Fafard "Nursery Mix" is the one that has been recommended in the past. Perhaps the 51L, as well. I've never seen or used either, though.

Josh

Thanks Josh!

my local fafard suppliers are pissy …. they want me to order a portion of a semi load … not just 5 or 6 bags

What is 'not good' about the Timberline bark?

Hi - My understanding is you don't typically get that much usable bark in the correct size range with the Timberline bark, that there can be varied amounts of sapwood in it that has to be removed, and in general bag to bag variability is quite high. Am I wrong?

I have used Timberline Soil Conditioner for several years. Several bags per season. It looks consistent in quality and particle size, and I've not noticed any sapwood.

I haven't used the 5-1-1 recipe, but something similar, for my outdoor containers. I use Timberline right out of the bag without screening.

So I just screened my newest bag, and this is what I got:

10% window screen mesh size

45% 1/4" mesh

45% 1/2" mesh (Note: if you keep rubbing the material over the screen, it would probably all fit thru the mesh eventually)

What size are you supposed to use?

You could try a bag, and if you find it isn't good for the 5-1-1, you could still use it as mulch - it is the only mulch I actually use.

Hi hibiscus909 -

Thanks for the information.

Point about size from Al T (who came up with the mix):

In a perfect world, bark sizes for the 5:1:1 mix would range from dust to 3/8, with the highest volume of particles in the 1/8-1/4" size range.

Thanks,

Brian