Bruce, I would. I had two bags of MG Organic soil both very wet, I used the first and 1/2 the second and left the other 1/2 and when I went to use it again after about two months white mould was all throughout the soil ended up tossing it did not want to risk it on the plants.

Mark

Bruce,
Just remember, if you buy your bark now and store it dry, it will most likely be hydrophobic when you're ready to use it. This is not the end of the world, of course, but it will require some attention next season to rehydrate it prior to use.

PJ

Hydrophobic? hahaha, that sounds funny. But i understand what you are saying. haha.

The only reason I am considering buying it now is that I am worried they may not carry it next year. You know how they can be with that kind of stuff. They may carry another brand of what they think is the same thing but it might be huge chunks instead of fines or maybe it didn't sell well enough to reorder the next year. It is just that I finally found a source after two years or looking and don't want to miss out next year. Plus, they may put it on sale at the end of the season.
Bruce

It might sound funny, but it's a real term - with real consequences Bruce!! I swear that I didn't make it up! LOL!

For real though, hydrophobia occurs when bark drops below about 15 percent moisture content. At that point, it will repel water until you can bring up the moisture level. This can be a nightmare, depending on just how far it has gone. Some people have had to soak there bark in a kiddie pool to get it to come back, or run a hose over it slowly for hours....it's no joke!

Many a folk have lost plants due to this condition by letting thier 5-1-1 dry up too much. If it happens with a plant in the pot....good luck.

And in fact, storing bark in a moist state is actually preferred, provide that the bark is turned, mixed, and reirrigated regularly. You wouldn't think it, but dry, static bark actually generates more mold and fungus that wet, well turned bark.

Storage at your local nursury (our at your home for that matter) is also a concern, as anaerobic decomposion inside unturned piles can lead to unwanted by-products like acetic acid (acts as an extracting solvent) which can drastically lower ph and generate high levels of soluble salts on the bark - which we obviosly strive to avoid in container culture.

When making your 5-1-1, it's good practice to let it cook for about 2 weeks prior to use - misting and turning it every few days. This will allow the lime do do it's thing - while ensuring any repercussions from your local nursury's storage habits have been dealt with.

PJ

Sounds like I will just chance it and wait until next spring to buy more. I dont want to deal with the problems it sounds like might result from storing it all winter.
Thanks for the advice Damonkey007 and habajolokia.
Bruce