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?

rags57078 · April 16, 2014

myself I would add 5 gal

drew51 · April 16, 2014

It will retain more water and be heavier, but I myself think it's a good idea. I add 20% myself. I have a similar mix but use diatomaceous earth instead of perlite. It gives the aeration of perlite, but also retains water and makes it available to the plants while still maintaining air space if not saturated with water. Also it never breaks down. Perlite does in 5 years. This matters to me as I recycle my potting soil in raised beds. Seeing a number of studies convinced me to use it. Increased plant growth etc. the studies were very positive.

GaryStPaul · April 18, 2014

Drew, in what form is the DE that you use?

drew51 · April 18, 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryStPaul

Drew, in what form is the DE that you use?

Easy for me to get at O'Reilly's Auto Parts is Optisorb oil absorbent. Larger particle size than Ultrasorb. Particle size in Optisorb is about 1/4 inch diameter. Both are 100% DE. Axisl is another product that can be used, but I have not looked for it. I have no idea who sells it? Lot's a good info in their promo material

http://www.axisplayball.com/home_htm...ING%20SOIL.pdf

Do not use the powder or food grade product.

Some absorbents are clay, so if you use another brand, make sure you get DE!
Notice how cheap it is, 33 pounds for under $12.00. I think O'Reilly's charges $18.00. Probably cheaper once you add shipping at this site: So not only is it better than perlite, it's cheaper!

http://store.spill-kit.com/optisorb-p69.aspx

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?

April 16, 2014	#2
rags57078 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: South Dakota Posts: 278	myself I would add 5 gal

April 16, 2014	#3
drew51 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Sterling Heights, MI Zone 6a/5b Posts: 1,302	It will retain more water and be heavier, but I myself think it's a good idea. I add 20% myself. I have a similar mix but use diatomaceous earth instead of perlite. It gives the aeration of perlite, but also retains water and makes it available to the plants while still maintaining air space if not saturated with water. Also it never breaks down. Perlite does in 5 years. This matters to me as I recycle my potting soil in raised beds. Seeing a number of studies convinced me to use it. Increased plant growth etc. the studies were very positive.

April 18, 2014	#4
GaryStPaul Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St Paul, MN Posts: 158	Drew, in what form is the DE that you use?