Re: Potting mixes (was Euphorbia dulcis CHAMELEON)

tnottle@picknowl.com.au wrote:
> 
> Dear Rachel,
> 
> I have several batches of Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon' in my
> un-watered garden, icluding several in a large pot that really dries
> out. I had trouble with enexpected deaths too until I realised my
> problem was that the nursery bought plants were in a potting compost
> that 'encouraged' their roots to stay within the root ball established
> when the plants were in their pots. The potting compost, virtually all
> sand, pine bark and mushroom compost, is deadly once it dries out. It
> is so hard to re-wet it and the plants suffered in consequence. 

Hi
I find most commercially-potted plants an on-going problem. Whatever the
advantages to the raiser of these highly-artificial mixes they are not
in the long run any good to the plants and I always move new
acquisitions as soon as possible into my own "brew" which makes such a
difference to their growth and survival.

In case anybody is interested, my basic mix is a strictly organic one of
 
3 parts of my own fully-matured compost (sieved)
1 part sand ( I commonly use a 50/50 mix of sharp propagating sand and
coarser pumice sand. in places where the latter is not available, I
guess one could use vermiculite). 

To this I add some seaweed (kelp) powder, about a tablespoon per
standard household ( 9 litre) bucket to make sure of the trace elements.

This basic mix can be modified with extra sand for plants needing a lean
soil or very good drainage. I have found it very versatile and not
surprisingly, pretty cheap to make.

For the average plant, the standard form has enough food for quite some
time, but for extra-vigorous growers it can be supplemented with organic
fertilizer pellets or slow release fertilizer

I never found peat was a really helpful ingredient, largely because of
its hard-to-wet character, and gave up using it several years ago, a
move I have not had any cause to regret. Without any peat in the mix
there is no need to add lime, but it also seems to suit acid-lovers as
well without any modification..

Moira
-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, 
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index