Planting medium strategies?

ChefBertMor · November 24, 2016

To update I picked up a bale of ProMix HP for $28 and a bag of pine bark mulch for $3.50. The bark is not aged and is not labeled as fines, but it seems to be in the sub 1/2in range, so its good enough.

Now for the questions. First, should I go with a 5-1-1 or 3-1-1 mix? Does it make any real difference. Second, since HP already has around 30% perlite how much additional perlite do I mix in? Or should I use vermiculite?

HP has dolomite to adjust pH. Do I need more? How much epsom salts do I mix in? What about micro nutrient additives. Has anyone used Azomite?

Now for the really hard topic, fertilizer and fertilizing strategies. I pretty much have decided to try Texas Tomato Food, but does this mean I do not mix in any controlled release fertilizer like Osmocote?

OK I think thats enough, I need to start shopping for seeds!

November 24, 2016	#37
ChefBertMor Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 36	Update and more questions To update I picked up a bale of ProMix HP for $28 and a bag of pine bark mulch for $3.50. The bark is not aged and is not labeled as fines, but it seems to be in the sub 1/2in range, so its good enough. Now for the questions. First, should I go with a 5-1-1 or 3-1-1 mix? Does it make any real difference. Second, since HP already has around 30% perlite how much additional perlite do I mix in? Or should I use vermiculite? HP has dolomite to adjust pH. Do I need more? How much epsom salts do I mix in? What about micro nutrient additives. Has anyone used Azomite? Now for the really hard topic, fertilizer and fertilizing strategies. I pretty much have decided to try Texas Tomato Food, but does this mean I do not mix in any controlled release fertilizer like Osmocote? OK I think thats enough, I need to start shopping for seeds! __________________ Chef Bert