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General discussion regarding the techniques and methods used to successfully grow tomato plants in containers.

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Old June 5, 2008   #1
organichris
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Default Potting Mixes with Wetting Agents

Yeah, so I decided I would grow a cherry tomato plant upside down just for fun. I went and got a hanging pot at a surplus store, then headed to the nursery to buy a plant and some potting mix.

I thought for sure they carried an organic growing medium, but if they do they had sold completely out. All that was left was a potting mix with a wetting agent. I said to myself, "What is a wetting agent?" Apparently it is a polymer added to the mix to help retain moisture - definitely not organic, but I was already invested in the project so I made a compromise. I did add some actual dirt, wood ashes, blood meal and bone meal to the mix.

Question: Is it actually safe to eat something grown in such a medium? I don't actually expect anyone to say no, but I still have reservations. Any thoughts?

Last edited by organichris; June 5, 2008 at 12:58 PM.
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Old June 5, 2008   #2
feldon30
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Yes, you can grow and eat vegetables in potting mix with moisture crystals.

I don't think the moisture crystals are a wise choice if there's a chance you'll have torrential rains.
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Old June 5, 2008   #3
organichris
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Quote:
I don't think the moisture crystals are a wise choice if there's a chance you'll have torrential rains.
Yeah, I'm finding that out the hard way. When I put the plant in the pot, I completely saturated it. This is the way I have done it in the past, and it always drained all the excess water. This time, it didn't drain. And since then its been raining off and on. Its been about a week since I planted, but even though it's kind of water-logged it's been growing quite well.
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