Soil mix recipes

Oyster shell flour is basically a source of slow-release calcium and some trace minerals. I'm not sure if it has the same pH buffering capabilities as dolomite lime, so I wouldn't consider it a direct substitute if that's what you're looking for.

I used some in my initial mix, but it takes a long time to fully break down/be digested by microbes, so I haven't added any in subsequent runs.
Ah got it thanks man
 

The-Liquor

Well-Known Member
Has anyone run just the basic mix without all the additional amendments?

1/2 part peat moss
1/2 part humus (compost and/or ewc- can do all compost or all ewc or some mixture of the two)
1/2 part aeration amendment
1 cup lime (per cubic foot)

1 cup kelp meal
1.5 cups dry organic fertilizer

4 cups of your rock dust

I have been wanting to try an organic mix but have always been overwhelmed with the number of amendments. But this basic beginners mix gives me confidence that I can do this haha and I'm just curious if there is a huge difference on end result between the Basic Mix and the Basic Mix + additional amendments. Or if there is a few additional really worth adding?

I would probably only run two 30 gal pots of this basic mix to try for this years summer grow, as I'm still sitting on a ton of Jacks nutes that I'll use up in my other pots with pro-mix.
 

Fallguy111

Well-Known Member
Has anyone run just the basic mix without all the additional amendments?

1/2 part peat moss
1/2 part humus (compost and/or ewc- can do all compost or all ewc or some mixture of the two)
1/2 part aeration amendment
1 cup lime (per cubic foot)
1 cup kelp meal
1.5 cups dry organic fertilizer
4 cups of your rock dust


I have been wanting to try an organic mix but have always been overwhelmed with the number of amendments. But this basic beginners mix gives me confidence that I can do this haha and I'm just curious if there is a huge difference on end result between the Basic Mix and the Basic Mix + additional amendments. Or if there is a few additional really worth adding?

I would probably only run two 30 gal pots of this basic mix to try for this years summer grow, as I'm still sitting on a ton of Jacks nutes that I'll use up in my other pots with pro-mix.
I’ve run a similar mix countless times. Let your mix cook for at least a month ( more the better) and I’d use this without thinking twice. I do like adding guano at this time, I’d consider it worth the cost but will be fine without it.
 

Cousin Bo

Well-Known Member
Oyster shell flour is basically a source of slow-release calcium and some trace minerals. I'm not sure if it has the same pH buffering capabilities as dolomite lime, so I wouldn't consider it a direct substitute if that's what you're looking for.

I used some in my initial mix, but it takes a long time to fully break down/be digested by microbes, so I haven't added any in subsequent runs.
OSF is a direct substitute for dolomite lime. It just doesn't have any magnesium. It's actually preferred by a lot of people. Myself included.
 

The-Liquor

Well-Known Member
I’ve run a similar mix countless times. Let your mix cook for at least a month ( more the better) and I’d use this without thinking twice. I do like adding guano at this time, I’d consider it worth the cost but will be fine without it.
Thanks! I’m excited to try it out. I think I will start collecting the items needed and make in March and let it cook in my basement? Or is the garage OK?

how many Cups of quano do you add to the basic mix ratio? 1 Cup?
 

Fallguy111

Well-Known Member
Thanks! I’m excited to try it out. I think I will start collecting the items needed and make in March and let it cook in my basement? Or is the garage OK?

how many Cups of quano do you add to the basic mix ratio? 1 Cup?
I’d cook in the warmer environment. I like the idea of starting guano early on to give some of it time to break down. I’d preammend 1/2 strength all purpose and 1/4-strength guano. Humic acid is another good additive to help things break down. I go all ewc unless it’s my personal compost, I never liked the bag compost I’ve seen. Seems like a good way to introduce pests.
 

JeffWix

Well-Known Member
Alfalfa less then $10 for #50 bag at feed store. Make tea with pellets, once pellets break apart separate tea from meal. Water plants with tea, mix meal in soil or feed to worms. Good luck
I would love to shop at your feed store. A bag of alfalfa pellets here in Virginia costs 35.00. they used to be 12.00 but have sky rocketed the last 3 yrs. I go through 2 bags a week mixing feed for my horses.
Other then that I agree 100% with you
 

Fallguy111

Well-Known Member
I would love to shop at your feed store. A bag of alfalfa pellets here in Virginia costs 35.00. they used to be 12.00 but have sky rocketed the last 3 yrs. I go through 2 bags a week mixing feed for my horses.
Other then that I agree 100% with you
To be fair it’s been a few years since I grabbed one. I did recently reup on flower girl and was shocked at the price hike.
 
Top