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ipswich, ma usa

So much is discussed about seed starting, I was wondering what type of "potting mix" people used in their pots prior to planting outdoors. I have been messing around with different mixtures of soils from different companies and have had the best luck with Scotts potting mix. The worst so far was Miracle Grow potting soil, especially any one that had any type of "plant food" incorporated into it. Just wondering. The things we do in winter....

John (5150)

1/9/2003 3:30:45 PM

Key West, FL

I have some kind of potting soil that i am using right now and i hate it, It isn't any big brand name stuff. It is too organic for its own good so the water runs right through it without getting the soil wet or the water just sits on top for along time, just sitting there.

1/9/2003 5:39:54 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Ben,

Some potting soils are treated with wetting agents to prevent the situation you're experiencing. We sell those wetting agents. Scott's potting soils employ their use, as do many others. Ironically, Scott's owns Miracle Grow. So I'd guess that the Miracle Grow soil is very old or else Scott's has positioned MG as the "lesser brand". Some retailers don't have good turns, & the bag you got may have aged or could even predate the use of wetting agents. You might want to try making up a mild soap solution using dishwashing detergent. Water a day or two before planting with the solution. It's almost exactly the same stuff except that fragrance & color is added to it. None of which will hurt a seedling when used in moderation.

But then you could also just buy a new bag of soil from a busier store.

Steve

1/9/2003 8:23:52 PM

Herndon, VA

I used Miracle Grow potting mix last year because Sam's Club hage huge bags very cheap. Several of my seedlings were diseased, and while it could have been the seeds themselves I don't think I'll be using that brand again. I'll probably try Scott's this year, I don't think I'll be able to even find any other brands.

1/9/2003 8:58:13 PM

Key West, FL

i need some new potting soil soon anyway

1/9/2003 9:11:24 PM

Covington, WA

I use a seed starting mix rather than potting soil. It's a different consistacy and should be a "sterile" mix, meaning no microbial activity such as you would find in soil. This is to prevent disease in seedlings. Locally available in my part of the country is Whitney Farms, it's an inexpensive mix of peat moss, vermiculite. I sometimes put perlite in as well. I've also used other brands, Scotts and Miracle grow to name a couple. But I never use potting soil, it's just the wrong stuff for seed starting, something about the way it retains moisture as well.

1/10/2003 12:33:29 AM

Grants Pass, Oregon

I too use a seed starting mix and have found that this works much better than Miracle Grow potting soil ,or any other brand.My plants seem healthier to me using this.

1/10/2003 1:02:06 AM

Cologne / Germany

...but some growers say they just put the seed in the ground and have the best results. Of course you need a climate like Pappy has, but what about the soil? In 2002 the soil around my stumps was Mercedes Benz and the rest of the patch VW, looked like roots were shocked and preferred to stay inside their luxury bed. Won´t do this again. If I can manage to have a well prepared patch this year in April, I´ll take the soil for the starter boxes from there.

1/10/2003 10:39:04 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

I used some soil from my patch and got long thick roots with few root hairs,A peat based mix produced the complete opposite a compact but very fibrous root system above ground there wasn't much difference and I used something in between as my final choice.

1/10/2003 2:53:38 PM

derry n.h u.s.a.

I try to use shultzes sterile seed starting mix,but when i cant find it i use miracle grow seed starter,also works good.John

1/10/2003 3:44:26 PM

Webster, NY

I use just what John uses and have had good luck.

Dave

1/10/2003 4:34:21 PM

South Hill, Virginia

I think what I use is "Jiffy" seed starting mix. They make peat pots and those peat pellet things you can start seeds in. Why do I use it? Because that is what Walmart carries. Been okay so far.

1/10/2003 4:36:28 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I've used Shultz & been happy. ProMix is easier to find & is supposed to be OK, but I've only used it for containers.
I agree that a sterile seed starting medium is the best defense against soil borne disease. But these lack nutrients & are ineffective for growth.
Perhaps starting in a very small container of Shultz, then a quick repot into a growth formula like scott's or Mircacle Gro. Assuming no harm comes to the root system of course.
Thoughts?
Steve

1/10/2003 6:18:42 PM

Herndon, VA

An "expert" on one of the George Webster videos tested several types of "sterile" seed starter in the lab. (I can't remember his name) He found all kinds of diseases in the samples. Looking at a bag of Scotts seed starter, I see no mention of the word "sterile". I wonder what claims the makers of the "sterile" soils are making. Sterile from what? Bryan

1/10/2003 7:13:34 PM

Western NY

i have used Pro-Mix BX for years on the vegetable transplants, and really like the consistancy. for the pumpkins, i take some of the better garden soil from where the pumpkin seedling will eventually go, and mix a little of that into the starter mix. it's probably about 2/3 pro-mix to 1/3 soil, which keeps most of the starter consistancy, and gets some of the good stuff to the seedling immedatley. not sure if it makes a difference, just like doing it that way.

