The Magnolia Farms Potting Mix did not look like the right consistency for container tomatoes to me. Back to the drawing board. I grow my tomatoes in 15 gallon black nursery containers. This year I will grow 14 tomato plants with 1 in each container.
I've been researching a couple of Potting Mix recipes as follows:
#1 Al's 5-1-1 Potting Mix
5 parts fine bark mulch
1 part peat moss
1 part course perlite
Dolomitic lime to adjust the pH and add calcium and magnesium. About 1/3 cup per 6 gal mix
A slow release fertilizer with micronutrients per manufacturer instructions.
You need to mix it up and let it sit for a week or two to let the pH adjust.
#2 OLD-INJUNÂS SECRET TO GROWING TOMATOES IN CONTAINERS
1- 2/3 MIRACLE GROW POTTING MIX MIXED WITH 1/3 COW OR CHICKEN MANURE.(BLACK COW OR BLACK HEN)
2- MIX 4 TBLS OF SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZER (12-12-12) TO EACH 5 GAL OF MIX
3- ADD 3 TBLS OF DOLIMITE PER 5 GAL OF MIX
MIX ALL TOGETHER.
4- DRESS AROUND PLANT 6 INCHES FROM STEM WITH 4 TBLS OF SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZER
5- USE 5 GAL CONTAINERS OR LARGER
6- FERTILIZE WITH LIQUID FERTILIZER (12-12-12) EVERY WEEK AT A RATE OF 1/2 TEASPOON PER GALLON OF WATER
7- WATER 1/2 GALLON OF WATER DAILY (BEFORE NOON) PER 5 GAL POT
Both of these Potting Mix recipes can be made from materials readily available in Oregon. Walmart is carrying Greensmix Pine Bark Mulch in 2 cubic foot bags and the texture appears about right for the 5-1-1 mix. The perlite is available in 6 cubic foot bags for $30.
I need to get ready for tomato planting.�� Any suggestions and specific recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!
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