@smokeyfromau Perlite I don't use . He is why , and what I do . First up searles is just a base and starting point . to this I add cow or horse manure
or both-Molasses, blended Banana stems , 2 things these do , 1st adds nutrients to the soil and worm feed being laid on top of the soil , as I add native worms to the soil they will take it deeper down . -- Worms are the workers here -- This will sit for the first month -- Then I start adding in the 2nd month . Liquid sea weed . - Powdered Bat Guano which I make in a coffee grinder - Charlie Carp - Fulic acid - Humic acid - composted leaf litter -
At he beginning of the 3rd month I will turn the soil over with a pitch fork . This is the only time i will do this till potting up - the rest of the time the worms have built up to a size they do all the work . The secret here is keeping the worms happy , This is where the banana stems and manure comes in , it is feeding them . also stuff from the kitchen - water melon peel etc , Now all the main ingredients go in the first month to give them time to break down . I also add Go Go juice for microbes , and have started to use Mammoth P . -- The big one -- moisture -- Keep a eye on it , never to dry or to wet , To wet the worms run away . When watering I always Ph the water to 6.5 . Most of the time the soil is close to 4 months old before I pot up .-- Why I don't use perlite-- , for a start I don't have to . The soil being heavy in organic inputs I get a soil that is free draining but holds moisture very well . This is where the Humic acid comes in to help . A brief outline .
BENEFITS:
- Powerful chelating agent when soil applied.
- Increases root growth and healthy root development for increased access to soil nutrients.
- Increases & stimulates beneficial microbial activity & quickly reduces harmful microbes.
- Increase soil moisture retention.
- Increases yield and plants immune system.
- Stimulate cell elongation and division.
- Detoxifies various pollutants in the soil (herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, etc.)
- Buffer soil pH.
- Increase crop yield.
Now to potting up , I get soil from different parts of the tub and fill the pot , I prefer 27 lt but will do 18 lt as in the grow I have going now .
Watering pots I never run to waste , I don't see the point of it , I understand my soil and know how much to water and what little run off I do get , which I aim for gets pulled back into the soil , Spent a bit of time learning this . I am now at the stage the plants are getting 1100 ml a day . my NPK bottle usage is way way down , at least 90 % less . I am not aiming for a water only soil , just close . Once you get a better understanding of your soil you have way less issues with your plants , -- The more time you spend on soil , the better the plants will be .
View attachment 1237721
@smokeyfromau When you are ready I can help you heaps with making your own soil , I know where to get every thing from .
Thanks Hecno mate, thats is great you dont have to use any perlite, i guess even the Sealres soil stock, has good drainage. I got from the plant doctor humic and fulic acid. I saw Charlie carp and thought it would be good for the girls to have, even during bloom for the little extra N and benefits of the fish. Also the vegetables once they have bloomed instead of disgarding the plant i could use it to break down.
