tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161424655689380473.post732781124068838590..comments2024-03-26T06:30:07.649-05:00Comments on Green Roof Growers: Using Coir to Start Seedlings: A Cautionary TaleBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901484046810490059noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161424655689380473.post-31827560340057333712010-05-15T14:48:07.668-05:002010-05-15T14:48:07.668-05:00Hi oldgrowth:
I'm using about the same proport...Hi oldgrowth:<br />I'm using about the same proportions in my SIPs that aren't in the experimental coir-pearlite mixture.<br /><br />The latter seems to have real problems.<br /><br />Using coir to extend the peat works for me. Also, I'm upping the pearlite too, for the same reason and to lighten the mix.<br /><br />Thanks for writing!H2https://www.blogger.com/profile/05697081429612903875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161424655689380473.post-54498272431163773032010-05-14T22:01:00.450-05:002010-05-14T22:01:00.450-05:00About the coir vs. peat: I've almost ALWAYS mi...About the coir vs. peat: I've almost ALWAYS mixed my own potting mix - from the mid-'70s to present and my mixes have evolved over the years. My recent concoction has been approximately 60% peat-based mix (well-known brand), 30% coir, 10% perlite. This has worked WONDERFULLY for all my sips...and I don't feel coir content should be more than 50% as I am potting from 10oz Solo cups to 5 gallon sips. My latest recipe will include worm castings and vermiculite, not sure yet of the proportions but BOTTOM LINE...over all these years from "ghetto" drain/fill potting to sips...there is no substitute for peat in the mix. I feel less than 50% might be detrimental.oldgrowthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14398309933500148808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161424655689380473.post-62702209794485673122010-05-13T21:12:11.281-05:002010-05-13T21:12:11.281-05:00Hi Bob,
Thanks for the idea. And the link to How...Hi Bob,<br /><br />Thanks for the idea. And <a href="http://www.gpnmag.com/gpn/index.cfm?fuseaction=showArticle&articleID=4692" rel="nofollow">the link</a> to How to use an EC tester.<br /><br />At roughly $65, even the cheapest tester is a little out of my range. The coir sample I sent for testing will also be tested for soluble salts (for an extra $3). I'm hoping that will answer some of my questions.Brucehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04901484046810490059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161424655689380473.post-69158872445697197972010-05-13T17:47:43.471-05:002010-05-13T17:47:43.471-05:00Hi Bruce...IMO you should have an EC meter (for so...Hi Bruce...IMO you should have an EC meter (for soluble salts testing) for what you are doing. I was going to buy one more than 5 years ago and didn't get around to it. I'll email you an info doc about EC meters. I do not have a brand recommendation. Google away!<br /><br />Good luck, <br />BobGreenscaperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02029061462702545360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161424655689380473.post-42032898227934772042010-05-13T16:35:20.542-05:002010-05-13T16:35:20.542-05:00Mmmm... I used coir pellets from Lowe's to sta...Mmmm... I used coir pellets from Lowe's to start a bunch of my seedlings and they came up and did as well as I expected. I added nothing to them. I suppose it's always possible they were pre-amended with something. I hope you find your answers because I really would like to find a viable substitute for peat.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com