What is the best soiless media

elfroggo

Active Member
That really depends on what type of growing you're doing. Some things are better suited for coco, some better for perlite etc.
 

sgt d

Well-Known Member
I like coco best so far as well...
But it does depend on some stuff, there's no cut-n-dry answer.
Atm, I'm using a coco mix made by Royal Gold. A little pricey, but i think the drainage is dynamite, suitable for ebb n flow. Also, it contains some organic stuff, so when my little ones are transplanted into it, there's no need for nutes for weeks, just plain water. It's called "Basement Mix."

I found that the best soilless to use in the EXTREMELY dry climate of CO was Sunshine Mix, which is peat based, rather than coco. Peat stays wetter longer, and perhaps doesn't dry as evenly as coco, but in a climate that dry, it doesn't make a difference as it won't stay wet enough long enough to cause root problems. Out there, I felt coco dried dangerously quick...

In moister climates, I prefer coco. I love that shit.

But what you SHOULD be asking is: "What soilless medium would be best FOR ME, given my climate, environment, preferred grow method, temperament, goals and budget?"
 

cwv

Well-Known Member
I mix coc and pete into my dirt now. I mix it with fix farms ocean forest soil and put it into 5 gal buckets. So are you all saying soiless is using just coco or pete moss? I live in a very humid climate if tha has anything to do with it.
 

sgt d

Well-Known Member
If your room is really well sealed and climate controlled, it shouldn't make a difference, but mine's not, so it does to me...

Soilless is just that...anything but soil. I've never seen anyone use straight peat, i think in most cases that'd be a bummer. Sunshine Mix, por exemple, is peat BASED, but has all sorts of other stuff in it: perlite, vermiculite, some kinda compost probly, etc. The mix I'm using right now contains: coco fiber, forest humus, perlite, lava rock, earthworm castings, fish bone meal, feather meal, bat guano, seabird guano, kelp meal...the list goes on. I like that it's called "Basement Mix," 'cause that's where we used to mix up a similar mix in kiddie pools.

The best herb I can remember smoking was grown in a soil/coco mix, with some other stuff: perlite, vermiculite, worm castings, mushroom compost. I think you have the right idea there, brainiac. Anything soil just wigs me out a little, 'cause I'm so used to soilless I'm likely to overwater.
 

IVIars

Active Member
Riococo Green Starter. It comes with chunky coco, coco fibers, and coco pyth, all three types. It comes phed 5.8-6.3, but the ec is a little high so you do have to rinse it. I used the Sunshine Advanced Mix #4 and didnt like it. IMO the peat screws with the ph.

I mixed 50% coco, 40% perlite, and 10% worm castings. Next time im going to throw in some Bat Guano. Gotta say i love the Riococo
 

Wetdog

Well-Known Member
I make my own peat based mix.

The biggest problem with peat based mixes, store bought or make your own, is the low pH caused by the peat.

Adding Garden or Dolomite lime eliminates this problem and with a cost of ~$5 for a 40lb bag, extremely cheap.

Wet
 

puffenuff

Well-Known Member
CANNA Coco, it comes highly recommended by myself and countless growers who know quality. love this stuff
 
We have had great results using Sure To Grow a PH neutral material. The Hail Mini cubes allow for more air to reach the root mass/ball, which means a fat healthy root system developes. The STR offers no nutritional value, so you must have a hydro feeding system delivering your nutrients. I have attached two pics.

Happy Growing!
 

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