Re: Organic potting mix recipes needed

Ali,

What you need to look also is what you are growing - so it's back to the library with you, and to your local agricultural dept. ( in the US they are called Agricultural extension agents) to see what is best, in your climate, for the plants you are growing.

Also, don't be afraid to look at pre-WWII Australian farming manuals, because before the chemical revolution, and the use of chemical insecticides, it was all organic.  Really - what was then known as best farming practices. So a book about Australian farming, and vegetable farming up until the 1930s would be invaluable.

I have been drinking an awful lot of Australian shiraz lately, and I know that the better grape growers there really have to be masters of the soil.  Why don't you take a wine tour, off to Peter Lehman's Estate, for example,  and start talking about soil, and asking those questions instead of getting looped (though that is what I'd do as well.) 

Also, there has to be a NSW Australian organic growing organization that you should get in touch with as well.  With organic gardening, the new is helpful, but the old is a wealth of vauluable information.

Cheers,
Adam Honigman
Volunteer,
Clinton Community Garden


Subj: [cg] Organic potting mix recipes needed
Date: 11/19/03 2:18:17 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: mulberrynz@yahoo.com.au
To: community_garden@mallorn.com
Sent from the Internet



Hi everyone,

I've only just joined the list, so please feel free to direct me to
the archives if necessary... 

I'm after more ideas for potting mixes for our organic nursery.  We
currently use two parts cocopeat, two parts compost, one part sand,
one part perlite, handful blood and bone, scoop of worm castings.  We
then supplement regularly with a foliar feed - diluted liquid seaweed
and fish mix. 

It may be the fault of my compost, but sometimes the plants need more
nutrients than we supply.  Any ideas most welcome!

Kind regards,
Ali (Australia)

=====
Australia IS refugees!

http://personals.yahoo.com.au - Yahoo! Personals
New people, new possibilities. FREE for a limited time.


Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index