Peat moss in container soil?

8 years ago

Hello all

just about to plant a bunch of new trees. No ‘citrus’ soil at the shop, so make my own. Got a very good deal on the last stock of some very expensive light soil marketed for seedlings and herbs, didn’t realize what it was and mixed it with Peat Moss for my blueberries. I think it’s going to be too well draining for blueberries. They seem to like the cheaper muddier stuff at holds onto the water better during our hot summers.

I’m wondering if I could use this very light well draining seedling mix that I’ve already mixed with a bunch of peat moss for citrus, or if the pH or something else is too far off to be any good?

Featured Answer

Dee

8 years ago

theniceguy, gardening is always an opportunity to learn new methods of growing plants. The other day on a FB page, a young man showed propagating citrus by their leaves and it's nodes. He posted a picture of a leaf and growing roots as proof that it can be done.

My point is look outside the box of what everybody else is doing. Try making your own mix and see how it goes. You can always add or delete something in the future. I have read recommendations of using azalea mix, tree and shrub mix, African violet mix, rose mix and the list goes on. People around the world use whatever they have available and the trees survive. I think citrus can be hardy plants if people would just stop over watering. Good luck with whatever you use.

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Comments (12)

Ike Stewart
8 years ago
I can't help on the container stuff, but I can tell you my in ground citrus seems to be perfectly happy growing in fine sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.7 - 5.8
theniceguy
Original Author
8 years ago
The stuff I mixed for my blueberries is exceptionally light and fluffy. Your ph sounds ok.
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Kelley_GA8a
8 years ago
How well does it drain? I know peat is an ingredient in the 5-1-1 mix, but it personally scares me lol. I made a mix on Sunday of 5 parts bark, 3 parts perlite, maybe half part peat, and lime. The bark that I used was sifted, but still had some of the smaller particles thus the reason for less peat. It drains very well. I’ve killed two trees due to overwatering (think I have it figured out now lol)
theniceguy
Original Author
8 years ago
It drains too well for blueberries, lol. It’s so airy and light I’m worried it’s not good for anything but seedlings?
Kelley_GA8a
8 years ago
Can you post a picture of it?
theniceguy
Original Author
8 years ago
While trying to take a picture, I realized it’s probably pretty good for the BBs. Easier to leave it be now anyway.

As for cheap n easy citrus mix, how about potting soil mixed with a bit of peat or perlite?
theniceguy
Original Author
8 years ago
Music to this Cheapskates ears!
myermike_1micha
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Yup! All you have to do is to know HOW to work with the product you decide to use and how it behaves in containers....There is nothing wrong with peat if you are familiar with how to properly use it, but if you are not familiar with it's ability to compact quickly, impede root function over time, how much water it holds in relation to how much you use, how peat can suffocate roots over time if not monitored, find ways to prevent that that's all. Use your mix that you create or use to your advantage so that it will be successful for you.
Silica
8 years ago
Denise, yes citrus leaves can be propagated, and they will form a root structure. However, that is the end of the line, as it will forever just remain a rooted leaf and will never develop any further.
lucky_cloud
8 years ago
Can you get orchid mix maybe? I've seen some orchid mix that's more fine than the straight bark chips. Or maybe a finer orchid mix in combination with what you have.
poncirusguy6b452xx
8 years ago
If your pots are staying outside n24-7-365.25 coarse sand is great and cheap. If you search sand and potted citrus you will probably find a good mix.