Ready to plant, few questions about Pro-mix and lime

scb175 · June 4, 2011

Hi all, bought my Pro-mix BX, Pine Bark Fines, Perlite, and Lime.

I have an Earthbox, and this will be my first year planting Tomato's.

Going to try the 8:5:1 mix, but was wondering if I need to add lime to the already limed Pro-mix? If so, how much?

Also, does the mixture need to be completely wet when putting it into Earthbox? It seems as if it is dry, some pieces might fall down into the water reservoir.

I am against the "fertilizer strip" as I will be mixing the necessary fertilizer into the final potting mix. I feel as it will be evenly distributed, and will be spread out to help root growth.

Thanks for any answers!

rnewste · June 4, 2011

scb,

My recommendation for your first year in growing in an EarthBox is follow their instructions explicitly. They have done a lot of research on adding in 2 Cups of Lime, plus use of the fertilizer strip - - so for your initial introduction to SWC growing, my best advice is to follow their instructions. The Lime content in Pro-Mix is minimal - not anywhere equating to 2 Cups. Also, your Mix needs to be thoroughly saturated with moisture, if you are to have good wicking.

You've got a good Combo Mix as you've defined it - - experiment with different fertilizer approaches next Season.

Raybo

scb175 · June 20, 2011

Thanks Raybo... everything turned out great. The plant is growing wonderfully.

I just recently received my Foliage Pro 9-3-6, and was wondering how I go about fertilizing with the Earthbox? Do I add the liquid fert to the bottom water reserve so the roots take it in with the water? I do not exactly want to water from the top, as that will mess up the whole "SWC" theory.

I have read many message boards, and can't seem to find an answer.

Thanks!

rnewste · June 20, 2011

My (personal) recommendation is to add it in to the water reservoir. I use Grow Big and Big Bloom in this manner with my Earthbox.

Raybo

les matzek · June 21, 2011

i have used f.p. at 3/8 tsp per
gallon and pro tek at the same
rate with good results good luck.

les

beefsteak · June 21, 2011

good luck scb175, with this crazy weather hope we don't get a blight, I'm just up the road in Waterford..

June 4, 2011	#1
scb175 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: Corry, PA Posts: 3	Ready to plant, few questions about Pro-mix and lime Hi all, bought my Pro-mix BX, Pine Bark Fines, Perlite, and Lime. I have an Earthbox, and this will be my first year planting Tomato's. Going to try the 8:5:1 mix, but was wondering if I need to add lime to the already limed Pro-mix? If so, how much? Also, does the mixture need to be completely wet when putting it into Earthbox? It seems as if it is dry, some pieces might fall down into the water reservoir. I am against the "fertilizer strip" as I will be mixing the necessary fertilizer into the final potting mix. I feel as it will be evenly distributed, and will be spread out to help root growth. Thanks for any answers!

June 4, 2011	#2
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	scb, My recommendation for your first year in growing in an EarthBox is follow their instructions explicitly. They have done a lot of research on adding in 2 Cups of Lime, plus use of the fertilizer strip - - so for your initial introduction to SWC growing, my best advice is to follow their instructions. The Lime content in Pro-Mix is minimal - not anywhere equating to 2 Cups. Also, your Mix needs to be thoroughly saturated with moisture, if you are to have good wicking. You've got a good Combo Mix as you've defined it - - experiment with different fertilizer approaches next Season. Raybo

June 20, 2011	#3
scb175 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: Corry, PA Posts: 3	Thanks Raybo... everything turned out great. The plant is growing wonderfully. I just recently received my Foliage Pro 9-3-6, and was wondering how I go about fertilizing with the Earthbox? Do I add the liquid fert to the bottom water reserve so the roots take it in with the water? I do not exactly want to water from the top, as that will mess up the whole "SWC" theory. I have read many message boards, and can't seem to find an answer. Thanks!

June 21, 2011	#5
les matzek Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Landers, CA Posts: 191	i have used f.p. at 3/8 tsp per gallon and pro tek at the same rate with good results good luck. les

June 21, 2011	#6
beefsteak Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NW PA zone 5 Posts: 121	good luck scb175, with this crazy weather hope we don't get a blight, I'm just up the road in Waterford..