| I do container gardening only -- tropicals, flowers (lantana, dipladenia), and green stuff (ivy, etc.). Is it true that a combination of peat moss, organic compost (purchased at nursery) and gypsum/perlite/sand IS soil? In other words, would a mixture of those ingredients, varied for the needs of the plant, constitute soil? And is that mix good for container gardening or should I buy potting soil at the nursery? |
| It is true that you can make your own growing medium for container gardening that will serve as an excellent substitute for garden soil. Here are two recipes: Basic Peat Mix (makes one cubic yard) 1/2 cubic yard of sphagnum peat moss 1/2 cubic yard of vermiculite Mix together well; then add: 5 pounds dolomitic limestone 1 pound superphosphate 2 pounds 5-10-5 fertilizer After mixing thoroughly, store in plastic bags. Moisten mix prior to use. Here's an organic version of soilless mix: 16 quarts of sphagnum peat moss 16 quarts vermiculite 7 ounces bone meal 3 1/2 ounces dried blood meal 3 1/2 ounces ground limestone Mix thoroughly and store in plastic bags. Moisten mix prior to use. |
