Best potting mix for Ash?? Experiences,opinions,best guess!

[Grant Bowie]

Hi all,

I am going to do a drastic root reduction and bare root repot of this Ash in about 2 weeks time. I am going to bare root it to completely change the potting media and get it into a smaller pot as well.

But which mix is best for an Ash? All experiences, opinions and best guesses welcome.

I am inclined towards say something water holding(Diatomite/Spongelite/Perlite) plus a bit of gravel and Zeolite. What are your thoughts. I havent yet used diatomite. Don Delucca does at Hay.

I want to power feed it for a few years to grow it quickly so I can defoliate it 4 or 5 times each year.

Grant

Winter 2010.JPG

[anttal63]

This year mine did well in QV 's mix; 50% diatomite medium, 25% orchid pine nuggets mini and 25% coco peat.

[Grant Bowie]

This year mine did well in QV 's mix; 50% diatomite medium, 25% orchid pine nuggets mini and 25% coco peat.

What are Orchid pine nuggets?

Grant

[kvan64]

I would go with Antt's suggestion. Landscape supplies should have pine nuggets for cheap price if buy in bulk (from 1/2 cubic meter) Anyone knows where to buy cheap coco peat?
Note: I think pine nuggets are pine bark (small size)

[Grant Bowie]

Hi all,

Just checked with Quentin V and his mix is 50% Maidenwell diatomite 2-7mm straight from packet, 25% Coco peat and 25% Biogrow fine orchid Mix.(3-8mm he thinks)

I will check it out(the Orchid Mix) and include it in my tests.

He does say it is a quick drying mix and may not suit everyone!

Grant

[anttal63]

Hi all,

Just checked with Quentin V and his mix is 50% Maidenwell diatomite 2-7mm straight from packet, 25% Coco peat and 25% Biogrow fine orchid Mix.(3-8mm he thinks)

I will check it out(the Orchid Mix) and include it in my tests.

He does say it is a quick drying mix and may not suit everyone!

Grant

Correct except the nuggets. They are Aus Gro Orchid Pine Nuggets mini. Supplied to us all by Garden World down here. I havent been able to find them any where else.

[NBPCA]

Hi all,

Just checked with Quentin V and his mix is 50% Maidenwell diatomite 2-7mm straight from packet, 25% Coco peat and 25% Biogrow fine orchid Mix.(3-8mm he thinks)

I will check it out(the Orchid Mix) and include it in my tests.

He does say it is a quick drying mix and may not suit everyone!

Grant

Correct except the nuggets. They are Aus Gro Orchid Pine Nuggets mini. Supplied to us all by Garden World down here. I havent been able to find them any where else.

And therefore hard to replicate! I will google it and get some next time I am in Melbourne; Just 4 weeks tomorrow.

Grant

[NBPCA]

Yep, just googled it and this is what I got.

Ausgro Orchid Bark Nuggets
Very popular with orchid growers Australia-wide. Aged pine bark nuggets of a uniform size for the enthusiasts who prefer to prepare their own blend of orchid growing medium.

Available as:

•Ausgro 5-8mm Orchid Nuggets (mini)
•Ausgro 10mm Orchid Nuggets (small)
•Ausgro 15mm Orchid Nuggets (medium)
•Ausgro 20mm Orchid Nuggets (large)

What do you think the nuggets add to the mix?

Grant