Pro Mix HP or Bx vrs Fafarb

[schill93]

I use containers only. In fact I use Earthboxes and other 5 gal SIP containers.
Pro Mix BX is of course touted as the best, however is not locally available in my area.

I can order the Pro-mix HP 3.8 cu ft compressed bale for about $55 a bale or the Pro-Mix BX for $72 a bale. Would need three bales. Rather expensive. (especially the BX)

Or I can buy a cheap bales of Fafard Sphagnum Peat Moss from Lowes for $13 ea. which I believe are 3. cu. in size, a 3.5 Cu ft. bag of course Vermiculite from a soil company for $29, as well as a 3.5 bag of perlite or $18 (not course)

Plus if I wanted to buy some mycorrhizae inoculants for an additional $24.00

Compare 3 bags of Pro Mix $165 to $207

Vs.

3 bags of Fafard $39
3.5 cu, bag Vermiculite $29
3.5 cu ft. bat of perlite #19
Bag of mycorrhizae inoculants (maybe) $24.00 Total $87-$111
.
I would still have labor involved as I would need to break out bags of Peat to moisten, add some other additives to it and mix up before planting, so labor would be a little less with ProMix as I wouldn't necessarily need to add extra Perlite and Vermiculite to mix, but would be adding some other additives.

There are no pine bark fines available anywhere without having to grind my own which I draw the line at.. I would not be adding any compost to the Earthboxes or other sip containers, as they are not large enough and might impede the wicking process. Also, I am not so interested in trying to grow organically in containers, as I have not done so well in that department and reserve that for when I am able to make some raised beds up.

Now that I write it all down and read it myself, if ordering the ProMix, I would probably opt for the HP, due to cheaper price, so a difference of $56 to $80 more money with a lot less running around and less mixing together., not having to run all around town to 3 different places. Probably worth the money. Anyone care to comment?