Blends for soil mix tests

[Grant Bowie]

Grant.
This looks like it is becoming bigger than ben hur!
I use a mix of orchid mix and Kanuma for some of my azaleas. I am unscientifically testing it in my own way.
If you are doing it scientifically that would great.

To really be scientific, you need about 100 seedlings potted in each of the mixes, maybe even 1000. Only having a few of each there could be other reasons why one seedling does better than another. Since that would be unrealistic for an individual to do, we will just have to accept Grant's findings and be prepared to continue the testing ourselves.

Glenda

Do my best but of course no guarantees. However the components tests will give you some alternatives if you don't have certain components.

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

That's a good point Glenda. If I could answer for Grant in that some of the tests he is doing such as the amount of water held pH and stuff are fairly definitive. But a test of growing a seedling in each should be looked on more as something like a brainstorming project. This can aim new experiments to clarify or explore theories that present from such projects.
There will be many variables. One example is maybe one will stay wetter than another but it may not be because it holds more water. The pH or whatever may not be agreeable with the medium = less growth= less water usage. So if anything unusual shows up like you siad the testing could continue to clarify what is going on!
As always the more questions we answer the more questions we find.

well said!

[Asus101]

Grant.
This looks like it is becoming bigger than ben hur!
I use a mix of orchid mix and Kanuma for some of my azaleas. I am unscientifically testing it in my own way.
If you are doing it scientifically that would great.

To really be scientific, you need about 100 seedlings potted in each of the mixes, maybe even 1000. Only having a few of each there could be other reasons why one seedling does better than another. Since that would be unrealistic for an individual to do, we will just have to accept Grant's findings and be prepared to continue the testing ourselves.

Glenda

The only way you can do it is under lab conditions, based over different variables (consistent variables, such as temp, humidity ect), different species with numbers large enough to gain complete average.

[Bretts]

I am glad you agree Grant I didn't mean to speak so much on your behalf

I think from the lab into the field and then back into the lab is a sensible attitude to horticultural studies so total control is some times important.

[mashby]

Grant
What a great trial and a tremendous amount of effort on you part.

Earlier you said that you were paying for the individual components of the mixes out of your own pocket.

As I hope to learn a lot from your time and effort, I am happy to make a contribution to your costs. If you like, PM me and let me know what you think is fair.

Kind regards
Michael

[NBPCA]

Very kind but not necessary.

I will use all the components one way or other over the years.

The trials will probably show that within reason trees will grow in almost anything and anywhere.

I am of course being paid as Interim Curator of the collection and all the knowledge aquired doing these tests on company time will also go to a good use in the collection.

Grant

[Bretts]

Just wondering if I knock of you and Leigh who is next in line for that job

[Chris H]

Personally I intend to pay you in Beer when I finally get to meet you.

[NBPCA]

Personally I intend to pay you in Beer when I finally get to meet you.

I must admit I am very un Australian and don't drink beer.

prefer "Woodcutters Shiraz" if you can manage it!

Cheers!

Grant

[Leigh Taafe]

Well, as I am simply "The labourer" I will take any offer of beer that Mr. Bowie knocks back!

[Chris H]

Its starting to sound like a great visit, beer and shiraz.
See ya soon gents.