Re: Sphagnum peat moss
- To: propagation@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Sphagnum peat moss
- From: "* O* <m*@hotmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 04 Apr 1999 20:08:49 PDT
<<Does anybody see a problem using a cheap spagnum peat moss in 8"
hanging pot,filling the bottom 3/4 with the peat moss then putting
the top of the pot a good potting soil mix to germinate Lobelia and
Vinca. I know I am cheap Glider but will it work?>>
Uh, me? I don't know much about Lobelia and Vinca. I am going to try
Lobelia inflata this year, mostly because someone mentioned it makes an
interesting tobacco admix. I understand it to be a relatively simple,
easy germinator. As far as filling the pot with peat moss, do you mean
to save money on potting soil?
It has always been my belief that peat moss is relatively nutrient
deficient, and used mostly for its water retention properties. If
Lobelia and Vinca are wet, acid loving plants, it should work well. But
if lots of acid (peat moss is often fairly acidic) hampers nutrient
uptake of these species, you may not achieve the results you are looking
for.
If you are that cheap, you may want to look into mixing your own potting
soil. Mushroom compost is cheap in western PA (we've got lots of
mushroom farms), composted manure is available elsewhere. Topsoil is
cheap by the ton. Etc, etc. You can mix several tons of good potting
soil for less than you might pay for a few hundred cubic feet of
premixed potting soil. Of course storage then becomes a slight
logistical problem.... But it you are operating a decent size
greenhouse it will likely be worth the effort.
But seriously, if you are thinking of doing this to save $3 on a bag of
potting soil, don't bother. You'll waste more time and money on the
plants than you'll save on the soil. If you are thinking of doing this
because of the way that these genera grow, then you already know more
about the situation than I do.
Sorry for tieing up band-width, but I find it difficult not to respond
when I see my name. *grin*
Thanks for flying,
Glider
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