Just the Basics - Sorry

16 years ago

OK, I've been "searching" for a couple hours now and can not find 1) the basic recipes for Al's mixes and 2) which to use for what. I have landed on tons of threads that are a mile long but I can't seem to focus in on the basic info.

Can anybody just point me in the right direction or suggest search terms that might get me closer? Thanks.

PS: If I find this, I'll swear I'll make a spreadsheet and post it for everybody! ;)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

landperson
16 years ago
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg0309313324323.html?144
jojosplants
16 years ago
Usually the 5-1-1 is for short term plantings, like flowers and veggies. And the gritty mix is used for long term plantings.

What are you planning to grow?
JoJo
Related Professionals
Santa Rosa Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Colorado Springs Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Redding Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Spanish Fork Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Yakima Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Joplin Landscape Contractors · Florence Landscape Contractors · Manchester Landscape Contractors · New York City Landscape Contractors · Boise Landscape Contractors · Salt Lake City Landscape Contractors · Lexington Home Builders · Parkersburg Home Builders · Colorado Springs Home Builders · Minot Home Builders
retiredprof
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you, folks. Honestly, the search feature on some of these forums is maddening!

I'm a regular on the winter-sowing forum, and had been on the veggies, but a recent move from Wilmington, DE to Sussex County (near Lewes and Rehoboth) will be changing my focus. I've downsized considerably and now will just have small enclosed patio and surrounding borders to occupy my time. I did manage to move three JMs in containers that are looking the worse for wear, and a variety of houseplants, all of which are screaming for re-potting.

Then I found this forum! Eureka! There's a container mix somewhere here that's the ticket. Huh, where, where is it? Same mix for all? Blah, blah.

Anyway, I think I have a minor grip on things at this point. Looks like Al's gritty is my answer. Found it, too. Finally....

Now all I have to do is locate the materials, make some sifting screens (missed the sifting part initially) and patiently wait for early spring.

If anybody is in the Sussex County, DE area and has found materials, please clue me in. Heck, I'm still trying to find a dry-cleaner!
landperson
16 years ago
And interestingly enough every question brings answers that some of us didn't even know we had. For example, JoJo's succinct statement about the 5-1-1 being for short termers and gritty mix for long termers is obvious....once you've actually heard/read it stated that way (which is not to say it hasn't been written before), but, still, I just GOT it.

Thanks, JoJo.
retiredprof
Original Author
16 years ago
Landperson and JoJo: Yes! Yours truly is about the most non-intuitive man on the east coast. Seriously. I'm like "where's the chart, list, how-to, when, where?" I know...major A-R. I'm an ISTJ, ok? ;-)

I think I'm on the right path. But trust me, if this venture is anything like winter-sowing, you're all in for it!
landperson
16 years ago
ISFJ here....
get just the gist of it and off I go.....most usually in the wrong direction....

Susan
jodik_gw
16 years ago
I just follow Al around... I know he won't lead me astray! ;-)

But seriously... I feel like I spent the last 30 years living in a gardening bubble... and then I found Al's articles and writings... and now, I feel reborn! I've got the simplified scientific facts, the soil recipes, and I'm off and running!

My plants are all healthier, which makes me happier... and I come here to read the latest and learn more... once I figured out the how and why, it all came together so easily.