PRO-MIX REVISITED?

[bigblue]

I have a few 15 gallon containers that I am intent on planting this year (tomatoes). While I have noticed numerous opinions on what makes a good and/or great container mix(s) everyone seems to agree PRO-MIX, if available, makes for a good growing medium. I am unable to locate the PRO-MIX BX but have found one of our local big box stores that carries the PRO-MIX HP. The only difference I can see is that the HP is higher in perlite. Would this be an acceptable substitution for the BX? Also, I was curious as to if it (the Pro-Mix) would be best mixed in a 3-2-1 ratio (Pro-mix, bark fines, perlite). With the additional perlite in the Pro-Mix HP require a reduction or even eliminating the 1-part of perlite? I have a source for bark fines and perlite but would hesitate to use them if you think they might not be necessary. Also, my neighbor has a 20lb bag of “Black Gold” worm castings in her garage that she has not opened and has been stored for 3 or 4 years. Any problem using them after storing for a while. She wont use them so they are free for the taking. Cant get better then free. Thanks.

[gturmindright]

Good question. I plan on trying earthtainers this year using only promix hp by itself.

[Smithma]

I have been using the BX during repotting it sure promotes root growth. I believe both BX & H P retain water fairly well on there on. The only problem I have had is I filled a small raised bed with straight BX and I could not get my lettuce or radish seeds to germinate, finally had to add a top layer of potting mix. After that all seeds germinated. I have a bag of Black Gold worm castings that is several years old and it is fine (still makes active tea)

[JamesL]

Dave,
You can eliminate the additional perlite when using the Pro Mix HP. Absolutely an acceptable substitute.

Robert,
Using Pro Mix BX switch to an 8-5-2 ratio in your 'Tainers. This will be my 3rd year running that ratio and it has worked out just wonderfully.
Here are a few links discussing for your perusal.
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=21374
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthrea...t=21791&page=2

http://www.pthorticulture.com/en/pro...rowing-medium/
http://www.pthorticulture.com/en/pro...rowing-medium/

There are some other good threads on the subject here, I will see if I can remember where they are.

[gturmindright]

So straight up promix hp wont work for a swc?

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[Sun City Linda]

I bought some ProMix HP at Home Depot this year and am using it straight in a few Earthboxes this year.

[Dewayne mater]

gturmindrt - there have been many discussions on SWC growing mediums and many opinions on that topic. As to promix by itself, Raybo (creator of earthtainers) recommends a blend of pro mix, pine bark fines and perlite in his earthtainers. I believe the recommendation is for a ratio of 3:2:1.

The reason for the additional materials beyond pro mix is to fluff up, lighten up, aerate the grow medium to allow for easier water movement/wicking up and root growth. I've followed that blend for a few years now and find that it delivers enough water to huge plants even on 100 degree days, so long as I don't let the reservoir run out of water.

That said, I'm sure there are other mixes, blends, materials, etc that have been successfully used. Good luck.

Dewayne mater

[Sun City Linda]

My thinking is that since Promix HP has such a high amount of perlite (looks to be 25-35%) it would be plenty aerated.

[nnjjohn]

How much would it take to prepare six 5 gallon buckets using pro-mix? I notice this mix is not inexpensive .. I mean for what it is made of mostly (peat) which I can buy for 10 dollars for three cubic feet.. and easily mix that with fortified miracle grow garden soil on sale for 2 dollars a 1.5 cubic ft bag .. Even with my idea of mixing mg and peat would add up to less half the price of what the advertised price is for promix from 30 to 40 dollars a 3.5 cubic ft? and actually get more than promix.. I am going to feed the tomatoes in the bucket anyway with a solution of water mixed with the tsp. tomato mg food. . so that is why I ask how much to fill six buckets?

[lexusnexus]

1US gallon = 0.13368ft³, so 30 gallon (6X5) = 4ft³ (it's really 4.0104).

Dan

[recruiterg]

In my area, Home Depot carries a compressed bag of ProMix. I have used it in the past. It is primarily comprised of Peat and Perlite. The price is $12 and since it is compressed, it goes alot further than a bag of MG.

[gturmindright]

So assuming you dont fill them all the way to the top on 3.8 should do ya.

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[gturmindright]

Originally Posted by gturmindright

So assuming you dont fill them all the way to the top one 3.8 should do ya.

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[Sun City Linda]

In my area a compressed 2.2 bag of Promix is 22.00 or 24.00 at Home Depot, can't remember which. Even MG potting mix is $10.00 for a one foot bag. The cost of all potting mixes has gone way up from last season. The only ones that are cheap are full of sand and reed peat.

[Got Worms?]

I just picked up 10 3.8cu. ft. compressed peat moss, and that came to $140 and change. While I was there (Agway) I priced the large compressed bale of PRO-MIX BX and it was $44.98. I had to turn my back on it. This year I'm going to use peat moss, compost, perlite, and some manure for my outside containers. Wish I knew of something to use as a cheap wetting agent. That peat can really shun water.