anybody got any idea what this is? only one of em have it.
- Thread starter tlsdrm73
- Start date
tlsdrm73
Active Member
just watered yesterday with tap water pH'd to 6.4...soil pH is still around 7 :/ i watered 2 that didn't get watered yesterday cuz i didn't think they were ready, that water was pH'd around 5.8 so we'll c tomorrow if that lowered it more than the others. i'm usin FFOF and they have been in the pots for a 6 days now and i am seeing new growth but it could be greener.
Nullis
Moderator
What you really want for soil is a pH in the range of 6.3-6.8, but 7 isn't too bad.
If you just transplanted into Ocean Forest, that soil is typically within the correct range and sometimes even a bit lower. But what are you using to check your pH with? Don't rely on cheap meters, because they are not accurate. Check the pH of the run-off with tester strips or the liquid drops. Also, what are you using to adjust the pH of your water?
For future reference, tap water isn't ideal for organic soil like FFOF. Soil is alive, but tap water contains disinfectants (chlorine, chloramines) that kill the microlife. pH Up and synthetic nutrients also diminish the capacity for the soil to support beneficial bacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc. These things do a lot for the soil including assisting in the breakdown of organic matter, enhancing nutrient uptake, protecting the root system from infection against bad (anaerobic) microorganisms and also certain insects that lay eggs in the soil and more.
Chlorinated tap water wont hurt the plant itself, but FFOF is a quality organic soil and it is alive. It is also expensive, so in order to get the most of it and the best results possible, you want your soil to continue to sustain the microherd so that it can help you sustain healthy, happy plants.
If you just transplanted into Ocean Forest, that soil is typically within the correct range and sometimes even a bit lower. But what are you using to check your pH with? Don't rely on cheap meters, because they are not accurate. Check the pH of the run-off with tester strips or the liquid drops. Also, what are you using to adjust the pH of your water?
For future reference, tap water isn't ideal for organic soil like FFOF. Soil is alive, but tap water contains disinfectants (chlorine, chloramines) that kill the microlife. pH Up and synthetic nutrients also diminish the capacity for the soil to support beneficial bacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc. These things do a lot for the soil including assisting in the breakdown of organic matter, enhancing nutrient uptake, protecting the root system from infection against bad (anaerobic) microorganisms and also certain insects that lay eggs in the soil and more.
Chlorinated tap water wont hurt the plant itself, but FFOF is a quality organic soil and it is alive. It is also expensive, so in order to get the most of it and the best results possible, you want your soil to continue to sustain the microherd so that it can help you sustain healthy, happy plants.
i've read that you can leave the chlorinated water uncovered so that chlorine can evaporate into the air, your thoughts on this?
Nullis
Moderator
That applies to free chlorine, but most municipalities also use chloramine as a secondary disinfectant. It is much more stable and wont readily dissipate. It can be mostly removed with an activated carbon filter including Brita tap filters, but there are more effective de-chlorinators available for horticultural applications. Anything involving an activated carbon filter needs to be maintained properly; filters replaced frequently. The best bet is reverse osmosis, distilled or rain water.
Jonus
Well-Known Member
Many store bought soils are prebuffered to somewhere between 6.5 and 7.0 unless its coco or potting mix high in peat.
Most important in what I wrote was to let them dry out completely before thoroughly watering/feeding again.