add to any other soil-less mix you might use or find, but they are a little pricey. Just make sure your seed starter mix is soil less and you will have a lot less issues.
 
As mentioned above, promix bx mix is probably the best "popular," easy-to-find quality soil. However, if you can find a source for more premium soils, then I recommend foxfarm "ocean forrest", foxfarm "happy frog", and "roots organic" soil. For any of these soil mixes it is also a good idea to buy a large, bulk bag of perlite and vermiculite.... and a brick of coconut choir to be added for expanding/loosening the media. Peppers also love expanded-clay pellets scattered throughout the soil too, as they provide structure for drainage and something for the roots to hold onto. Of course a bag of worm castings mixed in will do wonders for you.
 
The question you need to ask yourself when thinking about seed starts (all the way up to plant out) is; what is going to allow for a strong, vigorous root system? What you are trying to do is produce a big, healthy base of roots, so that when plant out comes, the plants will have a big "engine" to go screaming down the proverbial track. Next, you want to make sure that you understand how that type of medium is going to react to the conditions you give it. Will it dry up quickly? Is it so porous that nutrients are going to wash out quickly? Make sure you have those areas covered and understood.

In the end, you want a light fluffy medium that doesn't compact easily and provides the plant roots with easy mobility and access to nutrients.
 
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