WORKING ON SOIL RECIPIE!!!

[Greenthumbs256]

OK ladies and gents it's that time to start re-amending some used soil, I've been working on dropping some inputs and cutting others in half, since I've been using the same soil for almost 5 years now, I'm sure some things don't really need to added every time! also all this soil will be used for a probiotic sip pot that I've been working on with amazing results!

So that's why I'm here, I'm trying to learn which inputs should be be added every other "recycle", and which ones need to be added every time!

I'm also looking for more input on my recipe itself! I've been tweaking it for a long time now. but she still isn't perfect, so I'm looking for any ideas or advise anyone may have! all is appreciated and welcome thank you all in advance! and happy growing!

ps I've left the lime and oyster blank bc I haven't decided which one I'm going to go with, or maybe I will split what I would normally use in half and use both, I haven't decided! as you can see, I've cut out the biolive, and the incet frass, I just feel it's more extra and not really needed!

 

[Greenthumbs256]

also when I re mix my soil, I like to add some fresh compost, and homemade ewc, and this time I'll be tossing in a nice big bag or perlite! I don't measure any of this, I just go with what feels right!

 

[Greenthumbs256]

here is my mix from last time I recycled my soil, since I expanded, I'm now running 2 totes each a month apart! but this old tote is about a 1/3 bigger than my new one. just FYI the new tote is 35 gallons and will be filled almost to the rim!

 

[AkFrost]

Great question! I have been wondering the same for my soil. I have been using it for just over a year now (if I remember right, stoner...lol) and I have come to the conclusion the only way to know would be to test the soil. I will be ordering a Soil Savvy test kit and send a sample to Logan to see what’s going on. That should tell me what’s in the soil and what’s actually available to the plants. Then when I have a couple more cycles done I was thinking I would do it again. Then I would truly know what’s going on and what I should be amending with.

 

[Greenthumbs256]

that was actually my goal as well, but with everything that's going on, and I'll the things I have to throw money at. that's unfortunately not top of my list! so I was thinking about going very light on everything, and if I have any issues just top dress in what ever is needed! but very soon my goal is to have my soil tested, then I want to put it all together, get what ever may be "off" fixed, and then hopefully I can settle on a final amendment mix!

I've been trying to learn a lot more about each input, and exactly what it does rather than, just throwing it in. bc I need more n or p! but I've still a lot more to learn! here's what I've been working on...

I was looking for one more recipie, just to compare to mine and figure out why it's being used!

 

[loco41]

that was actually my goal as well, but with everything that's going on, and I'll the things I have to throw money at. that's unfortunately not top of my list! so I was thinking about going very light on everything, and if I have any issues just top dress in what ever is needed! but very soon my goal is to have my soil tested, then I want to put it all together, get what ever may be "off" fixed, and then hopefully I can settle on a final amendment mix!

I've been trying to learn a lot more about each input, and exactly what it does rather than, just throwing it in. bc I need more n or p! but I've still a lot more to learn! here's what I've been working on...

I was looking for one more recipie, just to compare to mine and figure out why it's being used! View attachment 4258653

unfortunately I can't offer any advice, but props on being detailed and seeking the advice. I love soaking in the info I have a little less options than you, but followed a similar recipe to your "mine" blend. i went a little over on kelp crab shell I think. did you notice much difference between your mixes without alfalfa?

good luck with the soil though, hope to read some more input on this.

 

[Greenthumbs256]

unfortunately I can't offer any advice, but props on being detailed and seeking the advice. I love soaking in the info I have a little less options than you, but followed a similar recipe to your "mine" blend. i went a little over on kelp crab shell I think. did you notice much difference between your mixes without alfalfa?

good luck with the soil though, hope to read some more input on this.

I haven't tried the other mixes to the letter, it's more of a guide line for me, when I figure out how to maximize what I have to work with, but thank you!

 

[ShLUbY]

unfortunately, the only way to REALLY know is to send in samples for analysis. @MustangStudFarm can tell you which tests are the most appropriate. I'm going to be doing this with a grow where I start with a brand new mix using the recipe i have been, take a sample and send it in. Then i'll grow an entire cycle with said soil, and take a sample at the end of the cycle and send it in. it'd be nice to know what's really getting used out of a mix. could definitely save grows down the road.