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Location

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Date Posted

Watlington, UK

Hello all, I'm considering creating a bulk custom soil mix for next year. My current soil is too salty and alkaline and despite a lot of consideration there's no getting away from it.

There are many parameters to consider, as you can imagine. The best info I can find on the net is here, but it's about 10 years old now:

http://how2growags.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_20.html#_General_Recommendations_given

Is there any info out there that's more up to date? I reckon I'll have to make about 20 tons of the stuff! It will be expensive and a lot of work but in the long term it will be for the best.

11/2/2018 10:35:59 AM

Lymington

Hi Gerald if your look at our diary” IanP “ our soil is pretty good and you might get some ideas Stewie

11/2/2018 2:00:31 PM

Watlington, UK

Thanks Stu what you have there is pretty much exactly what I'd like to do!

I'll have your old soil if you're getting rid? My ambition is to come 2nd to you & Ian at Southampton next year :)

11/2/2018 4:02:12 PM

Wappingers Fall, NY

Stu, Can I ask how many pounds per 1000sqft you used of Perlite and coconut core ?

11/2/2018 4:18:15 PM

Torrance, Ca.

I'm pretty sure its one full pallet of perlite per 1000 sq ft. lol:)

What ever it is keep it up boys!! I smell world record just around the corner!!!

11/2/2018 6:08:17 PM

Lymington

Coir is fantastic but expensive and doesn’t last forever I would suggest adding coarse perlite which is again expensive but will last and actually probably better. I can’t give you any rates for your soil you would do best to mix a sample of your soil and perlite and do some maths. You would be very welcome to come in and take a look at our soil.

11/3/2018 4:43:02 AM

Watlington, UK

How would pumpkins do in John Innes #3 do you think? Or #2 for that matter? It might make more sense to ship a truckload of that in rather than have someone make something up from scratch.

11/3/2018 1:13:36 PM

Lymington

Haven’t heard of John innes for a while Great compost but I think things have moved on a little in pumpkin world see where your coming from though good luck

11/3/2018 5:24:52 PM