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Potting Soil Ingredients update pics

 I know most of you have your own mix that you like to use but this might help those who are just getting started or would like to try something different. I basically use Al (Tapla) mix Big batch I did add some compost to mine and vermiculite as I wanted to use what I had on hand. Al has been very helpful to me and I'm sure many others and answers questions directed towards him in a very informative way. I used a variation of this mix last year with good results IMHO. I changed the percentages this year closer to Al"s recommendation for better drainage and longevity 
Here is a link that might be helpful with some great info and other links for more info
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg0715434425632.html?130




I also did add 2 cups Lime and 2 cups granular fertilizer per big batch 8-10-10
That's what I had and no other reason It works for Me and does well in garden too. The yellow bag is Cow compost from HD.
Sal 



It depends on what you are potting. If they are newly rooted cuttings, 50-70 Perlite and some compost or other organics isn't a bad mix, because you still need very good drainage. By the time you are in a 5 gallon bucket, you can be almost pure compost. You have to match the drainage requirements to the plant or plant size and plant requirements. No mix is good for everything.

I see a bag of Pine bark mulch. It's not the same as Pine bark mini nuggets. Roots don't like the pine bark mulch.

Hi Bass, can you elaborate on the difference between the nuggets and the mulch?  Isnt the mulch basically broken up nuggets?

Nas

It's all a matter of size.  Mulch would normally imply the bark was large size.  Unfortunately, the description is not consistent between suppliers. 
This year I bought some "pine bark nuggets" that were very fine (all less than 1/4/inch-most around 1/8 inch) despite the fact most people would think a nugget would be bigger.
I cannot tell from the pic for sure but it kind of looks more like fines than what I would call mulch.

Kyle

the mulch I have looks like chopped pine park nuggets.  It looks similar to a picture I once saw of Bass lawnmowering a bunch of nuggets.  Based on the pics I have seen of Taplas mix, it looks the same and I have had good results thus far...

N

Thanks for all the input, unfortunately I used all the pine bark but might just go get another bag of same and re post pics. Nas and Kyle you are absolutely right about the different sizes even from the same manufacture and same bag labeling. This I got at Walmart the size was dime to nickel at most. HD here sells the same exact bag the size is much larger. Bass I agree that figs might not like pine bark as it will be acidic and lower the PH also Sphagnum Peat moss will lower PH somewhat  as both break down to counter I added the Lime and will probably add more Lime after they leaf out. A PH meter will help me make that decision. I by no means am saying this is better or the best what I can say is that my trees were in a variation similar to this last year and did well IMHO.

Jon you are also right No mix is good for everything and on newly rooted cuttings I do not use any bark. SPM, perlite or vermiculite and some compost seems to work for me and a feeding of half strength MG every 7-10 days I also make sure the plants were well watered and add the MG hours later. I hope all this work was for not and I didn't screw up. It would not be the first or last time but I will be very disappointed. Again I will try to post pics of the pine bark for more feed back if you guys don't mind. The large pine bark chunks different bag not pictured are only about an inch or two on top of pots for ascetics, insulation evaporation and splashing when I water by hose in hand
Thanks again any and all input always appreciated
FYI if you look at the ingredients of Miracle Grow potting soil and UPM I believe they both list their major ingredient as Sphagnum peat moss I can't remember another bag I read not sure if it was MG or not that listed forest product or something to that effect as main ingredient also most seedling starter mix which I have used to start vegetable seed list SPM as main with perlite and whatever wetting agents are
Sal 

Hi Sal
i went in shed while i can to take pictures tomorrow i wont be able to get in shed cause of more snow coming, should have wore my jacket its cold outside  ; )
Bought this  pine at HD last season or 1 before i forget also i did see your purple bag there as well .
Here is a few pictures
Best Health


    Attached Images

  • Click image for larger version - Name: Bag_Mulch_Thumbnail.jpg, Views: 38, Size: 328435
  • Click image for larger version - Name: PineBarkMulch_Thumbnail.jpg, Views: 50, Size: 171800

Martin again thanks for taking the time to post pics I know it can be a chore as I'm not good on computer Here are some more pics I went and got another bag at Wally world and just to double check I went to HD same bag same manufacturer co. and they were different size May be a different batch or different specs donno. any way here it goes I did not buy at HD as I have no further use I'm done potting for Now maybe one more?


mulch bark comp

spag

mulch , bark, and spag comparison

final mix pic

mulch

I guess time will tell me if I screwed up
PS this is right out of bag I did not chop, mow, or manipulate in any manner 
Thanks again to all the input good or bad It has really helped me so far
Sal 


Hi Sal,
the one size looks a little big but as you know your plants will do well no matter what in it, the other size is like mine.
I sent you a private message from yours earlier not sure if it went thru.
Hey Sal i cant help but notice this  "NY" in 1 of your pictures above please tell me you never rooted for the Mets especailly in 1969 please any other New york team Giants, Yanks are ok in my book not the mutts i mean mets.
Best Health

Martin That is The NY Giants Football team Logo I am a long time die hard fan. Not a very good season this year. as far as the big pine bark that is not in the mix but I use it as 1-2 inch layer on top  for looks and insulation just a top dressing. the smaller size is in the mix I'm sorry if it is confusing folks no biggie

As far as the Mets NO NO NO Their spring training facility is just up the road and I attend a few games because I enjoy baseball I am a YANKEE FAN growing up in the Bronx you can't be both it is forbidden. My Nephew was drafted by the Orioles last year and is in their farm system (SS) his younger brother was drafted by the Cubs last year but turned them down He has committed to South Carolina but hopefully he'll get drafted  again and go Pro in June. (SS) The youngest already has Colleges inquiring and some pro scouts watching He is only 16. None of them like figs lol
Sal

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