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Belleville MI

I am going to try tomatoes in grow bags. I don't have much space for in ground growing here in suburbia land.

Is there a recommended list of nutrients that help with tomato growing floating around someplace?

Start with 10-10-10?

3/28/2025 10:25:59 AM

Grittyville, WA

Dan says "biology-biology-biology" which is slightly different than 10-10-10 but you can use fertilizer to get biology to decompose brown carbon. There's lots of other goodies you can add. Id check out Dans potting mix recipe/ youtube channel for the most relevant ones.

3/28/2025 11:44:47 AM

Belleville MI

Thanks. I'm growing some of each from Dan's website:

9.44 Domingo x Westerlund
8.44 Big Zac (MacCoy genetics)
5.41 Big Zac (2nd gen MacCoy genetics)

I also have some other Westerlund, Delicious, Big Zac, and Domingo.

I can do up to 7 plants this year.

[Last edit: 03/30/25 10:57:55 AM]

3/28/2025 2:42:44 PM

Belleville MI

I decided to hit up ChatGPT to explore whether it can help me improve upon last years tomato growing efforts. I gave it a list of ingredients and it recommended some suggestions as follows:

To grow giant tomatoes in a 30-gallon grow bag, you need a well-balanced soil mix that provides excellent drainage, aeration, and rich nutrients for sustained growth.

Here’s a recommended ratio for your ingredients:

Base Soil Mix (for structure, aeration, and water retention)

- 40% Organic Coconut Coir (12 gallons) – Retains moisture and improves aeration
- 30% Peat Moss (9 gallons) – Holds water and provides acidity balance
- 20% Perlite (6 gallons) – Enhances drainage and prevents compaction
- 10% Worm Castings (3 gallons) – Provides rich microbial life and slow-release nutrients

Nutrient Amendments (for growth and fruit production) (Mix evenly into the base soil)

- 1 cup Organic Kelp Meal – Provides trace minerals and growth hormones
- 1.5 cups Organic Fish Bone Meal – High in phosphorus for strong roots and fruiting
- 1 cup Organic Blood Meal – Adds nitrogen for vigorous plant growth
- 1/2 cup Mycorrhizae – Enhances root development and nutrient uptake
- 1 cup Gypsum – Supplies calcium and sulfur to prevent blossom-end rot

Additional Notes:

- After mixing, moisten the soil slightly before planting.
- Replenish nutrients every 4–6 weeks with compost tea or organic fertilizer.
- Monitor pH (aim for 6.2–6.8) and adjust with lime if needed.

I have no idea whether this is a good list in the right ratios, or if it will be better than some Miracle Grow above ground bed mix, but it might be fun the do some comparisons.

[Last edit: 04/02/25 12:27:14 PM]

4/1/2025 6:45:10 PM