My Soil Mix: Any objections before transplanting commences?

[sinky]

So I'll be transplanting 7 plants into 7 6" pots. I made a mix consisting of:

3 pots of top soil
2 pots of compost/manure
1 pot builders sand
1 pot perlite
1/2 cup Peace of Mind -- Organic Tomato fertilizer

Plants are going in in about 30 min. any objections?

[sinky]

Let me rephrase so as to get some form of feedback -- does anyone think this sounds like a good idea???

[Delta9Haze420]

I was drafting a reply earlier but withdrew. My main comments were questioning how big the plants are and how big they will get (making sure the pots are appropriate in size). Also, I have never heard of using that much sand, but give it a shot. The main thing I would worry about is to make sure with the compost and such that it is not too dense (ie there is enough perlite).

[sinky]

Well they are in now! They were started in 4 or 3 inch pots. Started w/ seed starter mix (bad idea) composed of ... well... peat moss?? and a little limestone to balance Ph. I think there was some vermiculite as well. Anyway, that stuff would get soaked and then dry out entirely in 12 hours (and I do mean entirely dry). I hate to shock the plants w/ a soil change and only for an extra 2" on the pot size, but I think they needed it. The ones that were doing the best and worst were slightly rootbound. The worst 2 are big, but dying. As a person that has read a few books on organic gardening, has done a little bit of actual gardening, and has read way too much about growing pot online, I would say the plants that were rootbound were suffering from nitrogen deficiency and someone else suggested perhaps overwatering. In reality, though, I am a huge amateur. This is my first cannabis grow.

I started a single bag seed plant that did not do that well, but whos difficulties lied entirely in stunted growth and not any really serious problems. Yes, that plant went out to the country side and a few days ago, I believe it was eaten by a deer... or something.

[the image reaper]

lose the sand

[Chronisseur]

What are the nutrient levels in the "tomato fert"?
yep...lose the sand
50 composted manure 50 pearlite 3 gallon buckets...thats your best bet

[sinky]

What about top soil?? just compost/manure & perlite??

Next time I will lose the sand. Right now I have 6 papaya and 2 durban x skunk, so for the moment, 3 gallon pots are out of the question. If the veg cabinet was finished I would have room, but for the next week all 8 plants will be in the flower cab which was meant for two medium-large plants (20" x 30")

I was actually thinking about using 1 14 gallon rubbermaid tub for 2 plants in the flowering. For a 20" x 30" x 4' growth area, would this be beneficial, or is it really overkill?

[sinky]

Oh, and keep in mind that I'm using a 150W HPS (and will probably be adding 2-4 23W CFL)

[Chronisseur]

Just keep in mind where your roots are and that they dont get bound up.
Good Luck!

[Delta9Haze420]

lose the sand


Lol thanks IR - for a while last night as I dozed off after reading this (was really tired / baked when I posted) I was wondering if I had missed something on the whole sand thing. I've been a biologist for more than a decade but I had never heard of using sand. You have put my mind at ease :).

[elway07]

I actually have sand in one of the two soils I mix together. It helps with draining. Just not too much sand. I have used it with no adverse effects. Instead of every 5 days, I have to water every four. I have seen people use really soggy and moisture holding soils and have ph problems, mold and fungus because of not having properly draining soil. I don't know how much sand you put in, but I always use a bit in my mix.
Good luck,
Elway