Robert Wright

Planting Amendments



Posted: Saturday, January 02, 2010

by
UsaveHydroponics

Most growers that I have done business in the past like things the old school way by cultivating their plants filled with soil,commercial mixes, or their own recipe of soil, fertilizers, and soil conditioners. The correct containers I found that was very cheap and reusable.They come different sizes usually 1 gallon to 5 gallon you will have to consider for a three months stay.I first started with large 3 gallon plastic grow bags and I purchased black.

This was a mistake for me know they make the same bags in white for the reflection.I use 3 gallon bags down to 1 gallon depends on the plants height the 3 gallon is a guarantee.Give them a try they work well. Well I talked a little about the Planting Mixes on the last blog .Today I want to go over some planting amendments, to add to your Potting soil is composed of topsoil,which is great natural outdoor composite high in nutrients.Its the top layer of the soil.containing large amounts organic material such as humus and compost as well as minerals and clay. Topsoil's is light where it does not pack.To keep the soil where it doesn't pack let's go over some Planting amendments. This is done with Using green sand that helps with potassium,Course Vermiculite you can always make it the size by smashing it,Course Perlite great for drainage, peat/moss, gravel be sure you don't get lime gravel, and make sure its been sterile. Potting soil has a heavy earthy smell very rich and dark color fells good to the touch and will last for about two months of nutrient supply great for outdoor. Commercial Mixes is what I would call hydroponic mix: This would be manufactured from the factory to adjust pH, and here is the line of ingredients bark, wood fibers, compost, soil conditioners , such as vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss.They are designed to hold the adequate amount of air, water ,and nutrients releasing them slowly.This is called hydroponic mixes because the nutrients is added by the gardener in a water solution on a needed basis. Texture of Potting Mixes: I put this first on the list is the moist important consideration for containerized plants.

The mixture should drain well so you can take a sample of the run off to see what the pH of each plant.Purchase yourself a pH kit it's around $6.95 it has a little vile and test solution get an eye dropper to add your up and down solution we will go over pH on another blog.I mention that because these mixes very quite a bit in their content, nutrient values, texture,pH, and water holding capacity. You'll be using your self test pH tester to test your level of run off. You can purchase a Hanna hand held pH/TDS/EC probe fore less than a $100.00 new calibration pin ...etc. Email me if interested .When looking for the correct Mix:

The mixture should drain well and allow air to enter empty spaces so that the roots can breath oxygen. Mixes to fine may turn out to soggy it could cause anaerobic bacteria which release acids that eventually harm the roots. Hydroponic mixes is better than straight soil. A moist potting mix with good texture should form a clump in your hand when squeezed in your fist; then with a slight poke with your finger the clod should break.You want sterile potting soil for indoor use then unpasteurized top soil.If the package is marked "Potting Soil", it is usually made from top soil. Potting soils very important composition,pH,and fertility. If your soil clumps up: Here is how you would start use some green sand , perlite(course),and vermiculite course after several watering it will start breaking down. The nutrients have a good place to harbor with the correct hydroponics mix. Stayed tuned for the next excited Blog. How to add your own planting amendment! How to pick the "Correct Hydroponic Mix"?

Article By: Robert Wright Usavehydroponics.com
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