What Should I Be Using As Growing Medium?

Blu3wid0w · Jul 17, 2011

I am currently using 4 parts sphagnum peat moss, 2 parts pearlite, 1 part potting soil (not miracle grow)

What I'm wondering is since I don't know the pH of my peat moss, maybe it's causing a sort of problem as some of my plants have spots. Also, it retains quite a bit of moisture. Typically, on my last grow, to let the soil dry completely took about 5 days to a week. And they turned out fine.

My question is, what should I be using BESIDES my current medium mix, my plants are maybe 4 or 5 inches tall and delicate still. Feed with FF Grow Big.

dam612 · Jul 17, 2011

yea you deff have too much moisture retainers. ide drop the peatmoss, or atleast use alot less. the faster your soil drys, the more you can feed, the more your roots will grow, the bigger your plants will get.

DinafemHazeAuto · Jul 17, 2011

coco purified and perlite or str8 perlite would be my suggestions bro...

del66666 · Jul 17, 2011

plain coco ............................

Prefontaine · Jul 17, 2011

Blu3wid0w said:
I am currently using 4 parts sphagnum peat moss, 2 parts pearlite, 1 part potting soil (not miracle grow)

What I'm wondering is since I don't know the pH of my peat moss, maybe it's causing a sort of problem as some of my plants have spots. Also, it retains quite a bit of moisture. Typically, on my last grow, to let the soil dry completely took about 5 days to a week. And they turned out fine.

My question is, what should I be using BESIDES my current medium mix, my plants are maybe 4 or 5 inches tall and delicate still. Feed with FF Grow Big.

you can get a cheap soil ph tester, not accurate but ballpark is helpful with soil. costs like 10 bucks on amazon

Prefontaine · Jul 17, 2011

personally i would reverse your order, 4 parts soil, 2 part perlite, 1 par moss

CoolNameHere · Jul 17, 2011

Prefontaine said:
personally i would reverse your order, 4 parts soil, 2 part perlite, 1 par moss

This is the correct answer

BlackMesa · Jul 17, 2011

Shouldn't the mix be based on environmental growing conditions & lighting? At least then you would know if you need water retention or a lighter mix.

Blu3wid0w · Jul 17, 2011

all this is really helpful, thanks, is coco neutral? like no added nutrients.. because i really like to feed myself. other than that, my friend made my mix for me.. shows what he knows

glennid10t · Jul 17, 2011

Blu3wid0w said:
all this is really helpful, thanks, is coco neutral?

He's referring to hydroponic mediums. Your problem sounds complicated and the solutions are equally complicated.
Mind if I ask, why you choose dirt for inside grow?

iNFID3L · Jul 17, 2011

whats complicated about a guy asking what soil is best ?

DinafemHazeAuto · Jul 17, 2011

All u have to do is rinse the roots off then replant into coco and perlite..GL

glennid10t · Jul 17, 2011

iNFID3L said:
whats complicated about a guy asking what soil is best ?

No offense...but it seems like, that IS a complicated question. I don't use dirt, so the talk about perlite and measuring runoff and stuff like that are foreign to me. My grow method is deep water culture and I use hydrotron ceramic pebbles. I wasn't criticizing...just wondering.

Prefontaine · Jul 17, 2011

glennid10t said:
He's referring to hydroponic mediums. Your problem sounds complicated and the solutions are equally complicated.
Mind if I ask, why you choose dirt for inside grow?

how do you know this? because he asked about neutrality? well the ph of your medium's components is just as important when selecting for a soil grow.

Prefontaine · Jul 17, 2011

iNFID3L said:
whats complicated about a guy asking what soil is best ?

absolutely nothing if they want to buy FFOF, but if someone's trying to create their own mix, there are alot of things to consider.

glennid10t · Jul 17, 2011

Prefontaine said:
how do you know this? because he asked about neutrality? well the ph of your medium's components is just as important when selecting for a soil grow.

I've only heard coco being used for hydro type grows...(I left out a question mark)
prefontain...you appear to be someone who could answer this guys question...why didn't you?

Prefontaine · Jul 17, 2011

i did

4-2-1

Blu3wid0w · Jul 17, 2011

i choose dirt for inside grow to go a more organic route, i dont have the money to spend on a hydro set up, nor the materials. ive always preferred dirt grown cannabis.

smokebros · Jul 17, 2011

If your looking for a bag of dirt to just buy at the store I really like Roots Organics. Many experienced growers prefer this soil as well. It is just as cheap if not cheaper to make a homemade mixture, but if you want quality dirt out of a bag get this stuff. I added extra pearlite and guano.

del66666 · Jul 18, 2011

Blu3wid0w said:
all this is really helpful, thanks, is coco neutral? like no added nutrients.. because i really like to feed myself. other than that, my friend made my mix for me.. shows what he knows

yes it doesnt hold nutes and you cant over water.........................

What Should I Be Using As Growing Medium?

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