Organic Soil Mixes
| Organic soil mixes for starting seeds and for potting the seedlings for transplant to the garden must contain organic fertilizers to promote normal growth. There must also be sterile constituents to prevent the proliferation of “damping-off” disease, which can devastate an entire seedling population and to minimize weed growth. Organic soil mixes are available commercially but can be mixed from scratch for less cost by using the appropriate ingredients. As organic farmers, we have developed formulas for organic soil mixes which we have outlined below. These organic soil mixes worked for us using our own means and methods for starting and growing seedlings. Results can vary because of other factors involved in the growing operation. It can only be considered as a starting point for each particular situation. |
|
Organic Soil Mixes
|
The following organic soil mixes are based on using a one cubic foot container. We used a heavy cardboard box with lines marked all the way around the inside walls at the one-quarter cubic foot and the one-half cubic foot levels. Once the dry constituents are added, they are thoroughly mixed, dumped into a water proof container and water is added. Water proof containers can be anything from a plastic trash can to a baby’s small wading pool. Once the water is thoroughly mixed into the dry ingredients, if not used immediately, it should be stored in a container with a lid to retain moisture. Organic soil mixes should be “just moist”, not too dry and not too wet. Adjust the water quantity accordingly, especially if you are using moist or wet ingredients to start with.
If you do not have the capabilities for preparing your own organic soil mix, a commercial organic soil mix can be used.
|
Seed Starter
½ cubic foot Vermiculite
½ cubic foot Sphagnum Peat Moss (dry)
2 quarts water (adjust as needed)
Potting Mix for Seedlings
½ cubic foot Sphagnum Peat Moss (dry)
¼ cubic foot Vermiculite
¼ cubic foot Perlite
¼ cup Bone Meal
¼ cup Alfalfa Meal
7½ Tbs Dolomite Limestone
2 Tbs Green Sand
1 Tbs Epsom Salts
1 heaping Tbs Rock Phosphate
2 quarts water (adjust as needed)
There are other organic soil mixes possible, such as compost with a layer of vermiculite on top as the sterile barrier. Rodale Press is one of the leading sources of information on this subject.
Feedback on your experiences using these organic soil mixes will be appreciated. Email us at info@gardensaplenty.com.
|
|