Potting soil

Mason · 09-09-2009, 03:21 PM

What is the best packaged potting soil for beginners. I am looking for a potting soil to use straight out if the bag and not having to add anything. A soil that is fool proof as far as over watering.

bencelest · 09-09-2009, 03:46 PM

coconut husk but this is expensive.

Mason · 09-09-2009, 04:02 PM

I have coco coir. Will that do ?

bencelest · 09-09-2009, 04:26 PM

I am not sure if that will do because of its size. What is best are 1/4 and 1/2 size mixed together.

Richard · 09-09-2009, 05:26 PM

Coconut husk = Coir. It is a soil ingredient, but not a "soil".

Straight out of the bag in San Diego:

I make "Soil Mix #2" which Tony (sunfish) can bring home on Thursday.
Kellogg's Patio Mix is an excellent soil and reasonably priced at the big box stores.
Sunshine Mix No. 2, which Tony is bringing home on Thursday.

Mason · 09-09-2009, 05:41 PM

Thank you Benny and Richard

sandy0225 · 09-09-2009, 06:40 PM

promix hp--call around--a lot of the independent type garden centers use it.

Richard · 09-09-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandy0225

promix hp--call around--a lot of the independent type garden centers use it.

Haven't seen it in southern or central California.

LilRaverBoi · 09-09-2009, 11:02 PM

I know this is not optimal advice, but I'll be honest....I use Miracle Grow potting mix or Miracle Grow garden soil. I try to avoid the 'moisture control' or whatever that has additional stuff to keep water in it. When I was back in Iowa, I always potted my bananas with topsoil out of our garden (where I planted them during the summer). I can't say that's a good option most places, but in Iowa, we have some of the (if not THE) best topsoil in the US. But yeah, basically, I never add sand, perlite, etc like so many others do here and my plants grow wonderfully. I fertilize monthly with a basic 12:12:12 fertilizer.

Don't hate me...like I said, this isn't the best advice, probably, but it works well for me.

Nicolas Naranja · 09-10-2009, 08:15 AM

I have had good results with Jungle Growth from Lowes and Fafard 2B.

Richard · 09-10-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilRaverBoi

I know this is not optimal advice, but I'll be honest....I use Miracle Grow potting mix or Miracle Grow garden soil. I try to avoid the 'moisture control' or whatever that has additional stuff to keep water in it. When I was back in Iowa, I always potted my bananas with topsoil out of our garden (where I planted them during the summer). I can't say that's a good option most places, but in Iowa, we have some of the (if not THE) best topsoil in the US. But yeah, basically, I never add sand, perlite, etc like so many others do here and my plants grow wonderfully. I fertilize monthly with a basic 12:12:12 fertilizer.

Don't hate me...like I said, this isn't the best advice, probably, but it works well for me.

Well, yeah -- I'm totally jealous of your soil

The Miracle-Gro brand potting mix is formulated for neutral to acidic water supplies which are prevalent in the eastern half of the U.S. So if it is cost effective in Iowa and you need something out of the bag, then go for it!

damaclese · 09-10-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilRaverBoi

I know this is not optimal advice, but I'll be honest....I use Miracle Grow potting mix or Miracle Grow garden soil. I try to avoid the 'moisture control' or whatever that has additional stuff to keep water in it. When I was back in Iowa, I always potted my bananas with topsoil out of our garden (where I planted them during the summer). I can't say that's a good option most places, but in Iowa, we have some of the (if not THE) best topsoil in the US. But yeah, basically, I never add sand, perlite, etc like so many others do here and my plants grow wonderfully. I fertilize monthly with a basic 12:12:12 fertilizer.

Don't hate me...like I said, this isn't the best advice, probably, but it works well for me.

my Missouri pride is all up on it now! i say we have the best tops soil in the country! i had a ditch dug to relocate a water pipe at the front of my property and the good black soil was 16 ft deep you could grow any thing in it and it never got compacted heheheh im sure your iowa soil is good but not quite as good LOL but that was a cow pasture from 1908 to 1997 had alot of organic mater in it if you get my drift LOL

LilRaverBoi · 09-10-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damaclese

my Missouri pride is all up on it now! i say we have the best tops soil in the country! i had a ditch dug to relocate a water pipe at the front of my property and the good black soil was 16 ft deep you could grow any thing in it and it never got compacted heheheh im sure your iowa soil is good but not quite as good LOL but that was a cow pasture from 1908 to 1997 had alot of organic mater in it if you get my drift LOL

Well, I will agree with you that MO has some pretty awesome soil. As we both know, it varies a lot depending on the region of any state. I did some research just for my own knowledge and here were my findings....

I couldn't find any rankings of national soil samples by quality. But in terms of the % of soils having the least limitations for cultivation, the top five states (in order) are as follows:
-Illinois
-Indiana
-Iowa
-Ohio
-North Dakota
Missouri ranks 19th in the list. Keep in mind this is not ranking overall soil quality (which is difficult since there are so many factors at play). Just thought this was interesting and wanted to share (sorry, I realize this is off topic...but it's soil talk, so it kinda works, right?

