Blends for soil mix tests

Share your ideas on re-potting, potting mediums and fertilisers.
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Blends for soil mix tests

Post by NBPCA »

Hi everyone,

I have just about accumulated all the potting components needed to start the testing of the potting media.

Do you have any favorite mixes/blends you would like me to test.

For instance 50% Akadama, 25% CRG large(carnarvon River Gravel), 25% CRG medium

or 80% diatomite, 20% zeolite.

Etc. Now is your chance.

Grant
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Waltron »

50/50 Native potting mix and diatomite (2-7mm or there about)
or maybe...
40% diatomite, 30% cocopeat, 30% native mix. If you don't mind? 8-)
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Gerard »

Waltron wrote:50/50 Native potting mix and diatomite (2-7mm or there about)
or maybe...
40% diatomite, 30% cocopeat, 30% native mix. If you don't mind? 8-)
Thanks Waltron, this is exactly what I have been using.
I use the 50/50 for pines and junipers and the cocopeat mix for evergreen and broadleaf species but no scientific basis, just a gut feeling.
Comparison tests would be fantastic
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Scott Roxburgh »

Grant,

The mix I have been trialling is 1/3 akadama, 1/3 pumice/diatomite, 1/3 scoria/zeolite, roughly the same particle size.

So if you could test it, that would be great.

Scott.
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by kcpoole »

2/3 Diatomite, 1/3 Zeolite

ken
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by NBPCA »

Scott Roxburgh wrote:Grant,

The mix I have been trialling is 1/3 akadama, 1/3 pumice/diatomite, 1/3 scoria/zeolite, roughly the same particle size.

So if you could test it, that would be great.

Scott.
Pumice vs diatomite might be interesting.

Scoria vs zeolite would not be equivalent I would think?

Grant
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Scott Roxburgh »

Agreed

Pumice vs Diatomite would be a good comparison.

Scoria and Zeolite probably aren't that similar but I thought i'd try it out as well.

I should have explained more, I have trees in:

1/3 akadama, 1/3 pumice, 1/3 scoria; and
1/3 akadama, 1/3 diatomite, 1/3 Zeolite.
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by NBPCA »

Scott Roxburgh wrote:Agreed

Pumice vs Diatomite would be a good comparison.

Scoria and Zeolite probably aren't that similar but I thought i'd try it out as well.

I should have explained more, I have trees in:

1/3 akadama, 1/3 pumice, 1/3 scoria; and
1/3 akadama, 1/3 diatomite, 1/3 Zeolite.
Interesting mixes. I will give them a go.

Grant
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Handy Mick »

Grant,
Can you try some basic mixes please, like crushed brick 5-7mm and general potting mix 50/50
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Jarrod »

50-50 diatomite And a premium potting mix with no water crystals (brand irrelevant)

Cheers.
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Chris H »

I use a mix of orchid mix, cow manure and scoria for my grow boxes. about 40/20/40 interested to see a mix like this in the test.
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Grant Bowie »

Hartos wrote:I use a mix of orchid mix, cow manure and scoria for my grow boxes. about 40/20/40 interested to see a mix like this in the test.
Sorry but cow manure and orchid mix are not on my list of testing material for use in bonsai pots.

grant
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Grant Bowie »

Jarrod wrote:50-50 diatomite And a premium potting mix with no water crystals (brand irrelevant)

Cheers.
No problems

Diatomite and richgro Native can be tested.

Grant
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Grant Bowie »

Handy Mick wrote:Grant,
Can you try some basic mixes please, like crushed brick 5-7mm and general potting mix 50/50
Can do but you wont get much of 5-7mm crushed brick out of a bag.

Grant
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Re: Blends for soil mix tests

Post by Pup »

how about 2 parts CRG 1part coco peat 1part a premium potting mix.
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