Member discussion regarding the methods, varieties and merits of growing tomatoes.
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#1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NY
Posts: 22
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Hello all,
My plants are starting to get a bit bigger now and will need bigger pots to be placed in. They are all indoors as of right now, as the weather is still iffy here, and probably will be until the end of April. I plan on putting them in a gallon pot, but I am unsure of what to plant them IN, as in what kind of soil/mixture to use. I have been told not to buy the 'brand' name 'junk' and the local nurseries still don't have anything in yet, was told in a week or two. Anyways, what kind of mixture should I be looking for? I will eventually be putting my plants in a raised plant bed, once the weather is proper. Thanks! |
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#2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
Posts: 4,538
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Go get you a bag of Miracle Grow or similar product at Lowes or Wally World. Those plants only need room to expand their root systems and a little bit of fertilizer. I don't know who told you not to get the "Brand Name" stuff, but I've been doing the Brand Name stuff for decades. It works quite well and is not as expensive as some of the "Not Brand Name" products.
Thinking about some of those complicated formulas for potting mix gives me a headache. Takes away from my fishing and golfing time. ![]()
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Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch |
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#3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: MA/NH Border
Posts: 4,919
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Just stay away from the Miracle Grow Moisture Control stuff. The regular Miracle Grow Potting Mix is what you should look for.
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#4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NC - zone 8a - heat zone 7
Posts: 4,916
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I second : NO Moisture Control.
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#5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
Posts: 4,538
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Agree on the "NO MOISTURE CONTROL" stuff.
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Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch |
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#6 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 121
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What negative effect does the "moisture control" soil have?
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#7 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somis, Ca
Posts: 649
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Many growers are not aware of how "moisture control" type potting mixes actually work. It is not magic. The "polymer" balls inserted into the mix absorbs moisture. Those polymer balls hold that moisture to be used later and SLOWLY released back into the mix over much time. It actually does work. However, this is what contributes to the slow-draining muck in the bottom of your pot. Haven't you noticed that muck when you dump those pots out? Roots will not grow in that crap (no aeration). Adding broken glass, sand, marbles, or rocks to the bottom does not help! I use this mix ONLY for my wife's hanging baskets that are subjected to drying on all sides...because she uses the "open" framed baskets with the "coir type" mat that dries out the mix very quickly. Hope this helps...
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#8 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2013
Location: glendora ca
Posts: 2,560
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If you have a hydroponics store anywhere near you they carry quality soil year round. If your lookin to not buy soil from the big box stores.
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“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." |
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#9 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NY
Posts: 22
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I did some research, and went to my local hydroponic store. I ended up getting Foxfarm ocean forest.
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#10 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: ny
Posts: 1,219
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I also use commerically bagged potting MIX. I think the key is to use potting MIX (not potting soil.)
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Subirrigated Container gardening (RGGS) in NY, Zone 7! |
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