Tomatoville® Gardening Forums - View Single Post - Suggestions For 'Drying Out' Miracle-Gro Potting Mix in a SWC?

rnewste · July 17, 2009

Barbee,

Thanks, I hadn't thought about going to a Hydro Shop and researching their grow media.

I am tempted (again), to reduce the size of the wicking basket to a 4 inch square one, with a 3.5" by 3.5" opening in the aeration bench, as a simplistic approach to continue use with the standard Miracle-Gro potting mix, to try to constrain the flow of moisture up into the SWC. But at some point in reducing the opening of the orifice the 'Tainer might not fully wick properly, and areas of potting mix may run dry.

I guess I would rather find a potting mix (or a blend of two) that will exhibit the desired saturation characteristics ideal for tomatoes. Darn Hobby!!!!!

BTW, The Peppers and Corn both love the current design's moisture eco-system!

Ray

July 17, 2009	#12
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	Barbee, Thanks, I hadn't thought about going to a Hydro Shop and researching their grow media. I am tempted (again), to reduce the size of the wicking basket to a 4 inch square one, with a 3.5" by 3.5" opening in the aeration bench, as a simplistic approach to continue use with the standard Miracle-Gro potting mix, to try to constrain the flow of moisture up into the SWC. But at some point in reducing the opening of the orifice the 'Tainer might not fully wick properly, and areas of potting mix may run dry. I guess I would rather find a potting mix (or a blend of two) that will exhibit the desired saturation characteristics ideal for tomatoes. Darn Hobby!!!!! BTW, The Peppers and Corn both love the current design's moisture eco-system! Ray