Note: for all recipes, coir can be substituted for peat moss.
The Rodale Instute Mix (organic):
Finely screened compost 4
parts
Peat Moss 2 parts
Perlite 1 part
Vermiculite 1 part
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Another organic mix (from the book, "Rodale Organic Gardening Solutions"):
Perlite 1 part
Vermiculite 1 part
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Another organic mix (from the book, "Rodale Organic Gardening Solutions"):
shredded peat moss 1 bushel
perlite or vermiculite 1 bushel
ground limestone 1/2 cup
bloodmeal 1 cup
colloidal phosphate 1 cup
greensand 1 cup
(1 bushel = 1.24 cubic feet)
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Container mix for herbaceous and woody ornamentals
Equal parts by volume of:
Equal parts by volume of:
compost
coarse sand
peat moss or milled pine bark
coarse sand
peat moss or milled pine bark
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Cornell University Modified Peat-Lite Planting Mix:(especially good for seedlings)
for large jobs (1 part=one full wheelbarrow, about 4.5 cu. ft.)
Peat Moss 2 parts
Perlite 1 part
Vermiculite 1 part
Dolomitic Lime (raises pH) 4 cups
Superphosphate (0-20-0) 5 cups
Osmocote or other slow release fertilizer (19-6-12) 8 cups
for small jobs (1 part= a 32 oz. coffee can)
Peat Moss 2 parts
Perlite 1 part
Vermiculite 1 part
Dolomitic Lime (raises pH) 1 tsp.
Superphosphate (0-20-0) 2 tsp.
Osmocote or other slow release fertilizer (19-6-12) 1 Tbs.
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Note: when using peat moss, pre-moisten the peat moss to aid moisture retention. In a hose-end sprayer, put one tablespoon liquid dish detergent in the jar. Set sprayer to mix one tablespoon per gallon of water. Thoroughly water the peat moss with this solution before mixing with other ingredients.
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Purchasing a commercial potting soil or planting mix?
Some tips from the California Master Gardener Handbook:
• Select mixes high in bark, forest materials, or spaghnum peat with vermiculite or perlite.
• Thoroughly leach any potting soil before placing seed or plant material in the mix. Leaching will reduce soluble salts to acceptable levels in most mixes.
•Fertilize with a soluble fertilizer according to manufacturer's directions within two weeks after plants are growing in the new potting/planting mix or potting soil. This will replace leached nutrients and those taken up by the plants.
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The difference between a potting/planting mix and potting soil?
There are no hard and fast rules. Ask 100 experts, you may get 100 different answers. Generally speaking, if the bag says "soil", it probably contains soil and sand, along with ingredients such as perlite, vermiculite, peat moss or bark.
When you buy a garden product with the word "soil" - especially at a low price - you are increasing the chances of buying someone else's problems: a package that contains weed seeds, nematodes, fungal diseases, heavy clay, sludge.
Your best bet, as stated above: choose a product high in bark, forest materials, or spaghnum peat with
vermiculite or perlite.