I googled the product you are using and it does appear to be pretty fine in grade. Still, it should work fine for your tomatos.

That you are already using a wick is pretty astute of you!

The additive isn't for moisture retention, but is a wetting agent. It's purpose is to make it easier for the bark to absorb water after it has dried down.

Anyway, you may think it's holding too much moisture now, but wait for summer when the plants are large and setting fruit. Then you will be greatful ;)

Since your plants look healthy and are growing well I wouldn't be at all concerned.

Now, why are you using the 1 part potting mix, 1 part compost with other plants? Backyard experiment?

Lastly, you didn't need to cut back on the perlite as perlite promotes an open mix and sharp drainage. Still, it sounds like you are off to a great start and will be eating fresh tomatos soon.

The potting mix/compost plants were planted before I saw the light...so to speak! ;O) I had no idea what to put container plants in, so 1/2 mix, 1/2 compost seemed like a good idea. Then I found out about the 5:1:1, and I certainly won't ever go back! It does make for a stark contrast though.

I'll have to post some pics of the differences of plants in that mix vs the 5:1:1. Actually, my ratio ended up more like 7:1:1.5. (That's gallons measured by volume, fines:perlite:peat moss) I needed more mix to fill my container, so I upped the fines and peat moss in an attempt increase the volume and reduce the perlite component a bit.

Thank you for the clarification on the wetting agent. Too bad I didn't need to reduce the perlite, but all is well thus far!

Many thanks!

With 5:1:1 mix, I have also noticed some wetness retainment at the bottom part of the planter mix. Toplayer looks dry. Plant looks very healthy and growing good. But not sure when to water again, water meter is showing dryness but when I touch the soil 2 inches below i could feel the mointure. Should I wait until the plant wilts for watering?

What is the acceptable PWT (ex: 1inch soil or zero) for 5:1:1 mix for 8inch container. Should I try using 5parts peat and 2 parts perlite without peat will that work for my tropical hibiscus/jasmines or does this mix does require peat? Still learning from you all experts here...

It's normal for the bottom of the container to be moist when the top is dry. When to water again is part art and part science.

One could wait for the plant to wilt as an indication watering is needed, but this stresses the plant so I can't recommend it. If the plant wilts 1 time taking note of the soil condition before watering can help develop a feel for watering.

However, one of the joys of using a fast draining mix is that it's harder to over water so it's not necessary to fret too much. If you think it needs to be watered, then water it with confidence.

The PWT in the 5:1:1 mix is largely going to be determined by the size/compostedness (is that a word?) of the bark as well as the peat. In general there should be zero to 1/2" PWT with the mix from what I have seen. This is likely fine for most plants as long as they are getting 6-8" of free draining mix, BUT there are many exceptions where wet feet at all isn't tolerated by the plant and in these cases the gritty mix is more suitable. Using a wick to improve drainage until the plant can use the extra water is also helpful. It's all about the particle size. Keep it above 1/16th inch and a PWT can't develop. Under that and there will be one. How high it will be is dependent on how small the particles are. Something like hyponex potting soil (the poster child for bad potting mixes) may support a PWT of 6+ inches.

On your last question, I don't use peat at all. A mix of 5 parts bark/1-2 perlite should work fine. I use 1 part bark, 1 part Turface for several things and like it (more water retentive than 5 bark, 2 perlite would be), but for my citrus it holds too much water so I now use the gritty mix (1 part bark, 1 part grit, 1 part turface) for those.

You are free to experiment with ingredients and ratios and you don't have to use any peat if you don't want to. In the 5:1:1 mix it's a minor component and is there to provide increased water retention. If you don't desire that, leave it out.

justaguy2, thanks for the tips. In my last question I did mean 5 part bark, 2 parts perlite not 5 part peat. I cannot find turface in my area, it is labeled as 'turface' or something different. When I ask my local nurseries, they do not understand when I ask for 'turface'. I sure want to try gritty mix for plants soon. I just started with 5:1:1 mix and I can see the difference already. I have learned a lot visiting this thread from expert gardners like you, Al and others.

Kandhi, have you tried the Turface Locator? Otherwise a different, but comparable product is Floor Dry sold by Napa Auto Part stores.