In-ground Planting Mix
- Subject: In-ground Planting Mix
- From: D* L*
- Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 09:07:18 -0500 (CDT)
I've dug out a modest area inside my greenhouse for an in-ground
planting area. After placing a 4 - 5" [10-12 cm] layer of drain rock in
the bottom of this pit, I'll be topping up with another 18 - 20" [45-50 cm]
worth of planting mix; as the native soil here in the San Francisco area
is essentially clay.
My intent is to grow a mixed collection of tropicals in this bed.
>From Araceae: Amorphophallus, Anchomanes, Anthurium, Alocasia, Dieff.,
Philo's, etc. etc.; some Heliconia, various Zingiberaceae, Bromeliads, Palms,
Cycads... the usual suspects!
Does anybody out there have any experience/ words of advice concerning
conservatory (in-ground) soil mixes or specific materials to either use or avoid?
I'm considering a mix comprised of locally available components which I'm
blending at the approximate ratio of
- 40% coir (in lieu of peat moss)
- 30% red lava gravel (graded 1/4" size [6.5 mm], clean)
- 20 % fir bark (also graded 1/4", clean)
- 10% horticultural sand
My sample of the above looks great- but I'm really concerned what it'll turn
into 5 years from now. Especially since my preference is to not dig out the
entire bed and replace the contents much before 2010, if at all possible.
What do the under-glass botanical gardens do?
Anything special used for the beds inside MOBOT's Climatron for example?
Thanks,
-Dan
