I've been experimenting heavily this season with container growing. Needed to get away from commercial soils, (obviously, due to cost) and started doing my own thing. I've been super pleased with that decision.
Today, I want to share a recipe that I've found that works amazingly well for my climate and growing system. First off, I do prefer organic grows, but there's no reason this can't be easily adapted to conventional growing techniques.
My grow pots are any sort of aerated container. My choice is hardware cloth cylinders, with burlap lining. However, I've also lined milk crates with burlap, and used commercial variants of fabric pots. (air pots, root pouches, etc)
So here's the basic recipe:
10 parts partially composted pine bark fines
- this is done by layering it with alfalfa hay, let sit for 3 months
5 parts coconut coir
- I prefer Botanicare Coco Gro
3 parts mushroom compost/worm castings
- worm castings are better, but more $
2 parts vermiculite
I amend this mixture with rock dust, at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per gallon, and then I also apply an organic fertilizer at 1 tablespoon per gallon. I don't normally like to use packaged ferts, but it's easier than gathering all of the amendments separately. If you go organic, make sure to find something that has both endo and ecto mychorrizae added.
I am growing peppers, zucchini, and eggplant in this mixture right now. My root growth has been phenomenal, and my top growth has been nothing short of stellar - considering that just 5 months ago, I was still wowing over my commercial bagged soil. (I just transitioned to containers this year)
Anyway, hope that helps someone that was in the same position that I found myself in. I did a lot of trial and error, and am still looking for the next better mixture. I've got a soil experiment brewing now, and will post my results as they become available.
Today, I want to share a recipe that I've found that works amazingly well for my climate and growing system. First off, I do prefer organic grows, but there's no reason this can't be easily adapted to conventional growing techniques.
My grow pots are any sort of aerated container. My choice is hardware cloth cylinders, with burlap lining. However, I've also lined milk crates with burlap, and used commercial variants of fabric pots. (air pots, root pouches, etc)
So here's the basic recipe:
10 parts partially composted pine bark fines
- this is done by layering it with alfalfa hay, let sit for 3 months
5 parts coconut coir
- I prefer Botanicare Coco Gro
3 parts mushroom compost/worm castings
- worm castings are better, but more $
2 parts vermiculite
I amend this mixture with rock dust, at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per gallon, and then I also apply an organic fertilizer at 1 tablespoon per gallon. I don't normally like to use packaged ferts, but it's easier than gathering all of the amendments separately. If you go organic, make sure to find something that has both endo and ecto mychorrizae added.
I am growing peppers, zucchini, and eggplant in this mixture right now. My root growth has been phenomenal, and my top growth has been nothing short of stellar - considering that just 5 months ago, I was still wowing over my commercial bagged soil. (I just transitioned to containers this year)
Anyway, hope that helps someone that was in the same position that I found myself in. I did a lot of trial and error, and am still looking for the next better mixture. I've got a soil experiment brewing now, and will post my results as they become available.
