help with compost!

aimeruni · April 16, 2014

I make my own soilless mix. Below is the 'recipe' for it. I make it in lg. batches one lg. batch makes 30-35 gallons.

2-3 cubic feet pine bark fines/mulch
5 gallons perlite
5 gallons spaghnum peat moss

I'd like to add a small amount of compost to the mix; this is for root veggies cause they prefer a more loose soil and for heavy feeders (any type of squash and melons).

By 'small amount of compost' I mean 10%-20% per lg. batch. 10% is about 3.5 gallons; 20% is about 7 gallons. I'd like to add the compost while still retaining the 'lightness' of the soil, and still having it be fast draining.

If I just add a small amount of compost, will my mix still retain the lightness and fast-draining qualities?

April 16, 2014	#1
aimeruni Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Brooksville FL, zone 9a Posts: 67	help with compost! I make my own soilless mix. Below is the 'recipe' for it. I make it in lg. batches one lg. batch makes 30-35 gallons. 2-3 cubic feet pine bark fines/mulch 5 gallons perlite 5 gallons spaghnum peat moss I'd like to add a small amount of compost to the mix; this is for root veggies cause they prefer a more loose soil and for heavy feeders (any type of squash and melons). By 'small amount of compost' I mean 10%-20% per lg. batch. 10% is about 3.5 gallons; 20% is about 7 gallons. I'd like to add the compost while still retaining the 'lightness' of the soil, and still having it be fast draining. If I just add a small amount of compost, will my mix still retain the lightness and fast-draining qualities?