). So though we have over twice the percentage of quality soil as Missouri, the jury is still out on the quality battle. I would much rather compare any midwest state's soil quality to NON-midwest states. Trying to make comparisons of nearby states is difficult to do. Let's just agree that both our soils are awesome rather than trying to compare quality!

Richard · 09-10-2009, 03:54 PM

I don't know about national rankings, but Almanzo & Laura Wilder thought the soil in Missouri was excellent!

supermario · 09-10-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilRaverBoi

I know this is not optimal advice, but I'll be honest....I use Miracle Grow potting mix or Miracle Grow garden soil. I try to avoid the 'moisture control' or whatever that has additional stuff to keep water in it. When I was back in Iowa, I always potted my bananas with topsoil out of our garden (where I planted them during the summer). I can't say that's a good option most places, but in Iowa, we have some of the (if not THE) best topsoil in the US. But yeah, basically, I never add sand, perlite, etc like so many others do here and my plants grow wonderfully. I fertilize monthly with a basic 12:12:12 fertilizer.

Don't hate me...like I said, this isn't the best advice, probably, but it works well for me.

Ive used the miracle grow potting mix before and had good results, but they weren't the cheapest option. I recently purchased a HUGE bag of 'Lamberts ready to use potting mix' for under $10 at my local Home Depot. I've used it with several different fruits and ornamentals with fantastic results.

As mentioned earlier, the only soil I think you should stay away from is one that has 'moisture control' written anywhere on the bag.

sunfish · 09-11-2009, 07:17 AM

I have used the Sunshine mix. And never had an issue with it being dry for the first few inches and wet on the bottom. This is one of the main points Jungle growth makes. When the Jungle Growth at one inch depth feels dry to the touch, so is the Jungle Growth throughout the pot---time to water.

Pro mix hp,Fafard 2B. , Jungle growth,sunshine mix and the coconut husk mix all seem to be good potting soils for the beginner ,like me.

Patty in Wisc · 09-11-2009, 09:25 PM

Ha ha Sunfish, you are not quite the 'beginner' LOL. Lamberts, Sunshine etc, I never heard of many of the potting mixes mentioned.
I also use miracle grow potting mix - no moisture control, but it has timed release fert. It may cost a little more but it is excellent stuff for me. I also add perlite for better drainage.

sddarkman619 · 08-04-2012, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Coconut husk = Coir. It is a soil ingredient, but not a "soil".

Straight out of the bag in San Diego:

I make "Soil Mix #2" which Tony (sunfish) can bring home on Thursday.
Kellogg's Patio Mix is an excellent soil and reasonably priced at the big box stores.
Sunshine Mix No. 2, which Tony is bringing home on Thursday.

what is "Soil Mix #2"?

sunfish · 08-04-2012, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sddarkman619

what is "Soil Mix #2"?

Sun Gro Horticulture | Products

sddarkman619 · 08-04-2012, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunfish

Sun Gro Horticulture | Products

and that['s what you guys make? where do you get the big bags of spagnum moss and coarse perlite? what nursery or do you order online?
Thanks

09-09-2009, 03:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mason The Top Banana In Town! Mason 's Photo Gallery Location: San Diego Zone: 9-11 Name: Mason Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 101 BananaBucks : 94,578 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 12 Times Was Thanked 17 Times in 16 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Potting soil What is the best packaged potting soil for beginners. I am looking for a potting soil to use straight out if the bag and not having to add anything. A soil that is fool proof as far as over watering. __________________ -Mason Last edited by Mason : 09-09-2009 at 09:45 PM.

09-09-2009, 03:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
bencelest Banana Nut bencelest's Photo Gallery Location: California Zone 9 Zone: 9 Name: Benny Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,056 BananaBucks : 76,313 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 1,368 Times in 630 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Potting soil coconut husk but this is expensive. __________________ Banana Nut

09-09-2009, 04:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mason The Top Banana In Town! Mason 's Photo Gallery Location: San Diego Zone: 9-11 Name: Mason Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 101 BananaBucks : 94,578 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 12 Times Was Thanked 17 Times in 16 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Potting soil I have coco coir. Will that do ? __________________ -Mason

09-09-2009, 04:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
bencelest Banana Nut bencelest's Photo Gallery Location: California Zone 9 Zone: 9 Name: Benny Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,056 BananaBucks : 76,313 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 1,368 Times in 630 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Potting soil I am not sure if that will do because of its size. What is best are 1/4 and 1/2 size mixed together. __________________ Banana Nut