Andy

1/10/2003 7:40:23 PM

Timewell Il

If you want your own sterile soil put it in your oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. This wil kill any fungi, but dont use manure smells baadd P.S. make sure the wife is gone! TIM

1/10/2003 9:28:59 PM

North Ga

I pay $1.88 for a 40 lb bag of Robin Hood Potting Soil and things are looking good.

1/10/2003 9:37:41 PM

Greene County, Pa.

I dont know why this post got so many hits and mine got only two.. Dirt is dirt...The seed dont need dirt to germinate...It needs nutrients from a soil after it sprouts..Buy a 20$ bag of pro mix and that is all you need..

Buddy

1/11/2003 8:47:58 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

Tremor,These seedlings already have a big root system by the time they germinate,I don't think its ever small enough to fit in a small pot.
Buddy,"Dirt is dirt" most outrageous thing ever posted on B.P.:)

1/11/2003 9:25:11 AM

Covington, WA

Dirt is dirt, but soil, ah now there's a multitude of wondrous things.

1/11/2003 3:12:45 PM

Long Island,New York

Dirt is dirt???? Geez....havent you learned ANYTHING on this website?.....G

1/11/2003 3:35:40 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

By small, I would be referring to a 6-8" pot, loaded with a sterile seed starting soilless mix like Shultz. If not treated with a wetting agent, then pre-moisten (with a WA or without depending on the value of your time) the day before.
A few days after germination, I'm thinking to move them into a 10-12" pot with ProMix (It probably is BX in my garage) until they're ready to move out.
This practice has served me well with many types of vegetables & other plants over the years in both hobby & production environments. I see no reason why AG's would respond differently. So long as their unusual size & growth rate are compensated for of course.

No dirt or soil of any kind on my propagation bench unless I've been too lazy to clean. And that's not a good idea as evidenced by what sounds like a cleanliness issue in one of Mr Websters video.

1/11/2003 5:23:27 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

continued

For the record, I've seen pathogen tests get botched where the test equipment itself was found to be the source of contamination. Start with, & strive for sterile conditions with all seedlings for the first couple weeks. Things won't stay sterile long if you plan to visit the plants or even breathing while in the prop room. But there's no valid reason for not trying to keep things clean.

Beleive it or not, I have a customer who makes all smokers check their cigarettes & hard scrub before entering his prop house. He had a little issue with TMV a couple years ago. That was with Scott's Pro Starter (sterile) now that I think about it. That's a little TOO anal in my book. LOL His old boss & I were just talking about it earlier this week at a trade show. To remove the smokes but not change clothes & wash hair is like shooting yourself in the head with 1 bullet instead of 2. That's what's got me thinking about it. There is almost no practical way to prevent the movement of disease causing fungal pathogens. It's like trying to keep the air in New York from blowing over to here in CT. Can't be done.

Keep in mind too, that there are several different grades of some of the available mixes & that the source material may vary by lot number & area purchased.

Steve

1/11/2003 5:25:12 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

The microwave works wonders to sterilize the soil. As cautioned earlier, The smell is something to be desired. The wife will look at you stranger than normal so do it while she is shopping.

1/12/2003 3:46:56 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

At one stage last year I thought about filling a larger pot with soil from the patch and sinking a small pot into the top/centre then take out the small pot and fill the hole left behind with a sterile mix and planting the seed into that.It's worth considering if you want to use two different mixes.

1/12/2003 3:51:30 AM

Greene County, Pa.

The best seed starting soil in my book is 50% perlite and 50% vermiculite. It stays moist and loose allowing oxygen to get to the seed.
Buddy

1/12/2003 8:05:16 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Buddy,

I like that stradegy. But unfortunately, vermiculite is going to get much harder to find in the future. I plan to stock up the next time I find some, IF I can find some.

While I don't place much significance in most of these claims, I'll attach the following clip so as to inform. The use of at least a dust mask MIGHT be warraned for SOME people.

borrowed clip_________________________

" issue at the Scotts Company’s Marysville, Ohio fertilizer plant.

There have been recent press reports concerning the health effects associated with the handling and processing of vermiculite. Vermiculite is a component found in
some fertilizers and potting soils. Several former employees of the Scotts Company have reportedly died from asbestosis, a disease caused by the inhalation of
asbestos fibers. Other current and former employees of Scotts also have reported becoming ill from asbestos fibers. These deaths and illnesses may have been
caused by vermiculite, which may contain tremolite, a form of asbestos. "

end clip_________________________

Darn lawyers & liberal judges!

Steve

1/12/2003 9:23:28 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

You aren't going to get a sterile environment, no matter what soil or additives you use. I use garden soil (microwaved like Jim said) mixed with some inexpensive potting soil and apply a little fungicide. Works just fine.
Peat pots suck, the roots don't go thru the material well so you have to break it up when you put it out, and that can do harm to the roots.
Keep it simple.

1/17/2003 6:54:02 AM