Suggestions For 'Drying Out' Miracle-Gro Potting Mix in a SWC?

rnewste · July 14, 2009

Even though I have reduced the size of the wicking basket in the EarthTainer II, I am still finding the moisture level is running in the "Very Moist" range. After reading Container growing posts, I am considering trialing a mix of 2 parts Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, 1 part Floor-Dry (or Turface), and 1 part bark fines (or Lowes Soil Conditioner).

As many folks who build EarthTainers do not have the desire to mix their own 5:1:1 type of custom mixes, I need to recommend something built on a base of commercially available potting mixes, then supplement this with other additives to lessen the moisture content of the EarthTainer growing medium.

I am ready to plant out my Fall crop in several 'Tainers in the next month, and would like to experiment with a moisture-reduced formulation. Any ideas / suggestions are very welcome. I would like to include this in the next Revision of the EarthTainer Construction Guide, so many will benefit from the knowledge shared here.

thanks,

Ray

July 14, 2009	#1
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	Suggestions For 'Drying Out' Miracle-Gro Potting Mix in a SWC? Even though I have reduced the size of the wicking basket in the EarthTainer II, I am still finding the moisture level is running in the "Very Moist" range. After reading Container growing posts, I am considering trialing a mix of 2 parts Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, 1 part Floor-Dry (or Turface), and 1 part bark fines (or Lowes Soil Conditioner). As many folks who build EarthTainers do not have the desire to mix their own 5:1:1 type of custom mixes, I need to recommend something built on a base of commercially available potting mixes, then supplement this with other additives to lessen the moisture content of the EarthTainer growing medium. I am ready to plant out my Fall crop in several 'Tainers in the next month, and would like to experiment with a moisture-reduced formulation. Any ideas / suggestions are very welcome. I would like to include this in the next Revision of the EarthTainer Construction Guide, so many will benefit from the knowledge shared here. thanks, Ray