Recommendations / question on potting mix?
#1
06-21-22, 08:27 AM
Recommendations / question on potting mix?
I've been buying this Miracle Gro Organic potting mix for potted plants over the past few years. I get it at Costco, so I figure they know what's best? And I can be too cheap - they have the best price, so I get it.
It's mostly brown, the package talks of coco coir. I notice when I first water the plants, the dirt 'beads' on top of the dirt. Then soaks in.
We were at the philly flower show and asking someone about this stuff and they said they don't like it because it holds too much water. I do notice that once it does absorb water, it gets dense.
In the past, I was used to buying different potting soil that was black with the white (perlite) pieces in it.
Looking online about this stuff, I am amazed how poor the reviews are on different sites, even on the miracle gro website. I haven't had bug issues, but overall, this isn't loved?
https://www.miraclegro.com/en-us/pro...ce-potting-mix
(same product name, different package color, but same product likely?)
Your thoughts? For potted plants outside, what do you use?
THANKS!
It's mostly brown, the package talks of coco coir. I notice when I first water the plants, the dirt 'beads' on top of the dirt. Then soaks in.
We were at the philly flower show and asking someone about this stuff and they said they don't like it because it holds too much water. I do notice that once it does absorb water, it gets dense.
In the past, I was used to buying different potting soil that was black with the white (perlite) pieces in it.
Looking online about this stuff, I am amazed how poor the reviews are on different sites, even on the miracle gro website. I haven't had bug issues, but overall, this isn't loved?
https://www.miraclegro.com/en-us/pro...ce-potting-mix
(same product name, different package color, but same product likely?)
Your thoughts? For potted plants outside, what do you use?
THANKS!
#2
06-21-22, 08:42 AM
Super Moderator
I use Miracle Gro Moisture Control Potting mix. It's not organic tho. Things grow good and haven't had any problems with it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-...1431/206553443
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-...1431/206553443
EdShnatter
voted this post useful.
#3
06-21-22, 08:59 AM
I don't use potting soil straight. I mix loam, compost and whatever potting soil is on sale in a wheelbarrow. The plants do well and the soil in the pot stays friable instead of turning to something resembling cardboard.
I have been using Miracle Gro water soluble fertilizers for years with good results.
I have been using Miracle Gro water soluble fertilizers for years with good results.
EdShnatter
voted this post useful.
#4
06-21-22, 09:03 AM
Group Moderator
"...so I figure they know what's best?"
Yes, what is best for their profitability. They really could care less if what they sell is "the best" as long as it sells. Coir is often used in hydroponics but I don't like it's use in potting soil. It doesn't have much to do with the water beading you saw which has more to do with it's current water content. Once moist it can readily accept water but when it dries you have to go slow to get it rehydrated again.
I think we brought home 5 or 6 bags of that potting soil this season. It isn't the cheapest soil but it is one of the common, mass market brands. It's OK if used properly. We use it for summer plants outside in pots. It's good for most plants for the first 3 weeks. After that many plants need additional nutrients while fruiting plants like tomatoes and bananas need substantial nutrient additions. I also add in additional water absorbing beads to help the plants make it through the day with our heat and it allows us to get away with watering once a day.
If going for "the good stuff" my favorite potting soil is Fox Farm's Ocean Forest. It is more expensive so I mainly use it when growing indoors and with premium plants.
Yes, what is best for their profitability. They really could care less if what they sell is "the best" as long as it sells. Coir is often used in hydroponics but I don't like it's use in potting soil. It doesn't have much to do with the water beading you saw which has more to do with it's current water content. Once moist it can readily accept water but when it dries you have to go slow to get it rehydrated again.
I think we brought home 5 or 6 bags of that potting soil this season. It isn't the cheapest soil but it is one of the common, mass market brands. It's OK if used properly. We use it for summer plants outside in pots. It's good for most plants for the first 3 weeks. After that many plants need additional nutrients while fruiting plants like tomatoes and bananas need substantial nutrient additions. I also add in additional water absorbing beads to help the plants make it through the day with our heat and it allows us to get away with watering once a day.
If going for "the good stuff" my favorite potting soil is Fox Farm's Ocean Forest. It is more expensive so I mainly use it when growing indoors and with premium plants.
EdShnatter
voted this post useful.
#5
06-21-22, 10:20 AM
Thanks!
Pilot Dane I am as jaded as they come, but also been a member of costco for 17? years. with their very liberal return policy, I'd HOPE they aren't just focused on getting stuff out the door, but that it's also good. But yes, I just said there's loads of people that took the time to post negative reviews, so what do I know : )
Shadeladie Yes, that's what I bought yesterday when I gave up on this other stuff. Don't need organic. It was just what Costco was selling.
cwbuff thanks! I was going to mix in some vermiculite I have in the garage to lighten this up. But loam? Googling that a) sand and clay? not what I'd expect. b) available in bags / easy to get?
Pilot Dane I am as jaded as they come, but also been a member of costco for 17? years. with their very liberal return policy, I'd HOPE they aren't just focused on getting stuff out the door, but that it's also good. But yes, I just said there's loads of people that took the time to post negative reviews, so what do I know : )
Shadeladie Yes, that's what I bought yesterday when I gave up on this other stuff. Don't need organic. It was just what Costco was selling.
cwbuff thanks! I was going to mix in some vermiculite I have in the garage to lighten this up. But loam? Googling that a) sand and clay? not what I'd expect. b) available in bags / easy to get?
#6
06-21-22, 10:28 AM
Group Moderator
If you have coarse vermiculite you can certainly add that to the mix. If you've got the fine vermiculite you don't get as much aeration benefit but it doesn't hurt. You can also use pearlite which is less expensive than vermiculite and generally only comes in one particle size.
#7
06-21-22, 10:38 AM
Member
We mix regular old fashion dirt, right out of the ground, throw in some peat moss to keep the weight down, and compost from the dog droppings and things grow wild.
I could never imagine buying dirt from a store, bet farmers have a good laugh!
I could never imagine buying dirt from a store, bet farmers have a good laugh!
#8
06-21-22, 11:54 AM
Ed - Loam is much more than sand and clay. Many gardeners consider loam to be one of the best growing mediums. You can find it at most garden centers but just like the other bagged mystery stuff they sell, who knows what it is. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loam
I get my loam from what used to be my garden (now overgrown). It's about 8" deep in the raised beds. I still compost mostly for the flower beds but also for my deck tomatoes.
As Marq said - the best stuff for plants is dirt (loam) and compost but I disagree about the dog poop.
Cow manure is another matter though. Composted it's great stuff.
I get my loam from what used to be my garden (now overgrown). It's about 8" deep in the raised beds. I still compost mostly for the flower beds but also for my deck tomatoes.
As Marq said - the best stuff for plants is dirt (loam) and compost but I disagree about the dog poop.
Cow manure is another matter though. Composted it's great stuff.
