Soil?

[big rockpile]

I was thinking of switching to Pro Mix. At present I'm using Sunshine 4 and I'm having problems with it as far as it holding water and not having Nutrients.

I have been using Happy Frog with no problem. Anyone else use this? And how do you feel about it? Thinking I really should continue using it.

big rockpile

 

[Chuck]

Can't go wrong with Happy Frog.

 

[big rockpile]

Yes I like it but Pro Mix is half the price I'm sure for a reason.

Been using an Organic Fertilizer and it says every 12 weeks I'm thinking wait about 4 and use it. Then have a Companion Fertilizer that doesn't have Nitrogen, it is more for Bloom and Fruit.

big rockpile

 

[big rockpile]

I'm thinking back to Sunshine 4.

Thing is lately big problem with Gnats.

My Son says it is from Over Watering. No everything is moist because of days of off and on rain but we are still in a Drought.

big rockpile

 

[Meadowlark]

Just a friendly suggestion...Have you considered making your own? It's actually fun as well as highly cost effective.

I have made mine like forever and consider it far superior to commercial products and the price (free) is good also. Mine tests out to be "No N-P-K required". There are tons of how to videos online.

It's really easy and on your spread, you have plenty of room and materials.

Just a friendly suggestion to consider.

 

[big rockpile]

I just read basics and came up with Peat Moss which is basically the base for most Potting Soil, Top Soil and Perlite.

Just talked to a guy that dumps $4,000 worth of soil every year but he is very commercial.

Me I would just reuse the soil but he says he won't chance it.

I need to figure out something soon or I'm going to run out of money.

big rockpile

 

[Chuck]

Did you also read that Peat has zero nutritional value and is anti-microbial.

 

[big rockpile]

Did you also read that Peat has zero nutritional value and is anti-microbial.

Nope maybe this is why Pro Mix is cheaper.

I have been adding Organic Fertilizer.

big rockpile

 

[Chuck]

Nope maybe this is why Pro Mix is cheaper.

I have been adding Organic Fertilizer.

big rockpile

Pro Mix is peat based. As @Meadowlark stated, it is much cheaper and you end up with a better product if you just make your own.

 

[big rockpile]

Pro Mix is peat based. As @Meadowlark stated, it is much cheaper and you end up with a better product if you just make your own.

Knew this more thinking about Microorganisms?

big rockpile

 

[Meadowlark]

Yes, I never use peat myself.

On three acres you must have tons of organic matter just waiting to be productive...leaves, grass clippings, decayed wood, etc..

Compost it. Compost kitchen waste. Add some green manure. Add some cow or other animal composted manure. Add some of your loamy top soil...you have a mix that is likely better than commercial.

 

[big rockpile]

Yes, I never use peat myself.

On three acres you must have tons of organic matter just waiting to be productive...leaves, grass clippings, decayed wood, etc..

Compost it. Compost kitchen waste. Add some green manure. Add some cow or other animal composted manure. Add some of your loamy top soil...you have a mix that is likely better than commercial.

LOL Loamy Soil in the Ozarks.

Inside joke here put a seed under a rock and hope for the best.

Actually the so called soil here is well first off it is very hard if dry but won't hold any water. Like they say we are always two days from a Drought.

Was raised just South of here on level ground me and my Brother worked Winters picking rocks off the fields.

Bought an old Dairy Farm in the Prarie. Figured should have great soil. The guy i Bought it off of scrapped all the Top Soil off , buried just and planted it in Fescue.

big rockpile

 

[Meadowlark]

I also grew up in Mo. actually north of Springfield on the edge of the Ozarks.

Yes, we had rocky soil, but my mother had some fantastic gardens in that soil. Organic matter is the key to success there as it is in most places.

My grandparents raised 19 children on that soil. So, I know it can be highly productive...just get lots of organic matter in it and it will grow anything.

It is a great, great place to garden and wonderful area to live in.

 

[big rockpile]

Yes I know I use to farm where Deer Lake Golf Course is.

I really think some have just gotten lazy and make it easy to make a dollar.

big rockpile

 

[DirtMechanic]

Lately I have been mixing my compost 1 part to 4 parts pine bark mulch. Or Hardwood mulch but the pine doesnt seem to be as fast about packing down and it is cheap around here.