Shawn
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Post by Shawn on Apr 25, 2019 10:08:41 GMT -5
Usually I use Miracle-Gro Potting Mix (not soil). Either the Moisture Control or the Regular one.
What Potting Mixes do you use? I am looking for recommendations since I will need to order as I can not go to the store. (actually I can not really go anywhere in public with these pins in my toes for another 3 weeks or so  ) |
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MaryL
AGA Farmer
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Post by MaryL on Apr 25, 2019 10:09:50 GMT -5
I’ve tried and liked Espoma.
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Post by raynebc on Apr 25, 2019 11:38:08 GMT -5
I've been using the 2 parts of regular Miracle Grow potting mix with 1 part perlite and it's worked pretty well for me mostly. I did decide to buy the moisture control version when I was at the hardware store the other day though as it already has amendments like perlite so I won't have to mix it myself. No more tiny bags for me, I bought multiple 50 qt bags.
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Shawn
Administrator
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Post by Shawn on Apr 25, 2019 11:56:48 GMT -5
I've been using the 2 parts of regular Miracle Grow potting mix with 1 part perlite and it's worked pretty well for me mostly. I did decide to buy the moisture control version when I was at the hardware store the other day though as it already has amendments like perlite so I won't have to mix it myself. No more tiny bags for me, I bought multiple 50 qt bags.
I have the Moisture control here but I need more and when I do order I will order two 50 qt bags. I have three planters on the deck rails and the one for the reaper. I may get more but I am unsure right now until I can walk.
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MaryL
AGA Farmer
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Post by MaryL on Apr 25, 2019 12:45:22 GMT -5
I’ve never used the moisture control version. Is the aim of that formula to retain moisture, or to prevent it from becoming too sodden and soggy?
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Shawn
Administrator
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Post by Shawn on Apr 25, 2019 13:05:01 GMT -5
I’ve never used the moisture control version. Is the aim of that formula to retain moisture, or to prevent it from becoming too sodden and soggy?
Here is the description:
Grows plants twice as big vs. unfed plants. Absorbs 33% more water than ordinary potting soil (Potting soil that does not contain sphagnum peat moss, coir, and wetting agent.). Feeds plants up to 6 months with Miracle-Gro® Continuous Release plant food.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2019 16:41:47 GMT -5
I have been using Espoma, like Mary and have not encountered any gnats for 3 years after comparing it to others. For seedlings I add it mixed with a bit of seed starting mix to be gentle on the roots and then when they grow tall, add more Espoma. Growth is phenomenal. I used to use Ocean Forest, but the mix was tough for poor seedlings to push through.
I also use Espoma for all my potted plants. Highly recommend. |
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Shawn
Administrator
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Post by Shawn on Apr 26, 2019 8:29:34 GMT -5
I am going to order the Epsoma to try 
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,265
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Post by Shawn on Apr 29, 2019 16:56:57 GMT -5
Sheesh, why is shipping so darn expensive.
I can get 50 qt bags from Lowes or Home Depot and even Ace Hardware for $14 a bag. But they want $65 to deliver. Like really !?!
However to get 16 qts or Espoma (2 bags) is $25. That would be 6 bags (48qts) for $75 OR Miracle-Grp 16 qts for $32. Then there is Gardener's Brand 20 qts for #21 and who knows what their shipping would be.
By the time I am able to get out and fully walk it will be fall I think. So I may just order the Espoma (two bags for now) and call it a day. I asked someone if they can pick it up for me and she said it would get her car dirty. So much for that.
I am not in a good mood can you tell LOL
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 21:19:00 GMT -5
You don't like Prime?
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,265
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Post by Shawn on Apr 30, 2019 4:09:03 GMT -5
I do have Prime. I guess my point is that if I can get to a home improvements or Walmart myself I would get a 50 Qt bag for $14. Instead of paying Prime price of $16 for only 16 Qt bag.
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Post by raynebc on Apr 30, 2019 12:34:51 GMT -5
Some things are just too expensive to be worth shipping by UPS, first class, etc.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,265
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Post by Shawn on May 2, 2019 12:40:22 GMT -5
Well I ordered some Potting Mix from Amazon. It should arrive tonight. So I am hoping that I can get the pots hung and flower seeds planted tomorrow or over the weekend. However I think it is going to rain. 
Going to keep  that the weekend is not a washout. |
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Post by ERR0R1755 on Apr 5, 2021 19:32:51 GMT -5
I tried Miracle-Gro and had issues with fungus gnats, and I picked up another brand recently and opened it up to find a cloud of fungus gnats in my face. Thankfully I had opened that one up outdoors rather than indoors, but I left the bag outside and tomorrow I will double check the brand and post it here as a warning.
I've heard good things about the Sungro Black Gold potting soil, which also uses worm castings rather than chemical fertilizers, so I picked up a couple bags of that and will try it soon.
Has anyone else had good or bad experiences with potting soil brands?
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Sher
AGA Farmer
Posts: 7,025
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Post by Sher on Apr 5, 2021 19:52:40 GMT -5
I use Miracle Grow amended with perlite, compost and coco coir. But I pour plenty of boiling water over the Miracle Grow to kill any critters.
(Tip from The Rusted Garden)
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Shawn
Administrator
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Post by Shawn on Apr 8, 2021 8:15:48 GMT -5
I will never use soil because of the bug issues. I know mix can have some but usually not. I also do not bring any dirt/mix in my home.
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Post by Quantum on Apr 8, 2021 11:56:34 GMT -5
sher I like the idea of boiling water over Miracle Gro mix. Do you have a method to do this that’s quick to do and not make a huge mess in the process?
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Sher
AGA Farmer
Posts: 7,025
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Post by Sher on Apr 8, 2021 14:11:54 GMT -5
Quantum, it works best if the potting soil is slightly dry. I have a huge stainless steel bowl I put it in, then pour a kettle of boiling water in it and let it set until it cools. Then I put it in a big plastic bin.
I also pour boiling water over coco coir, although it is not needed because it does not support the growth of soil bugs, but it seems to soften it faster. Then I add that to the potting soil bin.
Then I mix in perlite for drainage.
You can add aged cow compost. If it is pure, aged animal manure, it will not support the growth of bugs. If it is a mixture, it will need to be sterilized, too. (Best in the zip lock method. See below.)
If you ever do get fungus gnats, you can mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water and spray the top layer of soil until the top 1/8" is wet. That will kill all fungus gnat larvae and will not hurt the plant. Repeat every several days.
I have also successfully used the microwave method of sterilizing potting mix. Make sure it's good and damp, poke a couple of holes in a gallon zip lock bag, seal and microwave to 180 degrees. Then let the bags cool naturally.
That is very handy for small potted projects.
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Post by cloudshaper on Apr 9, 2021 3:25:52 GMT -5
I use the regular Miracle Gro and amend with Vermont Compost Company's Compost Plus, coco peat and some extra perlite. I've been interested in the Espoma but haven't seen it at a reasonable price. My apartment's built in dehumidifier is really strong, so the extra water retention of the coco is good.
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Sher
AGA Farmer
Posts: 7,025
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Post by Sher on Apr 9, 2021 6:43:59 GMT -5
I use the regular Miracle Gro and amend with Vermont Compost Company's Compost Plus, coco peat and some extra perlite. I've been interested in the Espoma but haven't seen it at a reasonable price. My apartment's built in dehumidifier is really strong, so the extra water retention of the coco is good.
That is supposed to be superb compost, although I have never used it.
I buy the bulk blocks of coco coir and use it indoors and out. It really helps plants stay hydrated in our scorching summers.
Misting your plants once or twice a day would probably be beneficial, too.
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