More potting mix questions

[elight]

Heading off in a bit to the nearest garden center that sells Kambark (for the bark fines) and Pro-Mix products, about 20 miles from my home. Three questions:

1) Does Ray's 3-2-1 mix work well in other SWC applications? Specifically, I will have some 5-gallon bucket SWCs going as well in addition to my EarthTainer. I searched and found a couple mentions of this, but nothing conclusive.

2) I can't find anyone near me that sells Pro-Mix BX, only the Pro-Mix consumer line, such as the Vegetable & Herb mix. This came up in another thread recently about Pro-Mix. Should I go for the Vegetable & Herb mix, or just stick with the cheaper and more readily accessibly Miracle-Gro potting mix?

3) I found one mention by Ray that the 3-2-1 mix is formulated for Miracle-Gro. Ray, can you re-confirm or deny that? If true, what adjustment would be necessary for using with a better product such as the aforementioned Pro-Mix product?

Thanks!

[elight]

For what it's worth, I ended up picking up the "blue" Pro-Mix, labeled "Pro-Mix Potting and Container Mix" (see here: http://growingyourpassion.com/en/pro...container-mix/).

Anyone know anything about this mix? They also had other Pro-Mix consumer varieties (but not BX). Can I use it with the 3:2:1 mix, or is there an adjustment to be made? Is there any way to find out the exact contents of the mix (e.g., how much perlite)?

[rnewste]

elight,

I like what I see (more Perlite and mycos) in the Blue Pro-Mix. While I haven't had personal experience with it, I would go with the 3:2:1 Combo Mix ratio for both your EarthTainers as well as standard containers. This should give you a well draining and aerated mix.

Raybo

[brismith70]

I use the 3:2:1 mix in all of my containers - SWC and otherwise. I have 31 gallon EarthTainers, 18 gallon EarthTainers, dual 5 gallon buckets and standard plastic containers.

I also use MG potting mix. I have never had a problem growing great fruits or vegetables in the 3:2:1 mix.

Brian

[rnewste]

Hi Brian,

Your's is a good example that there is no one Combo Mix formulation which will work across the Country. As Phoenix is very dry, it doesn't surprise me the 3:2:1 Mix using low Perlite content Miracle-Gro works well for you.

In heavily rainy areas, your Mix might run too wet. Likewise, the higher Perlite content Pro-Mix and Sunshine mixes do well at a 3:2:1 ratio in these wetter regions.

So, the 3:2:1 is a good starting reference point, but you should fine tune the Perlite content based on which peat based "3" you will be using, then adapt for a good draining mix ratio. This will take a couple of Seasons to fine tune it. Make sense?

Raybo

[elight]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to try to contact Pro-Mix and see if they'll tell me what the exact perlite content is.