Indoor Soil composition question

[d0773d]

Hello all! My local nursery has their own soil mix that consists of:

2 parts real organic forest mulch

1 part sand(coarser unwashed said with native nutrients)

1 part compost and top soil mix

Also contains:
Perlite
Vermiculite
Soil sulfur
Bone meal
Gypsum
Minimal manure to break down the compost

The customer service rep explained, "The nutrients already in the this soil mix will last for about a month." Then I will be required to add nutrients.

What are your guys opinions on this mix? Should I purchase that mixture at $27.85 USD per 1 cu yard?

 

[d0773d]

Unfortunetly I do not know of anyone who uses this mix. They also have another mix that consists of:

3 parts horse manure(contains straw)

1 part Tee Pee sand (a coarse native sand)

3 parts dairy manure

1 part top soil with compost

1 part forest mulch

Chicken manure

Red sand

Nursery compost

Perlite

Bone meal

Vermiculite

$13.50 for 1 cu. yard

The customer service rep informed me this mix is for summer since the soil isn't that hot while the other mix that I explained in my other post is for winter months since its a warmer soil.

 

[d0773d]

Thanks for your post buddha! Both responses were very informative. I will be using grow containers such as pots or buckets.

 

[d0773d]

They probably carry other bagged choices not created by them. I will probably head down there sometime this week and ask if they have anything "airy/loose/fast draining". If they ask me what am I growing what should I tell them? :smokebuds: They are a bit friendly and usually ask what I plan on growing so they can help with product choices.

 

[DubV]

I would highly recommend finding someone who sells promix bx and do what I do and suppliment it with more pearlite, blood meal, bone meal, worm castings, dried sea kelp, and greensand for mineral content. One 3.8 cu ft bale usually sells for around $35-$40 and will last you quite a while and is a great all around soil without the worry of hot spots or drainage isuues...

 

[d0773d]

DubV great advise I will have to look around for promix bx. I wonder if promix bx will be hard to find in the states. I see promix bx has antifungal agents... Will that hurt anything if I decide to brew my own compost tea or add any beneficial fungi to the mix?

 

[DubV]

They make a bx and a hp that do not have fungicide. Those are the two that I would recommend and of course you could make your own tea but not with the promix that has fungicide. I live in the states and have no problem getting either one of the promix's at a local nursery. Also you can buy it on amazon but they will charge you an arm and leg to ship since it is so heavy!

 

[d0773d]

I noticed the price on amazon I'll check the local shops. One more question. You mentioned you added other nutrients to the mix. How much of each? Thanks again!

 

[DubV]

Rule of thumb for me is 10% worm castings, 50% pearlite, 40% promix, and then add about 4 tlbs of each of the other nutrients to the mix and stir but this is something you can play with since they are all organic nutrients they wont burn your grow unless you get a hot spot from poor mixing.

 

[d0773d]

WOW DubV thanks for all your help!!!!