Input on Soil Mixture and Grow Bags

tntgreen13

tntgreen13

Well-Known Member
I know there are numerous threads on this already, however I don't want to be jumping in and jacking anyone's thread. Anyways, recently a good friend of mine returned home on vacation, and during discussions I had mentioned to him my interest in the possibility of starting to grow for myself, left out the fact I had already started the process. He instantly had a suggestion on a soil mix, so I figured I would throw it out there and see what the RIU community thought of the mix. Keep in mind that he said this is an easy, beginner mix, so it's definitely nothing overly advanced to some of the things I have read on here.

Anyways his recommendation was:
45% Fox Farm Ocean Forest
35% Peat Moss
20% Perlite

He also made the suggestion that for every 10 cu feet of mix, to add approximately 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt, and stress that he would recommend putting some small stones in the bottom of the pots to further help with drainage. His last recommendation was to step away from using plastic pots and showed me a link to some bags I was wondering if anyone has used before?

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-HGB7GAL-Plant-Grow-7-Gallon/dp/B008JBZROG

I know a lot of people are using smart pots and other bag style containers, so just looking for some feed back. Never have really used epsom salt, and tend to go a little heavier on perlite in my other mixes, so just curious on thoughts from more experience growers.

Thanks in advance for any input!
 
Cannacat

Cannacat

Well-Known Member
All I can comment on from your post is smart pots, I got some cheap 5 gallon ones from China and I'm really impressed with them so far as the coco/perlite dries out so much quicker. I'm not sure I like the look of those grow bags, it just looks like a binliner with holes in? I'm interested in the replies you get though about the soil, I've only ever used coco so I don't really know much about the other options.. One day I'd like to mix up a living soil and go organic but I don't have the space yet so for the time being I'll stick with coco and perlite.
 
bravedave

bravedave

Well-Known Member
tntgreen13 said:
I know there are numerous threads on this already, however I don't want to be jumping in and jacking anyone's thread. Anyways, recently a good friend of mine returned home on vacation, and during discussions I had mentioned to him my interest in the possibility of starting to grow for myself, left out the fact I had already started the process. He instantly had a suggestion on a soil mix, so I figured I would throw it out there and see what the RIU community thought of the mix. Keep in mind that he said this is an easy, beginner mix, so it's definitely nothing overly advanced to some of the things I have read on here.

Anyways his recommendation was:
45% Fox Farm Ocean Forest
35% Peat Moss
20% Perlite

He also made the suggestion that for every 10 cu feet of mix, to add approximately 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt, and stress that he would recommend putting some small stones in the bottom of the pots to further help with drainage. His last recommendation was to step away from using plastic pots and showed me a link to some bags I was wondering if anyone has used before?

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-HGB7GAL-Plant-Grow-7-Gallon/dp/B008JBZROG

I know a lot of people are using smart pots and other bag style containers, so just looking for some feed back. Never have really used epsom salt, and tend to go a little heavier on perlite in my other mixes, so just curious on thoughts from more experience growers.

Thanks in advance for any input!
Click to expand...
I use poly bags. I like them. Cheap and easy. I also use epson but I do not throw it in soil. It is disolved in my water when I feed. Your buddies suggestion sounds fine. Here is what I do...
https://www.rollitup.org/t/about-a-pound-simple-and-cheap.880860/

Achieves this at halfway pount...
image.jpg
 
diamonddav

diamonddav

Well-Known Member
all i can say is screw those bags!!I used 1 gallon bags to transplant my clones into and they are just flimsy pieces of shit! mine end up in smart pots- cant go wrong with them
 
tntgreen13

tntgreen13

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the input everyone it is appreciated. I asked about the bags knowing there are many other brands and competitors out there, was just surprised after looking at the reviews on these and finding many more positive reviews then negative. Will definitely be looking into other brands as well before jumping in. My only real concern with smart pots is the cost for the number that I would like to purchase, but in a sense may just have to bite the bullet.

Thanks @bravedave for the link as well as photo showing what you got going! Always nice to be able to know/visualize what is work for others as well.
 
B

Bacala

Well-Known Member
What was his reason for so much peat? FFOF is a very good mix on its own, but the perlite does help.
 
bravedave

bravedave

Well-Known Member
Bacala said:
What was his reason for so much peat? FFOF is a very good mix on its own, but the perlite does help.
Click to expand...
:) The peat, I assume, is to lesson soil clumpiness and with the perlite, to improve drainage. I would ask the opposite question as in why bother with soil. Go Promix entirely and control your own nutes.
 
tntgreen13

tntgreen13

Well-Known Member
It was his opinion that FFOF was a little hot to start plants in, but recommended this in combination with occasion feedings of the FF Trio. He explained it in a similar way as bravedave has above, but stated that from his experience the dilution of nutrients within the soil mix would be ok for seedling and young plants without the risk of early burn. As the grow continues it thus allows one to add nutrients as they see fit to the grow.

He uses this mix himself from start to finish, and with the results that I have seen and tested from his grows I was very impress. Just thought I'd post it up and get some feed back, but still looking at other options as well.
 
B

Bacala

Well-Known Member
tntgreen13 said:
It was his opinion that FFOF was a little hot to start plants in.....
Click to expand...
My suggestion would be to start the plants in something less hot like a good quality general potting mix, then transplant to FFOF when at least a few weeks old. Doesn't make sense to spend extra money and effort to add peat in order to "weaken" the mix, then spend money and effort later on nutes because you've "weakened" a proven soil.
 
dannyboy602

dannyboy602

Well-Known Member
I think everyone needs a friend like yours. His soil mix is right on. He wanted to cut the FF with some peat bc it is too fertile for young seedlings and can burn or kill them.
Instead of FF I use composted manure from any home store. Same rate as you used with the FF.
Epsom salts yes and I always add azomite and lime. If you add the dolomite lime (which also contains magnesium) you don't need as much Epsom salts
 
tntgreen13

tntgreen13

Well-Known Member
The plants have already been started and could most likely go into FFOF now, however I'm also keeping my budget in mind as well. FFOF has been proven yes, however living in a rural area the closest place that sells it over charges and the next closest alternative is approximately 150miles one way.. To get the amount of FFOF that I would need for my grow based on local prices I'm looking at well over $200. With that said I can get the same amount of soil based off of this mix AND FF trio nutes needed for the full grow for under $100.

Furthermore, as a new grower I'm not afraid to try and experiment with different things as this is the only real way for me to learn first hand. In addition, my household is a one income household currently as I have recently decided to go back to school. This grow is specifically for personal use so I won't be recouping my costs either which plays into it as well. I plan to run side by side tests in future grows though when funds are more readily available.
 
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