quick ques about soil

[theinfected]

i am still in the dark about this. i was reading and it says i need ot get soil/pearlite and sand to have good soil

but do any soils come with sand and pearlite already in it, or do i have to separately add it in?

 

[Seamaiden]

Potting mixes usually have perlite/vermiculate mixed in for good drainage, I'm sure many have sand mixed in, but the only reason for either substance is to allow good drainage.

I've found that they drain very quickly -- ok for houseplants, but for outdoor plants I want them to hold onto a little moisture when it gets really HOT. Otherwise, I'll be spending my life watering.

 

[theinfected]

icic, and do you have a particular soil in mind that is better then others?
i was looking into foxfarm.

 

[40acres]

assemble your own. I use topsoil/miracle grow/ and cocofiber. I also add clay pellets.

 

[Seamaiden]

icic, and do you have a particular soil in mind that is better then others?
i was looking into foxfarm.

Nope, I tend to be cheap so I mix up my own (not a lot of control in how I do it, either, I tend to do it like I cook and go be "feel"). Lots of folks love the FoxFarm, so if you can get it, go for it.

 

[theinfected]

ok and if i do go with foxfarm it already contains the perlite correct?
and enought nutrients so that i wont have to feed plants for about 2-3 weeks?

 

[Seamaiden]

I don't know the specifics on FF, so I couldn't answer regarding nutrients.

I'm using a mix of Miracle Gro, natural soil, compost, clay, and perlite, along with blood meal, diluted urine used to moisten the mix, and a urea-free orchid fert. I think, I may have forgotten something. The perlite is an optional addition in my humble opinion. If you're not given to overwatering then there's no real reason to use it, especially if you don't want to have to worry about watering for a longer period of time.

 

[BigBudBalls]

The FF soil is all good to go.

I add in more perlite to it.

(I mix by feel too, also cook that way. sometimes it works, other times its Dominoes!)

 

[Twistyman]

The pro-mix has perlite, sphagnum, limestone (for PH). Mix 1/3 in the FF that'll be good.