Potting Mix Questions

TBoneJack · April 11, 2015

I'm a long-time organic grower of herbs. I'm just now wanting to grow tomatoes for the first time. I've decided to grow in 15-gallon smart pots that I make myself out of tan landscape fabric.

I've ordered heirloom seeds of several varieties, and I've got them growing indoors in Roots Organic soil under T5 flourescents. They are 2.5 weeks old and doing great.

My biggest concern right now is deciding upon a potting mix and liquid fertilizers.

I'm currently reading the book "Epic Tomatoes" by Craig LeHoullier. His current potting mix is as follows:

2.5 cubic foot bale of soilless mix.
25 lbs of composted manure.

I like both Sunshine Mix #4 and ProMix HP.

Questions:

1. Which soilless mix? ProMix HP or Sunshine Mix #4?

2. Would earthworm castings be a good substitute for the composted manure?

3. Would a liquid fertilizer like Osmocote or Vigoro work well?

Thanks for your help.

April 11, 2015	#1
TBoneJack Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 15	Potting Mix Questions I'm a long-time organic grower of herbs. I'm just now wanting to grow tomatoes for the first time. I've decided to grow in 15-gallon smart pots that I make myself out of tan landscape fabric. I've ordered heirloom seeds of several varieties, and I've got them growing indoors in Roots Organic soil under T5 flourescents. They are 2.5 weeks old and doing great. My biggest concern right now is deciding upon a potting mix and liquid fertilizers. I'm currently reading the book "Epic Tomatoes" by Craig LeHoullier. His current potting mix is as follows: 2.5 cubic foot bale of soilless mix. 25 lbs of composted manure. I like both Sunshine Mix #4 and ProMix HP. Questions: 1. Which soilless mix? ProMix HP or Sunshine Mix #4? 2. Would earthworm castings be a good substitute for the composted manure? 3. Would a liquid fertilizer like Osmocote or Vigoro work well? Thanks for your help.