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I have a problem in that the growing medium I always used to start my seeds in is off the market. What are you guys using? Anyone using Miracle Grow?

3/11/2021 2:35:35 PM

Grittyville, WA

Miracle grow is ok. I think I like the Jiffy stuff from walmart better although I think its owned by the same company now. I used to use Black Gold. Probably none of of these is professional level so someone else will have to chime in.

3/11/2021 8:37:34 PM

Jericho Vermont

I have used miracle grow potting mix to start seeds since 1996. Use it for pumpkins, long gourds and tomatoes. We also use it to start all of our annual flowers with no issues.

3/12/2021 5:38:15 AM

Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

I prefere professional starting soil like this:
https://professional.floragard.de/en-GB/gartenbau/suchergebnis/substrate-anzuchtsubstrate/469/floradur-b-seed
Have a look at the data sheet.
Never judge a soil by the front pictures / coloring of the package ;-D
look for the ingredients, structure etc.
I cover my seeds with vermiculite.

3/12/2021 5:50:38 AM

Bloomington, IN USA

I am using Black Gold for both tomatoes and AGs.

3/13/2021 11:30:09 AM

Walla Walla Wa.

After my experience with black gold I will never use it again, the seeds germinated fine but then sat there for a month without growing at all,strangest thing!

3/13/2021 12:46:22 PM

Ar

I use pro mix from walmart. Last year I had some of my best starts ever.

This year what I bought has a lot more trash and large chunks in it so I had to sift it.

3/25/2021 5:01:57 PM

Grittyville, WA

123 that's exactly what to expect... they need to be potted up into something that has fertilizer in it unfortunately.
The fertilizer salts could possibly hurt the germination. That's my understanding of it.

3/25/2021 9:50:07 PM

Walla Walla Wa.

Gritty, Black gold was advertised as having enough fertilizer in it to last 3 months, obviously it didn't.

3/26/2021 12:59:28 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

There are many kinds of Pro Mix. Which one are you suggesting?

3/26/2021 8:01:43 AM

Grittyville, WA

More than one brand gets very deficient very rapidly. It's a problem for sure. One year I had good results with adding a bit of garden dirt in the middle of the pots. I think people get the best results when adding some goodies like compost tea or whatnot to their potted plants.

3/26/2021 8:20:18 AM

Bloomington, IN USA

I was just wondering, do you have a good source for “whatnot”? Lol
I add some worm castings, kelp meal & alfalfa meal.
The km & am will take some time before significant nutrients are available.
After first true leaves I water with half strength soluble fertilizer.

3/27/2021 9:25:01 AM

Syracuse, NY

think i'll start a few tomato and other varieties' seeds in my AGAR, since i am already trying to sprout the unsproutable 607.5 Gerry AG in my Germ Fridge - oh, wait - that's set for 75*F, but most other seeds are recommended to be started at that temp., so i should be good---gotta get up for something! eg

3/27/2021 10:06:06 AM