Organic soil building question

[Frankthetank]

All right....2020 will be the year I switch from bagged nutrients (greenleaf nutes) to a water only soil. I've tried a few things in the past (kind soil, coast of maine growers mix) and wasn't all that happy with the results. SO, I've got it narrowed down to a few, and wanted a little input from the folks that know this stuff. I'll be sourcing the bulky stuff locally, and just want to buy one of the nutrient kits that are offered these days. I've got it narrowed down to three....from @KIS I'm looking at both the clackamas coots nutrient pack, or the kis nutrient pack. Also, from BAS...they have the "clackamas coots approved" nutrient and mineral pack.

So, what does everyone think? Is there a preferred kit over the others? My plan is to use five gallon fabric pots, and I'll be mixing in a big rubber tote in my basement. Thank you for your time.

 

[Jraven]

I think you're on the right track Frank. I haven't done what you are proposing but I've seen that folks have good results from the products. Tad at KIS is always good for an interesting response to any questions.

 

[Frankthetank]

I think you're on the right track Frank. I haven't done what you are proposing but I've seen that folks have good results from the products. Tad at KIS is always good for an interesting response to any questions.

Thank you, my friend I've been listening to a bunch of Tad's podcasts...he's got a three part one with Mr. Clackamas Coots himself that gives some good insights. I'm really looking forward to this little project, its been something I've wanted to do for a few years, but haven't found a way that tickled my fancy, until now. Even found some really great worm castings I can get locally.

 

[Jraven]

Nice, good worm castings are a big part of it. In some ways I wish I was starting from scratch knowing what I know now, I would be putting one of these KIS mixes together.

 

[MrOldBoy]

Cool Beans .....

Both KIS and BuildaSoil are good sources but KIS has a lot of educational info and if I source, I support but not to say I have to pick - I use both sources now but strong KIS supporter when I first started this LOS journey ......

Per KIS podcasts I could go with coots, think they were podcast 5 and 7 - anyways would go that route ......

Also per podcasts, number escapes me, but they recommend minimum 10 gallon pot or was it 15 gallon pot - growing in a 5 gal will not do the job, IMO - minimum 7 gal ...... don’t misunderstand- I know you can grow in a five and it can work but if you are looking for yield and want your plants “more better” go minimum 7 gallon unless you are going to use nutrients .....

Soil - what kind of soil are you talking - LOS or just organic also makes a BIG DIERENCE- If just an organic mix and not living then a five gal might do the trick for small strains but don’t even try Ripley OG in a five or even a seven - use a ten or better per podcast recommendations ....

Good luck!

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

with a view to re-use/recycle composting and whatnot ?
if im not wrong @Eyes on Fire has a thread on making up real soil @hecno to makes soil,not sure on the added extras but worms make for happy soil
good luck n keep er lit

 

[Jraven]

Yes, Eyes uses these products to great result. He's done a recent update here somewhere.

 

[Frankthetank]

Thanks for the replies everyone

Cool Beans .....

Both KIS and BuildaSoil are good sources but KIS has a lot of educational info and if I source, I support but not to say I have to pick - I use both sources now but strong KIS supporter when I first started this LOS journey ......

Per KIS podcasts I could go with coots, think they were podcast 5 and 7 - anyways would go that route ......

Also per podcasts, number escapes me, but they recommend minimum 10 gallon pot or was it 15 gallon pot - growing in a 5 gal will not do the job, IMO - minimum 7 gal ...... don’t misunderstand- I know you can grow in a five and it can work but if you are looking for yield and want your plants “more better” go minimum 7 gallon unless you are going to use nutrients .....

Soil - what kind of soil are you talking - LOS or just organic also makes a BIG DIERENCE- If just an organic mix and not living then a five gal might do the trick for small strains but don’t even try Ripley OG in a five or even a seven - use a ten or better per podcast recommendations ....

Good luck!

I agree with you...I am leaning toward one of the kis products as well, just because I appreciate the podcasts and his presence here.

THanks for the advice, I'll go with either 7 or 10 gallon pots....I do not want to add nutrients (perhaps a compost tea or two along the way).

I was thinking about using Coots' recipe....1/3 spag peat moss, 1/3 aeration, 1/3 worm castings, along with the KIS kit....and I was hoping to just keep recharging and re-using the soil. LOS and a worm bin and all of that MAY be in my future...but I want to make this first step of making an organic mix to learn about the organic side of growing and get away from buying bottles or bags of nutrients.

with a view to re-use/recycle composting and whatnot ?
if im not wrong @Eyes on Fire has a thread on making up real soil @hecno to makes soil,not sure on the added extras but worms make for happy soil
good luck n keep er lit

Thanks Archie. I've pick @Eyes on Fire brain a few times on this subject, and have read his journal here and over on the portal (along with a few others). I've been making sure to do my homework on this subject. And yes, I'll be re using the soil if possible. A worm bin may possibly come in the future...we'll see I suppose.

 

[Frankthetank]

I guess I need to decide between the KIS Clackamas coots kit, or the KIS nutrient kit...which I think makes their bio char mix if you add the things they recommend. I wonder if there is much of a difference between the two....there is a difference in ingredients, but I wonder if one does a better job than the other.

 

[BCBudlady]

I guess I need to decide between the KIS Clackamas coots kit, or the KIS nutrient kit...which I think makes their bio char mix if you add the things they recommend. I wonder if there is much of a difference between the two....there is a difference in ingredients, but I wonder if one does a better job than the other.

I hope you will do a journal @Frankthetank , once you decide on an organic system.
Learn together!!