Question for Raybo on container mix

[SharonRossy]

I found hemlock mulch which I believe can be used for bark fines. What is your opinion? I'd like to use it with the Pro Mix BX.
Thanks
Sharon

[rnewste]

Sharon,

Hemlock is a coniferous tree therefore the bark should work as a substitute for pine bark. Make sure it is only comprised of the outer bark - and not any of the core wood itself.

Have you tried to find Orchid Bark in 2 cu. ft. bags? That is what I am using now.



Raybo

[SharonRossy]

It's pretty expensive here. But I'll keep looking. Actually I was surprised at the cost of some of the mulches. How much is the orchid bark in your area?

[rnewste]

Sharon,

I pay $14.50 for the 2 cu. ft. bag at our local Nursery. Try to find one that caters to the wholesale orchid growers.

Raybo

[peebee]

Oh no! I just realized from your pic that I got the wrong bark size! I bought the same one about 3 years ago and went back to the nursery to buy another bag but couldn't remember if I got small or medium bark before. Somehow the medium seemed too big. Maybe I DID get the small back then, as we were all caught up in the "new" make your own potting fever then and as I recall, we were to get pine bark fines or any bark that was approx. the same size of the other ingredients. I remember on another forum, a dime was used as a sizing point.
Should I exchange it? I am going to repot all my cacti & succulents, and maybe some other plants. Not for SWCs.

[rnewste]

peebee,

Keep the small size Orchid Bark that you bought - - I am just experimenting using the Medium size (in the photo) for half of the EarthTainers, and then the small size (in the purple bag you have) in the other half of the EarthTainers.

The Small size are extremely tiny - and they may disintegrate over the course of the first year. The Medium size should retain their size for a much longer period of time (at least this is my theory).

I'll know for sure at the beginning of next Season and will report my findings - so for now, stay with the small size for your containers. Sorry about the confusion.

Raybo

[Gardeneer]

Originally Posted by rnewste

Sharon,

I pay $14.50 for the 2 cu. ft. bag at our local Nursery. Try to find one that caters to the wholesale orchid growers.

Raybo

That is better than Professional Potting mixes (ProMix) that costs ~ $13 per cubic ft. I saw some @ Fred Meyers, just under $40 for 3 cu-ft bale.

I make my own. My cost is under $3 per cu-ft, when count the cost of perlite and slow release ferts.
I get small bark nuggets and bark mulch (Ground bark). The mix those 2 add perlite, DE, fertilizer, Dolomitic lime.

[SharonRossy]

Wow, lots to think about. I have not been able to find small bark nuggets here, but as Raybo suggested I will try to locate the orchid mix. If not, then the hemlock mulch is selling at $7.50 for a 2cu.ft bag which I guess is ok. Not sure how much Promix is yet.

[rnewste]

Sharon,

For your application I would recommend the smaller ones:



The particle size is about 1cm in diameter typical:



I think this size will do well for you.

Raybo

[Gardeneer]

Originally Posted by rnewste

Sharon,

For your application I would recommend the smaller ones:



The particle size is about 1cm in diameter typical:



I think this size will do well for you.

Raybo

That looks good. Definitely smaller ones are better. The particle size should be less than 1/2". With less than 10% 1/2" or bigger is ok. For this one (in the picture) need to add more peat moss, I think as it has very small amount of fines.

[SharonRossy]

Thanks. I'll try to find it. The hemlock mulch is more shredded I believe. I will look into the orchid bark. Thanks a million.

[SharonRossy]

Thanks. I will try to take a photo of the hemlock mulch and post it. in the meantime, the hunt is on for the orchid bark.
Sharon

[Hulamom]

Ray,
I am in Hawaii-Oahu and was using the purple bag of small sz orchid bark and it worked for me but now HD has discontinued it. All they will be carrying is the medium size one you had in your pic above from last year. Can you let us know how the medium size worked for you? The cost is $12.49 for 2/cuft. I ckecked Walmart and Lowes but no luck on the sm sz bark. The only choice is the Scotts Earthgro colored mulch which are derived from pine and and other forest trees. The color is a natural colorant that fades fast and not harmful to pets (according to faq section on HD). I am done with my tomato planting for this year (swc) but want to be prepared for next yr.
Sharon, I have been using the sm sz orchid bark for the last 3 yrs and it worked for me.
If anyone can chime in, I would appreciate it.
Mahalo!

[rnewste]

Aloha Hulamom,

I would use the medium size bark that you found for the $12.50 price. I am sure this will work well for you.

Raybo

[Hulamom]

Big Mahalo Ray,
My Dad lived in Cupertino right off of DeAnza Blvd (HD is there now, use to be KMart) and he grew the best most incredible tomatoes among other things. You remind me of him (fondly). Thank you for all your expertise and sharing your knowledge. I grow tomatoes because of my dad.
Aloha, Lucy