09-09-2009, 05:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Richard Hermitian Operator Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: numerous Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 6,914 BananaBucks : 616 Feedback: 8 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,016 Times Was Thanked 5,311 Times in 2,604 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,371 Times	Re: Potting soil Coconut husk = Coir. It is a soil ingredient, but not a "soil". Straight out of the bag in San Diego: I make "Soil Mix #2" which Tony (sunfish) can bring home on Thursday. Kellogg's Patio Mix is an excellent soil and reasonably priced at the big box stores. Sunshine Mix No. 2, which Tony is bringing home on Thursday. __________________ PM and Email questions welcome. website: http://www.PlantsThatProduce.com

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09-09-2009, 05:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mason The Top Banana In Town! Mason 's Photo Gallery Location: San Diego Zone: 9-11 Name: Mason Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 101 BananaBucks : 94,578 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 12 Times Was Thanked 17 Times in 16 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Potting soil Thank you Benny and Richard __________________ -Mason

09-09-2009, 06:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
sandy0225 Northern Tropics sandy0225's Photo Gallery Location: Muncie, Indiana zone 5 Find me on the map! Zone: zone 5 Name: Sandy Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,650 BananaBucks : 108,699 Feedback: 30 / 97% Said "Thanks" 32 Times Was Thanked 1,490 Times in 618 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 8 Times	Re: Potting soil promix hp--call around--a lot of the independent type garden centers use it. __________________ Sandy Burrell Northern Tropics Greenhouse 1501 East Fuson Road Muncie, IN 47302 www.northerntropics.com specializing in bananas, heirloom tomatoes and water gardening plants~ check out our new online store at our website!

09-09-2009, 11:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
LilRaverBoi Nanner Time! LilRaverBoi's Photo Gallery Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Find me on the map! Zone: 5 Name: Bryan Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,798 BananaBucks : 9,858 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 528 Times Was Thanked 2,008 Times in 1,146 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 698 Times	Re: Potting soil I know this is not optimal advice, but I'll be honest....I use Miracle Grow potting mix or Miracle Grow garden soil. I try to avoid the 'moisture control' or whatever that has additional stuff to keep water in it. When I was back in Iowa, I always potted my bananas with topsoil out of our garden (where I planted them during the summer). I can't say that's a good option most places, but in Iowa, we have some of the (if not THE) best topsoil in the US. But yeah, basically, I never add sand, perlite, etc like so many others do here and my plants grow wonderfully. I fertilize monthly with a basic 12:12:12 fertilizer. Don't hate me...like I said, this isn't the best advice, probably, but it works well for me. __________________ BANANA RAVE! Feel the beat from start to stop, dancin' and movin' from bottom to top! lilraverboi@genxglow.com RIP Tog Tan. We love you and will always remember you! I'm Bryan with a Y! There is no 'I' in BRYAN!

09-10-2009, 08:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
Nicolas Naranja Muck bananas Nicolas Naranja 's Photo Gallery Location: Pahokee, FL Find me on the map! Zone: 10 Name: Nick Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,404 BananaBucks : 27,672 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 33 Times Was Thanked 2,254 Times in 844 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 5 Times	Re: Potting soil I have had good results with Jungle Growth from Lowes and Fafard 2B. __________________ Some people go bananas, I went plantains.

09-10-2009, 03:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
Richard Hermitian Operator Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: numerous Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 6,914 BananaBucks : 616 Feedback: 8 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,016 Times Was Thanked 5,311 Times in 2,604 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,371 Times	Re: Potting soil I don't know about national rankings, but Almanzo & Laura Wilder thought the soil in Missouri was excellent! __________________ PM and Email questions welcome. website: http://www.PlantsThatProduce.com

09-11-2009, 07:17 AM	#16 (permalink)
sunfish sunfish's Photo Gallery Location: San Diego Find me on the map! Zone: 9-11 Name: Tony Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 15,530 BananaBucks : 777 Feedback: 8 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,966 Times Was Thanked 16,713 Times in 6,263 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,015 Times	Re: Potting soil I have used the Sunshine mix. And never had an issue with it being dry for the first few inches and wet on the bottom. This is one of the main points Jungle growth makes. When the Jungle Growth at one inch depth feels dry to the touch, so is the Jungle Growth throughout the pot---time to water. Pro mix hp,Fafard 2B. , Jungle growth,sunshine mix and the coconut husk mix all seem to be good potting soils for the beginner ,like me. __________________ Tony,Thanks

09-11-2009, 09:25 PM	#17 (permalink)
Patty in Wisc tropical nut Patty in Wisc's Photo Gallery Zone: 5 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,115 BananaBucks : 125,393 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,946 Times Was Thanked 2,457 Times in 1,183 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 69 Times	Re: Potting soil Ha ha Sunfish, you are not quite the 'beginner' LOL. Lamberts, Sunshine etc, I never heard of many of the potting mixes mentioned. I also use miracle grow potting mix - no moisture control, but it has timed release fert. It may cost a little more but it is excellent stuff for me. I also add perlite for better drainage. __________________ Got a lite? Patty ____ Patty in Wisc has sadly passed away 9/05/11. We will miss you Patty.

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